Golden Valley chronicle. (Beach, Billings County, N.D.) 1905-1916, 1910-07-01

For moment Il look almost of anger
came into Duggan's downcast eyes. In
that moment his illusions all but fail
ed. But suddenly he looked up, reso-
lutte smile wrinkling his face.
Sure it's me own stove." he said,
with playful attempt at joviality. II
kin knock it over If l want to-
Katy looked at him stonily for mo-
ment. then resumed her sewing, her
lips set In ominous lines.
Again Johns illusions trembled, and
he sat dumb. looking vacantly about
the room. After all, 1t was not per-
feet room. Something essential was
missing. His mind CROPPED stupidity for
what it might be. Then. like an inspi-
ration. it came to him.
"A bit Of music would be cheerful
loike in the house," he said. looking
placatingly at Katy. How would you
loike Que of those nice Photographs
they have at MacGrath's: was
thinkin"- The look of horror in
Katy's eyes cut him short.
"A monograph! Her voice rasped
sharp with repulsion. Il hate the
squeaking. snorting things. Don't bring
)ne here"
ITO be sure, to be sure" John sooth-
ed. they are the unnatural things. an
that noisy too. You're right about it.
Katy. jewel. was just thinkin'"-
His voice trailed into wondering ST.
lence again.
The next night there was no fire in
the sitting room stove when Duggan
came home. Katy was ut work III the
kitchen. Everything in the little room
shone us if from recent securing. Katy
herself in a stitiiy ironed print gown
and spotless white apron moved about
in noiseless efficiency. Duggan seated
himself giugerly upon the edge OF u
chair and tried to feel the delight he
professed in watching the clocklike
working out of the domestic system he
had so long desired. When he had
prodded his fancy to state OF appro-
baton he rose. contented. and. picking
up an armful of wood. started for the
sitting room. Katy stopped him.
We'll have no more fires in there"
she said firmly. 1T makes too much
mess. spend my whole time cleaning
up after you. You eau sit out here"
Duggan's wrath blazed slowly. With
heavy deliberation he put down the
wood and stood facing Katy.
"An' has it come to this" he said.
scowling savagely. that 1 be denied
the privilege OF me own fireside!'
Katy faced him. her eyes tlintlilie.
Il can't be forever cleaning after
you" she cried. her voice shrilling
with excitement You make more
Dirt never saw the like. It's q
servant you need to be after you the
whole blessed time"
A quick fame flashed in Duggan's
eyes. and his ciinched fist smashed
down upon the table with dish
rattling force. You'll clean for me
no more. dye understands" be cried
with sudden decision in his voice
You kin hev the house to yourself
Now. kape it as cane as you Place -
And. slamming his hat over his eyes.
he went out the door.
Katy looked after him. startled
white creeping over her face.
Hell be back as soon as his tan
trum is over" she said. yet her hands
shook as she went on with her work.
She set his place for supper and
waited. but be did not come. When
she had finished her own meal she set
everything away. then drew straight
backed chair before the Kitchen stove
and sat there. At bedtime she rose
and with the same precision that
marked her every movement made
her usual preparations for the uight
Over the locking OF the door she hest
tated but breath. Then with click
Of the Key it was done. and Duggan
was barred for the night.
Days heightened into weeks. aud
Johns hand never once sought the
door latch. Katy began to hear vague
rumors OF wild extravagances that
filed her frugal sOut with anguish
When in time these rumors became
more specific and visions Of her own
portionless lot rose before her she
felt that something must be- done.
DuggaD was standing before IL con.
cert hall about to enter with two OF
his cronies when Katy found him.
When she laid hand on his sleeve
be turned. and. seeing her his jaw
dropped and the laugh OF his lips died
Come. john she said. firmly. -
have Il word to say to you.'
He held back Il moment. eying her
distrustfuIly. then walked few steps
with her and stopped again,
AREN'T you coming:" Katy demand.
ed. making as ii to 80 on.
John looked over mis- worn clothes
With deprpcatory smile.
do you think me ciane enough:" he
queried with suddenly assumed anx-
iety.
Katy looked at him sharply. but his
eyes were fixed soIicitousIy upon the
tips of his shabby boots.
1--we had enough of this tomfoolery''
| She lowered her voice to a tense