The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-05-05

Great Heavens!. thought John in CONSERVATION
have the children begun ask that internal question
toos
He racked his brains for possible neglected am
niversary
Well what day is it, he asked
why it's mama's birfday" said William. tri-
umphan.ly.
John turned openm outhed to Edith. She had risen
and was confronting him like angry goddess The
flash of indignation upon her check the tear that
sparkled in her eye-and Edith was one of the few
women who look pretty tearsmade her fairly ador
able He thought she had never appeared more charm
ing when she only sixteen For instant his
admiration shone in his glance and the unerring Edith
quick to detect it. There opportunity for
him to get into her good graces Alasi
Nemesis have been guiding him, for what did John
do, His admiration faded into an expression OF auuse-
ment He snckercd. he chuckled. he laughed He sank
down in the chair and roared Edith had
been furiousy angry before This adding insult
to injury AS she could make herself heard she
began.
For my part. John Gordon see nothing about
which to laugh. You have forgotten my birthday.
thing you have done since have been married
dressed myself please you, put those chrysauthe
NUNS on the table because they reminded You always
of our wedding day and my birthday had the break
fast you liked too-and--and you noticed any
thing! If hadn't been for the baby you wouldn't have
known whether dressed or not l forgot my
prejudice and ordered that horrid, vulgar liver and
bacon-a combination deest--for you especially. !
don't believe you knew what you eating! And
then, when You came back, thought you had remcm-
bcred and had come to wish me many happy returns
and-and-
But, my dear .Edth-"
Don't say word! never was so unhappy IN my
life! 1t quite evident that you do for
now that am getting old All you think Of is
fort, comfort and your children And I'm forty and
married to man who has ceased to love me all It's
bad enough be forty without being neglected and
so lonesome!"
Here Edith put her head down in her hands and be-
gan cry again. John was sober enough now. al
though the remains Of his amusemcnt were plainly
visible. II was William who broke in
Papa, you're bad to my mama ! 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 stl
if you will have it Z"
Il thought sol" said john g and Edith, my dearest
wife, do you realize that to-day is the third Of Nove
ber and your birthday isn't until day after Tomorrow
"John Gordon, you arc dcceiving me. It's one Of
your ways of getting out"
Look at the calendar, my DEAR" said John. = You
see?"
Poor Edith! She was certainly two days ahead. She
stood looking At John in hopeless dismay. John was
making hercucan effort TO restrain his mirth, but 4
was impossible Edith didn't know whether to continue
weeping join in his laughter. it all fcarfuily
uromanc William also was waiting to see which way
the wind was blowing Finally Edith caught the infec-
ton Of her husbands humor and joined in his sIee.
Williams hptched trll made appropriate
obligato for the merry oonjusal duct
WELL now the thing has come out" said John, in his
matter-offact way feeling in his wastcoat pocket since
you have arranged this day for your birthday, might
well give you the present was keeping for you"
handing her little packet With eager fingers she
it open disclosing the radiant pearl There little
slip Of paper enclosed the golden crciet of the ring
: Read it." said John
To Edith, pearl among scisys
From her Iosry and hssbasdS
Yes and the signed to it not john" but
Jack and there he stood fat unromanc. rather il.
different as to dress, biushing like girl
Edith flung her arms around his neck. kissed him en-
Enthusiastically, then held him at arms length.
John Gordon she said severely. you are really
too provoking! How unromamic Of You! Nov yos
have gone and spoiled my birthday BY giving me NJ
present to-day."
J6gelOG)@lUQ@l