The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-04-27

then" replied his father.
Fred started up from the table.
"Sit down." commanded his father
with an alarming emphasis on the last
word.
Hasn't your mother, and haven't |
tried to make you understand that you
are not to leave the table unless you
are absolutely Obliged to, and then not
until you have asked to be excused?"
But" began Fred, only to be stop
ped by
mo talk from you. l am talking to
you. It's good thing | am going to
be home today. ] did not mean that
you should bolt right UP from the table
and see how many handkerchiefs you
had There will be time enough af-
ter breakfast"
There was silence, the speaking
kind. Mrs. Lane poured another cup
of coffee for her grippy feeling spouse.
Mr.. Lanes attention having been
called to his boys, he continued to
look critically at them. "Those all
the suits the boys got?" he asked his
wife little later.
why, John, of course not. They
have good best suits"
Il supposed they had" sarcastically,
"but mean their everyday Clothes"
"They are plenty good enough for
the boys to play in. The boys enjoy
them better" replied his wife with
some spirit.
''Thjcg, ahem. Well, they look
mighty shabby" Out came note
book. Mem. Everyday suit of clothes,
two boys, ages nine and eleven.
Tive trusted to you about their
clothes, but III take time" with a
sigh, "and get those children some
suitable clothes
Just here, there was an audible
sniffle.
stop that, boy"
Il can't" said Fred, hopelessly.
Where's your handkerchief"
"It's dirty"
"Well, get another" said Mr.. Lane
in evaporation.
II can't until after breakfast"
There was giggle from Frank and
another snif1le from Fred
Quiet" ordered the head of the
house. Now | will excuse you to get
a handkerchief
Fred went out quickly, but raced up
stairs two at time.
Fred" thundered his father, when
he reappeared. go back and go up
those stairs quietly and come down
quietly!"
Mr.. Lane shook his head He had
always thought that his wife could
bring the boys up all right, but per-
haps he had been tpo negligent of his
duty. frNi
1t was not a cheerful meal but by
the time 1t was through, Mrs. Lane
was sure Of one thing. Her husband
could not be very SICK and eat such a
breakfast.
She went about her work serenely,
saying to herself, Every man is grum-
-py at home sometimes"
The mail man came, and Mr.. Lane
took the morning paper and settled
himself comfortably in a big chair.
Seems sort Of nice, sitting down at
home in the daytime he observed be-
nignly "We don't see so awful much
of each other, do we, Mary? III vas
only rich as the boss now, I'd quit
work and spend the days with you. Ee
nice, wouldn't it?'
Indeed, it would" answered Mrs.
Lane, loyalty.
you hurry up and get through and,
we will have a cozy little time to-
gether"
But Mrs. Lane could not answer, as
the grocery boy came for his order. He
had no sooner gone than the telephone
rang. Mrs. Lane answered it. AS she
passed her husband, he patted her
hand. He was getting quite spoony on
top of good breakfast
Mr.. Lane did not notice the first
part of the conversation, but the last
part came out distinctly.
Il don't see how + can. Mr.. Lane
| 10 HOlne tnlS morning.
why, is he sick?"
HE feels as if he might have the
grip"
Dear me, pity you. If there is one
thing that drives me frantic. it is to
have a man around in the kitchen half
sick!"
"Yes'-answered Mrs. Lane, nono-
committedly.
"Oh, | see, he's right where he can
hear. All right, good by"
Mrs Lane hung up the receiver and
locked lubiously at her husband. He
was reading the paper and did NOT
seem to see her. There were no more
caresses. The silence was SO profound
In the dining room that one could hear