Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1909-01-12

care.
There was a sentiment attached t.
every chair, and tears started In his
tired eyes as he remembered the little
footstool Nettfe had insisted upon buy
ing. though she would not tell him
what she wished it so particularly for.
1t had become her favA'ite seat
when he came in tired from the Office.
and she cuddled down against his side.
the golden head resting comfortably
on his shoulder while he told her the
story of his day. He changed his
mind about the burglars. He did not
want them TO carry off the little foot
stool
AS he pondered the situation Jim
ME trudged onward and gave no heed
to his direction 1t was almost with a
shock that he found himself turning
in at gate and realized that mechan-
ically he had walked all the way TO
Nettie's mothers, three long miles
There was light in the window of
the room that had been Netties in
their courtship days. He recalled the
nights when he had passed the house
just to see the light in the window and
to know that all was well with her.
Now there was the light, but moth
ing was well. For an instant a wo-
mans form was silhouetted against
the shade, and Barron came to a sud
den decision. There was an all night
drug store on the corner. He would
call her up and sue for pardon.
1t seemed hours before there was an
answer to his ringing, but at last 1t
came, and it was Nettie's sweetly Sc
rious voice that replied
Its Jimmie" he said brokenly. Il
got your note"
at served you right" said Nettie
severely.
Il know it does" admitted Barron
Il really meant to send man around,
but the Chilvers matter drove the
thought from my head and l forgot
all about it"
''You have only yourself to blame"
she reminded. Il asked you hundreds
of times to fix the lock-"
"Only about eight" corrected Bar
ron. 'but / was a brute not to do 1t
the first time you asked. After this
you won't have to ask me to do n
thing second time, dear"
Barron regarded himself In the mir
rored wall contentedly. 1t was an IN
spiration TO treat the matter as though
there had been no separation.
"Did the burglars get in?" asked
Nettie interestedly
Il don't think So" was the eager re-
sponse "But look here Nettie If !
promised that ] will always do the
thing you ask me to win you-be
friends again, dear? When | came
home and found that you had left
me l broke down. | walked out here
from our place and never realized
that ! had walked so far until ]
found myself turning In at your gate"
There was a choking sound over the
wire, and Jimmie looked hopeful II
she was crying 1t was sign that she
might relent.
"Where are you now?" asked the
voice.
tJoNu Ut lnt WIS llt
prompt reply. won't you let me
come over and see you, dearT'
'You may come" assented Nettie
and Jimmie tore out Of the place |
without even stopping to hang up the
receiver. He sped up the street, and |
a few moments later he was on the
steps and Nettie was standing In the |
doorway to welcome him.
As the door closed behind them a |
pair of soft arms were thrown about |
his neck and soft lips pressed his
cheek
Jimmie, you're the absurdest boy"
declared the little wife lovingly You |
didn't even try to get In the fiat, did |
you?"
"What was the use when you were
not there, sweetheart he asked |
fondly.
''You would have found out why !
came to mothers" she explained |
Your horrid lock worked when ]
went out, but when came home not
even the janitor could make 1t un-
lock, and it was too late to find q
so | came on to mothers |
and left that note for you"
"And you we're not angry? You
didn't leave meT demanded Jimmie
How could II she asked simply |
"You were bad boy. Jimmie. but |
love you, dear
Jimmie took her In his arms. 81
want you always to love me-" he said.
land I'm going to buy you dozen
locks in the morning. What Is that
quotation about love and the lock-
smith,