The Wrangell sentinel., 1910-02-03
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Brooks, who this time spoke the truth.
 Forgot forgot! That's a nice ex- cusew
 q said I was sorry" he snapped. eve been worried about something else"
 Just spoiled the whole evening, leav- ing us there to be insulted by lot of men," declared Mrs. Harris. When we were standing in front of the theater, waiting for you. snip of boy came up to me and said. Hello, little one, aren't you lonesomeY"
 "Why, 1 thought he spoke to mer' affirmed Beth.
 Her mother looked at her indig- nantly.
 No. he didn't" she retorted, with asperity. 'I guess 1 know when Pm spoken to. The very idea! Where's Emma?"
 Brooks told her that she had gone out for a few minutes.
 "Who with?" demanded Mrs. Harris promptly.
 Il tnlnk she went alone.
 You think sue went alone! Don't you know? I don't see how you dare let your wife go out alone in this part of New York at this time of night"
 "Well, nobody stole you," growled Joe, "so 1 guess Emma Il get home safely. Something has probably de- tained her. That's all 1 know about it. If she wants to tell you more when she comes that's her business, not mine"
 'I certainly do not approve of her being out without a proper escort. It isn't ladylike."
 What 1 want to know is, where did she go? insisted her mother.
 Brooks turned upon her, and an oath almost escaped him as he snarled:
 You want to know a good many things, but it seems to me that a man and his wife can have some privacy. I told you she went on business. If she wants to tell you, all right, but don't try to mother-in-law it out of mer'
 The entrance of Emma and Smith stopped on Mrs. Harris lips the wrath ful retort that had risen to them. She rose and greeted her daughter with an air of maternal solicitude.
 "Ah, there you are, dear. Where have you been? We've been so wor- ried."
 "I am a little late"
 eve were wondering about you, and Joe wouldn't tell" said Beth.
 Smith reassurcd them.
 q was taking care of Emma all right" he declared You see, I'm a sort of utility man with the ladies' always trailing along in the rear ready to touch my cap and do all the chores and errands necessary"
 Emma had taken no notice of her husband, whose eyes from the moment of her appearance had been glued avidly upon her. There was nothing in her demeanor to indicate that she had succeeded. Indeed, she appeared haggard and worn out, as sine was, for the emotions of the night had left her exhausted to the point of breaking down. His anxiety and apprehension increased as he marked her condition.
 Where did you meet her:" he de manded of Smith, with an effort.
 "On the way home,' he answered.
 Emma went to Mrs. Harris and put her arm around her. 'Mother, I'm very tired tonight" she said appealingly. You won't mind if I ask you to go home and leave me. I've something to tell you some time, but want to be alone noW,"
 You do look all tuc!iered out, En- ma," commented Beth.
 T anA You won't mind, will you, mother?"
 Certainty not. I'm hot and sticky myself" |,
 I'll take you to the subway and put you on the car," volunteered Brooks.
 You needn't mind," declined Mrs. Harris. You're tco disagreeable to- night If you bring my purse iron, Emma's room, Jimsy will take us. Won't you. Jimsy! :.
 I'm still the utility man," respond ed the complaisant Smith as Brooks went on the errand. While Beth was putting her mother s hat straight Mrs. Brooks whispered to Smith: :. "Ten mother as much as told you and then come back" l He nodded. | .(nrnn n1, fnll-c :, Io caid q 6 R"nnlse