Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1910-05-06


clothes" klty had SAID Sharply TIE
first evening John had stretched nm
self YEARLY out tOI his Initial taste al |
the bliss he had pictured.
John had risen slowly and seated |
himself before The stove. kntv eyed |
him covprtly for some time as ne TIT |
ed back aud forth. his foot resting ON
the nickel footpiece. She opened her
lips several times to speak. but hesitat-
ed, an annoyed frown growing be-
tween her brows
You'll be knocking that stove over,
quitting the whole weight of you on II
like that" she said icily.
For moment a look almost of anger
came into Duggan's downcast eyes. In
that moment his Illusions all but fall
ed. But suddenly he looked up. n reso-
lutte smile wrinkling his face.
Sure it's he own stove" be said,
with playful attempt at joviality. Il
kin knock it over If | want to"
Katy looked at him stonily for a mo-
ment, then resumed her sewing, her
| lips set iD ominous lines.
Again Johns Illusions trembed, 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 1t might be. Then. like an inspl-
ration, 1t came to him.
"a bit of music would be cheerful
loike In the house." he said, looking
placatingly at Katy. How would you
loike one of those nice Photographs
they have at MacGrath'st was
thinkin"- The look of horror IN
Katy's eyes cut him short
"A photograph" Her voice rasped
sharp with repulsion. Il hate the
squeaking, snorting things. Don't bring
one 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 thinEln =
His voice trailed into wondering ST
lence again.
The next night there was no tire III
the sitting room stove when puggap
came home Katy was al work III the
kitchen. Everything in the little room
shone as If from recent securing. katy
, herself In sttt1y ironed PRINT gown
and spotless white apron moved about
In noiseless efficiency. Duggan seated
himself gingerly upon the edge of II
chair and tried TO feel the delight 1T
p professed In watching the clocklike
D working out of the domestic system h.
, had so long desired When he had
? prodded his fancy TO a state of appro
baton he rose, cOntented. aud, picking
+. up an armfui of wood, started for the
!. sitting room. Katy stopped him.
t "Well have no more fires in there,
she said firmly 1T makes too much
s mess. | spend my whole time cleaning
y up after you. You can sit out here
Duggan's wrath blaZed slowly. Witt
:. heavy deliberation he put down tht
Q wood and stood facing Katy.
AN has 1t come to this" he said
scowling savagely. that be denlet
the privilege OF me own tireSideT'
Katy faced MIN. her eyes tlintiEe.
II can't be forever cleaning afte
YOU" she cried, her voice shrillins
with excitement You make NOR
Dirt never saw the like. It's ;
servant you need to be after you tn
whole blessed time"
A quick flame flashed in Duggan'
eyes, and his clinched fist SMASHED
down upon the table with disl
rafting force "You'll clean for m
no more. dye underestimate" he cried
with sudden decision in his voice
"YOu kin hev the house to yourself!
Now, kape it as ciane as you place.
And, slamming his hat over his eyes
be went out the door.
Katy looked after him. startle
white creeping over her face.
Hell be back as soon as his tar
| trum is over" she said. yet her hand
shook as she went on with her worl
She set his place for supper an
waited, but he did not come. Whe
she had finished her own meal she ST
everything away, then drew straigt
backed chair before the kitchen stow
and sat there At bedtime she ros
and with the same precision Thu
marked her every movement mao
her usual preparations for the nigh
- Over the locking of the door she hes
lated but a breath Then with clio
HI If the KEY 1t was done, and Dugga
ie- was barred for the night.
Days heightened into weeks. ar
us Johns hand never once sought Il
Gu loor latch. Katy began TO hear vagl
eo rumors OF wild extravaganres th
eo filed her frugal soul with angus
Vo When In time these rumors becan
ID more specific and visions Of her ow
eo portionless lot rose before her 81
he felt that something must be done.
en- Duggan was standing before co
as cert hall about to enter with two
red his cronies when Katy found hi
III When she laid hand on his slice
hn be turned. and, seeing her. his ia
len dropped and the laugh on his lips die
not Come, john" she said. firmly.
hat have word to say to you"
ely He held back moment, eying b
ays distrustfully, then walked few ste
i've with her and stopped again.
hat Aren't you comingr Katy demar