Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1909-1915, 1911-09-08
They Were
Sympathetic


breath Of life for several months after
they moved into the new neighbor-
hood, where everybody was 80 kind
and so neighboYly.
tOf course, 1t was not the most fash
lonable place she had: ever resided In,
but no young couple just starting out
IN life can afford to think OF anything
beyond comfort and responsibility, 50
she was ven satisfied. George was
on the road and It was pleasant to
md people close at hand who wepa
tnopghsfM and friendly. She was
grateful for their Kindness and az.
pressed he1 appreciation of it more
than once.
Mrs. Harris got her husband to
nx the porch rocker the last time
you were away" she told her hus-
band: And every once In awhile
somebody brought me hot rolls or
something. I suppose they think I
can't cook, but anyhow, 1t was 1ust an
KIND OF them. They aren't 90 nice 10
other people, SO l don't zee why the,y
pick me out"
I can't imagine" her husband
laughed. II don't see how anybody
can hke you, you're 50 dreadfully IN
attractive! Really, can't understand
now I ever came to marry you!"
IT was not for a number Of weeks
that anything was said to thr ow light
on the subject. Then Hendricks was
away Tor longer time than usual.
80 Mrs. Dunbars chocolate cake was
great solaoe
It's ever so good Of you" little
Mrs. Hendricks told Mrs. Dunbar. II
don't know what can ever do to "a
pay all you kind people who help out
my loneliness. You see, lived in q
small town before was married. and
missed the neighbors 80 much at
nrst l feel now as though 1 were
In town again, instead of a big
city like this. Thank you 90 muoh!"
Mrs. Dunbar regarded her with soul
1ul eyes. I'VE are glad to do all
we can for you," she said. 'tOf course,
there 1s little one can do but sympa-
thize"
Mrs Hendricks looked puzzled. "Oh,
you mean my being alone so much?''
she said Il don't mind It now a bit. I"
You're too meek and easy.soins."
Mrs. Dunbar said, shaking her head.
'Of course, q gentle little thing like
you would hold her head up against
anything"
Mrs. Hendricks did not understand,
|but she did not like 10 argue, and 50
ene let the matter drop. It was only
when Mrs. Tsher came In with q
|custard day or 30 later that she be.
gan to worry.
I'm glad, indeed, 10 do anything !
can to help you" Mrs Fisher assured
her mournfully.
She seemed 10 be waiting for an
answer, so Mrs. Hendricks made re-.
ply nervously:
I I am sorry IL you have trouble, ~
she said colby. II have none that l
know Of. though I'm grateful for your
sympathy, am sure."
you make mistake. covering it
up" Mrs. Fisher said sharply. "You
can't hide such things and it's great
deal better to acknowledge them and
have it over with"
II don't know what on earth you are
thinking about," Mrs. Hendricks said,
somewhat impatiently. Everything
7 have ever done is as open as a
book"
Il am not speaking of you. We all
know you are all right" Mrs. Fisher
said. But, Of course, if you don't
care to speak Of it l won't say any
more. thought maybe it might help
! to talk it over"
It seemed an endless time before
Hendricks came home again. His
train did not get in until two in the
morning, but Mrs. Hendricks sat up
for him, and they had little supper
while ne unpacked and made a gay
presentation speech to go with the
china: he had brought all ths way from
New York.
Hendricks was in high spirits the
| next morning and called to her gayly