Middletown transcript., 1911-05-20
BY HOMER CRoY

Sunday, and I am so tired then.
Why don't you ever come to
the cityS he asked suddenly.
Mrs. Neff colored.
I'm getting old now, she
evaded.
You'd begin to grow young
there.
Mrs. Neff was silent. When
she faced him again her eyes were
dancing. AS he tipped the waiter
her eyes fastened on the coin in
amazement. She followed him
back into the car obediently.
She sat silently for some time.
he watching her out of the cor
ner of his eyes. Then she be-
gan to talk in low, pulsing tones,
telling him of her hard struggles,
of her ambitions, Of her dreams,
and of the actuality of things.
The misery of pent.up years
tumbled out. She concealed
nothing. Wade was moved.
Suddenly she stopped as, the
silent man across the aisle
dropped into his seat.
Tell me who he is, Bingham.
Why is he always following meG
You have your home paid for,
haven't your he asked, without
answering.
Yes, but
You are making a little
money each year, aren't your
Yes, but it
Wade seized her by the hand;
his voice trembled.
I can't do it, Minnie. You are
just your own good self. Here
we are now at the junction. I
am beginning to feel ashamed of
myself. If I had lived the sim.
pie life you have, I wouldn't be
| where I am now. That man
wouldn't be across the aisle.
My name wouldn't be in the head
lines, as it will in a day or so,
when everything is found out.
You must get off here-we're
slowing up now.
Why what do you meanH
l didn't feel guilty until you
began to talk, Minnie. I see
what a scoundrel I am. Your
John is worth a dozen Bingham
Wades. A good women's infu-
ence never dies. That man isn't
following you he is following me!
Mrs. Neff looked st him blank
ly. I don't understand
Nobody is following you-you
haven't done anything. That
man is a detective. He is guard
ing n me-taking me back to an
swer for my love Of money. l
wasn't content to make a home in
ten years-it has to be in ten
months. I knew they would get
me sooner or latter, but I kept
putting it off. My mine never
existed. You'll see all about it
in the papers soon. The train is
stopping.
He helped her down the aisle,
and the steps. The square iawed
man was at his elbow. In a daze,
| Mrs. Neff stood on the hurrying
platform, joddled here and there,
blankly looking up at Wade.
Did you stealP she faltered.
That's what they will prove,
I fear. You can catch the next
train home, Mrs. Neff. Good-by.
The conductor waved his hand,
and tho train began to move.
Wade took off his hat, and stood
with reverently bowed head un-
til the freight-yards were pass
ed. When she reached Spring
vile, it was dusk. With new
found life she picked up her
skirts and hurried down the road
to her castle.
The crunch of her foot on the
damp grass was music; the house
outlined itself a mansion to her
imagination. Teddy came creep
ing down the path; when she
spoke; he ioyfully threw his dirty
paws upon her dress and thump.
ed her with his tail. She reached
down and patted his head.
Out in the backyard she heard
a hammering. It was John max.
} ing q chicken.coop. Softly she
unlatched the chicken yard gate,
and locked the mischievous Ted
dy inside.
She could make out John in
the half light, marking a board
with the old iron square. She
slipped up behind him, and paus-
ed.
Boo! she exclaimed, jumping
at him.
And then Teddy set up wild,
, happy barking.