The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1911-07-07

IVA NE that Sne mad spoken anC
l6 6k that he, momentarily lost
- in the intricacies of the In
terstate Tunnel deal, had
neglected to answer her.
what did you say, Sara?" he ask,
ed, But his words were drowned in
the roar of a passing Forty-second
street car.
The wheels of the taxicab bounced
softly across the car tracks, and the
ride home-uptown-was continued
with speed undiminished. Little flashes
Of cold light Illuminated the interior
Of 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; "T
didn't think you'd notice"
what was it, dear?" he asked
what was it you said a while back?"
Il 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
Il was thinking of something else at
the moment"
"0h! OF course you were thinking
Of something else; you are always
thinking of something else, Jim"
There was note of petulance in her
voice that puzzled him. "And that
was what asked. 1t was silly enough
Il said, A penny for your thoughts
Extravaganza, for 1 knew you were
thinking of business"
He felt vaguely that he was being
indicted and began clumsily to defend
himself.
Yes. You were right. Affairs in
rather a mix up just now, little girl:
tney bother a chap. Important deal
OH"
Always, always" she commented,
Wearily-eVen trifie bitterly.
But he did not hear; the bare refer
ence to the Importance of the tunnel
deal had plunged his mind into a pro-
lundity Of calculations.
While he fumbled with his keys,
me shiVered noticeably in the brisk
ar OF the early morning hours.
Cold, dear?" he asked. reused out
OF bis affairs for the moment.
smiling up at him. "a wee Bit" she
confessed, but happy, jim"
EnT He stared. Happy"
Happy" she repeated with a low
laugh as the door swung open.
steele gazed after her, bewildered,
Wnlie he shot the bolts. Then he fol-
oWeo her upstairs, heavily. Ten min
a'es later, she looked up from her
dressing table to see him standing in
Tue doorway of her boudoir, glowering
aoWn upon her. He had exchanged
ms afess coat for quilted smoking
'aeAet' his shoes for slippers, and was
smoking; she smiled, struck by the
stotesque figure he made.
WellT she queried, archly, her
Aaaas busy with her hair.
what made you say that, Sara?
Ae demanded, bluntly.
her eyes widened.
say what, Jim?"
ABOUT being happy. What made
Nv mentlon It? Why are you more |
uappy tonight than any other? Aren't
Wv senerally happy. little girl?"
hin e rose came over to him, kissed |
r Then, fumbling with a frog on
~ Jacket, i was more happy tonight |
na an usually" she admitted. 'T sup
sOs Lgenerally-rm as happy as I've
flght to be, dear"
i. uont understand" His face
s.O Ossa that plainly. "why-tonight
Bos' 'I ,s. my husband was with me.
NV INV h'tle, how very little of your
au, sSu give your wife, Jim"
x,,r us-l =" he stammered awk.
Saa y, struggling with a totally new
before. 'er occurred 10 MIN
on lou are away all day." she went
cslr not complaining. but making a
sish h statement of fact-"and every
Ops ~ !, you are off to the club, or some
Spsinsn mere, closeted with you. It's
basdl' eSS' know, but Why. I
FoOi.,.e ever have you to myself, Jim.
Esh,s the opera, the music, the
ussIs :. with you-why, It was like an
bsnS,. % mean oasis in weary, hus.
Ously. she laughed nerV-
sS,s" s'-but business" he tried to
hiding s the Justice OF her
st,ss, ~. .nere nothing in life but Wall
Tov s " she pleaded, softly. cant
nv Wv, stSe it up, Jim, before long. for
ass axe, = Why should you keen on
-ior - vs forever. wearing your life out
Ill. ,o. aat! You've made q comfort.
''une' dear; It's enough to last