Los Angeles herald., 1909-06-27

"Great Heavensl" thought John in CONSERVATION,
have the children begun to ask that Internal question
too?"
He racked his brains for a possible neglected an
niversary.
"Wel, what day is it?" he asked
"NWhy, it's mamas birfday," said William, tri-
umphantly
John turned open-mouthed to Edith She had risen
and was confronting him like angry goddess The
flash of indignation upon her cheek, the tear that
sparkled in her eye-and Edith was one of the few
women who look pretty in tears-made her fairly ador
able He thought she had never appeared more charm
ing even when she was only sixteen For instant his
admiration shone in his glance and the unerrng Edith
was quick to detect it, There was an opportunity for
him to get into her good graces once more Alasl
Nemesis must have been guiding him, for what did John
do? His admiration faded into expression of
ment He snickered he chuckled, he laughed He sank
down in the chair and roared Edith had never
been furously angry before This adding insult
injury. AS she could make herself heard she
began.
For my part John Gordon, nothing about
which to laugh You have forgotten my birthday,
thing you have done since have been married
dressed myself to please you put those chrysanthe-
the table because they reminded you always
of our wedding day and my birthday had the break
fast you liked, too-and-and you never noticed any
thing If it hadn't been for the baby you wouldn't have
known whether I was dressed not l even forgot my
bacon--a combination l detest-for you especially. 1
don't believe you knew what you eating And
then, when you came back, thought you had remem-
bered and had come to wish me many happy returns
and-and-"
But, my dear Edith"
Don't say word! 1 never unhappy in my
life 1t is quite evident that you do not care for
that I getting old. All you think of is
fort, comfort and your children. And I'm forty and
married to who has ceased to love at all It's
bad enough to be forty without being neglected and
so lonesomc!"
Here Edith put her head down in her hands and be-
gan to cry again. John was sober enough now al
though the remains of his amusement were plainly
visible. 1t was William who broke in.
Papa you're bad to my I don't love you
any more"
William" said John gravely ask mama the date
of her birthday
"Thoughtless, cruel, forgetful man." sobbed Edith,
he can't even remember the date It's November 5th,
if you will have itl"
~ thought sol" said john and Edith my dearest
wife, do you realize that to-day is the third of Novem
Der, and your birthday isn't until day after Tomorrow
John Gordon, you are deceving me! It's one of
your ways of getting out"
Look at the calendar, my dear" said John. "You
see?"
Poor Edith She certainly two days ahead. She
stood looking at John in hopeless dismay John was
making hercuean effort to restrain his mirth but it
was impossible Edith didn't know whether to continue
weeping join in his laughter, it all fearfuly
unromantc William also waiting to see which way
the wind blowing Finally Edith caught the in{ec-
ton of her husbands hunor and joined in his gee.
Williams pitched saccato trl made an appropriate
obligato for the merry conjugal duet
"Wel now the thing has OUT said John in his
way feeling in his waistcoa pocket "snce
you have arranged this day for your birthday, might
as we'll give you the present I keeping for you"
handing her little packet With eager fingers she
it open disclosing the radiant pearl There was little
slip of paper enclosed in the golden circet of the ring
"Read it," said John.
ITO Edith, pearl among avives.
From her Iover and husband"
W and the signed to twas not John" but
"Jack and there he stood fat, unromantic, rather in
different as to Dress blushng like girl
I'll. .
Enthusiastically, then held him at arms length
John Gordon" she said, severely, you are really
too provoking How unromantic of you'll Now you
have gone and spoiled my birthday by giving my
present to-day!"