Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1911-06-30

SAHGIn denly, looking at his wife,
4 lSEBlI5 He had an impression
IA VGSs that she had spoken and
aR 81 that he, momentarily lost
g - in the intricacies of the In
terstate Tunnel deal, had
neglected to answer her.
what did you say, Sara?" he ask
cd But his words were drowned in
tbe roar of a passing Forty-second
street car.
The wheels of the taxicab bounced
softly across the car tracks, and the
ride ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS continued
with speed undiminished. Little flashes
of cold light Illuminated the interior
oP the vehicle in quick succession,
thrown by the passing procession of
high-swinging arc lamps, swiftly sill
houetting the woman's pure profile
against the dark background Of cush-
ions. Steele watched, for the moment
forgetful of the Interstate Tunnel
problem, swelling with the pride of
possession.
"By George" he said, with content
ed appreciation, ''she is beautiful"
Thank you, DEAR" she said; ST
didn't think you'd notice"
What was it, dear?" he asked.
what was 1t you said while back?"
81 said?'-with rising infection.
She frowned in pretty perplexity, try
ing to remember.
Just as I closed the door," he help
ed Il thought you asked a question
i was thinking of something else at
the moment"
ooh! Of course you were thinking
of something else; you are always
thinking of something else, Jim
voice that puzzled him. "And that
was what I asked. 1t was silly enough
i said, "A penny for your thoughts
Extravaganza, for I knew you were
] thinking of business"
He felt vaguely that he was being
! indicted and began clumsily to defend
j himself.
Yes, You were right. Affairs in
rather a mix up just now, little girl;
they bother chap. Important deal
Oh"
Always, always" she commented,
Weartly-even a trife bitterly.
But he did not hear; the bare refer
ence to the Importance of the tunnel
deal had plunged his mind into pro-
Humidity Of calculations.
While he fumbled with his keys,
the shtvered noticeably in the brisk
AIR Of the early morning hours.
Gold, dear?" he asked, reused out
of his affairs for the moment.
Smiling up at him, "a wee Bit" she
confessed, but happy, jim"
"Eh?" He stared. Happy"
Happy" she repeated with a low
laugh as the door swung open.
Steele gazed after her, bewildered,
while he shot the bolts Then he fol-
lowed her upstairs, heavily. Ten min
utes later, she looked up from her
dressing table to see him standing in
the doorway Of her boudoir, glowering
down upon her. He had exchanged
his dress coat for quilted smoking
Jacket, his shoes for slippers, and was
smoking; she smiled, struck by the
grotesque figure he made.
"Well?" she queried, archly, her
hands busy with her hair.
What made you say that, Sara?"
he demanded, bluntly.
Her eyes widened.
Say what, Jim?' =.
About being happy. What made
you mention it? Why are you more
happy tonight than any other? Aren't
you generally happy, little grip
She rose, came over to him, kissed
PIN. Then, fumb1ing with a frog on
pls Jacket, Il was more happy tonight
fhan usually she admitted. 81 sup
-generally-Im as happy as I've
Pny right to be, dear"
I don't understand" His face
Showed that plainly. ''Why-tonight
@specially?"
Because my husband was with me.
How little, how very little of your
|lme you give your wife, JIM"
'Why-I-" he stammered awk-
ardly, struggling with totally new
1oea. This had never occurred to him
before.
You are away all day." she went
h-not complaining, but making
ann statement Of fact-"and every
lght you are off to the club, or some
3ne is here, closeted with you. It's
BUSINESS, I know, but Why, I
ardly ever have you to myself, Jim.
onlght, the opera, the music, the
ghts, with you-why. it was like an
'3Ssls to mean oasis in weary, hus-
4andless desert" She laughed nerv-
8usly.
But-but business" he tried to
&olect. realizing the justice of her
hiding.
Is there nothing in life but Wall
8Teet"' she pleaded, softly. Cant
- give it up. Jim, before long, for
sake? Why should you keep on
ID on forever, wearing your life out
Tor what? You've made a comfort
pie fortune. dear: it's enough to last