The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-12-24
CHAPTER XVI.

her head.
eve waitsd until every one had left
the theater," snorted her mother, flop
ping into a chair and tanning herself
vigorously.
"Tm sorry. forgot" explained
Brooks, who this time spoke the truth.
"Forgot, forgot! That's a nice ex-
cuse!"
Il said was sorry" he snapped.
eve been worried about something
else"
"Just spoiled the whole evening. leav-
ing US there to be insulted by lot Of
men," declared Mrs Harris. when we
were standing in front Of the theater,
waiting for you, a snip Of boy came
up to me and said, Hello, little one,
aren't you lonesomer"
''Why, I thought he spoke to mel"
affirmed Beth.
Her mother looked at her indig-
nantly.
mo, he didn't" she retorted, with
asperity. II guess know when I'm
spoken to. The very idea! Where's
Emma?'
Brooks told her that she had gone
out for few minutes.
"Who with? demanded Mrs. Harris
promptly.
81 think she went alone"
"You think she went alone! Don't
you know? I don't see how you dare
let your wife 60 out alone in this part
of New York at this time of night"
"Well, nobody stole you," growled
Joe, $50 1 guess Emma IL get home
safely. Something has probably de-
tanned her. That's all know about 1t.
If she wants 10 tell you more when
she comes that's her business, not
NINE"
II certainly do not approve Of her
being out without a proper escort. 1t
isn't ladylike."
"What want to know is, where did
she goT" insisted her mother.
Brooks turned upon her, and an oath
almost escaped him as he snarled:
"You want to know a good many
things, but It seems to me that mau
and his wife can have some privacy.
/ told you she went on business. If
she wants to tell you, all right, but
don't try to mother-in-law 1t out Of
mew
The entrance Of Emma and Smith
stopped on Mrs. Harris lips the wrath
full retort that had risen to them. She
rose and greeted her daughter with an
air of maternal solicitude.
"Ah, there you are, dear! Where
have you been? We've been so wor-
ried."
81 am little late"
1--WE were wondering about you, and
Joe wouldn't tell" said Beth.
Smith reassured them.
81 was taking care of Emma all
right" he declared. You see I'm a
sort of utility man with the ladies'
always trailing along in the rear ready
to touch my cap and do all the chores
and errands necessary"
Emma had taken no notice Of her
husband, whose eyes from the moment
of her appearance had been glued
avidly upon her. There was nothing
in her demeanor to indicate that she
had succeeded. Indeed, she appeared
haggard and worn out, as she was, for
the emotions Of the night had left her
exhausted to the point Of breaking
down. His anxiety and apprehension
increased as he marked her condition.
Where did you meet her" he de
manded Of Smith, with an effort.
ION the way home" he answered.
Emma went to Mrs. Harris and put
her arm around her.
Mother, I'm very tired tonight" she
said appealingly. "You won't mind II
ask you to go home and leave me.
I've something to tell you some time,
but want to be alone now"
you do look all tuckered out, EN-
ma" commented Beth.
II am, You won't mind, will you,
motherT
Certainly not. I'm hot and sticky
myself"
"Pll take you to the subway and put
you on the car" volunteered Brooks.
"You needn't mind" declined Mrs
Harris. you're too disaEreeable to-
night. II you bring my purse from
Emma's room, Jimsy will take US
Won't you, JimsyY'
"Tm still the utility man." respond,
ed the complaisant Smith ~ Brooks
went ON the errand.
While Beth was putting her mothers
hat straight Mrs. Brooks whispered to
Smith:
"Ten mother as much aS told you
and then come back"
He nodded
'Come on, folks" he said az Brooks
reappeared with the purse. "TOu know
time and the subway wait for nc
man."
Tortured by suspense, Brooks stood
watching his wife.
She had sunk on to the sofa and sat
there, still wearing her hat the plc
ture OF wssEiness and SORROW.
The sQlss sa@A ADd NsAA n ~