The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1911-08-24

that moment his illusions all but fail
ed. But suddenly he looked up, a reso-
lutte smile wrinkling his face.
''Sure it's me own stove" be said,
with a playful attempt at joviality. Il
kin knock it over if l want to-"
Katy looked at him stonily for mo-
ment, then resumed her sewing, her
| lips set in ominous lines.
Again Johns illusions trembled, and
he sat dumb. looking vacantly about
+ the room. After all it was not a per-
feet room. Something essential was
missing. His mind CROPPED stupidity for
what it might be. Then. like an inspi-
ration, it came to him.
"a biz Of music would be cheerful
| loike in the house." he said, looking
placatingly at Katy. How would you
loike one of those nice monographs
they have at MacGrath's? l was
thinkin"- The look of horror in
Katy's eyes cut him short.
"A phonographw Her voice rasped
sharp with repulsion. Il hate the
squeaking, snorting things. Don't bring
one here
ITO be sure, to be sure" John sooth-
ed, "they are the unnatural things, an
that noisy too. You're right about it,
Katy, jewel. 1 was just thiukin' -
His voice trailed into wondering 81
lence again.
The next night there was no fire in
the sitting room stove when Duggan
came home. Katy was at work in the
kitchen. Everything in the little room
shOne as if from recent securing. Katy
herself in stiffiy ironed print gown
and spotless white apron moved about
in noiseless efficiency. Duggan seated
| himself gingerly upon the edge of
| chair and tried to feel the delight he
professed in watching the clocklike
working out of the domestic system he
had so long desired. When he had
prodded his fancy to a state of appro
baton he rose cOntented. and, picking
up an armful of wood, started for the
sitting room. Katy stopped him.
Wen have no more fires in there"
she said firmly. 1T makes too much
mess. spend my whole time cleaning
up after you. You can sit out here"
Duggan's wrath blazed slowly. With
heavy deliberation he put down the
wood and stood facing Katy.
AN has it come to this" he said,
| scowling savagely, that l be denied
the privilege of me own firesidef"
Katy faced him. her eyes 1intlike.
81 can't be forever cleaning after
you" she cried, her voice shrilling
with excitement. You make more
Dirt never saw the like. It's Il
servant you need to be after you the
whole blessed time"
A quick flame flashed in Duggans
eyes. and his clinched fist smashed
down upon the table with q dish
rafting force You'll clean for me
no more, dye understands he cried,
with sudden decision in his voice
You kin hey the house to yourself
Now, kape it as claue rs you Place
And slamming his hat over his eyes,
he went out the door.
Katy looked after him, a startled
white creeping over her face.
Hell be back as soon as his tan
trum is over" she said, yet her hands
shook as she went on with her work.
She set his place for supper and
waited, but he did not come. When
she had finished her own meal she set
everything away, then drew a straight
backed chair before the kitchen stove
and sat there At bedtime she rose
and with the same precision that
marked her every movement made
her usual preparations for the night.
over the locking of the door she hest
tated but Il breath. Then with click
of the key it was done, and Duggan
was barred for the night
Days heightened into weeks, and
Johns hand never once sought the
door latch. Katy began to hear vague
rumors of wild eXuavagances that
filled her frugal soul with anguish.
When in time these rumors became
more specific and visions of Ler own
portionless lot rose before her she
felt that something must be done.
Duggan was standing before con
cert hall about to enter with two of
his cronies when Katy found him.
When she laid a hand on his sleeve
he turned, and, seeing her, his jaw
dropped and the laugh on his lips died.
Come John" she said. firmly. Il
have word to say to YOU
He held back a moment. eying her
distrustfully. then walked few steps
with her and stopped again.
Aren't you coming?" Katy demand
ed, making as if to go on.
John looked over his worn clothes
with a deprecatory smile.
"Do you think me clane enough?" he
queried with suddenly assumed anx-
iety.
Katy looked at him sharply but his
eyes were fixed Solicitously upon the
tips Of his shabby boots.
I've had enough Of this tOmfoolery''
she lowered her voice to a tense
whisper-"you spending your money
like a common rowdy and living away
from your lawful home. Come home
with me this minute! DO you hear
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