The Winslow mail., 1911-10-21

than once.
Mrs. Harris got her husband to
fix the porch rocker the last time
you were away she told her hus
oand And every once in awhile
somebody brought me hot rolls or
something. | suppose they think /
can't cook, but anyhow, it was inst as
KIND of them. They aren't so nice TO
other people, so l don't see why they
pick me out.
J can't imag< her husband
laughed. Il don't see how ANYBODY
can like yoll, you're so dreadfullv nm,
attractive! Really, | can't understand
now | ever came to marry you!"
1t was not for a number of weeks
that anything was said to throw light
Oh the subject. Then Hendricks was
away for longer time than usuae
so Mrs. Dunbar's chocolate cake was
great solace.
II ever so good of you" little
Mrs. Hendricks told Mrs Dunbar 81
don know what | can ever do to re-
pay all you kind people who help out
my loneliness. You see. | lived in
small town before | was married and
| missed the neighbors so much at
urst. feel now as though | were
in a town again, instead of big
city like this. Thank you so much!"
Mrs. Dunbar regarded her with soul
Iul eyes. we are glad to do all
we can for you,'' she said. "Of course,
there is 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"
You're too meek and easy-going,"
Mrs. Dunbar said, shaking her head.
"Of course, gentle little thing like
you would hold her head up against
anything
Mrs. Hendricks did not understand,
but she did not like to argue, and so
she let the matter drop 1t, was only
when Mrs. Fisher came in with
custard day or so later that she be.
gan to worry.
I'm glad, indeed, to do anything |
can to help you," Mrs. Fisher assured
her mournfully.
She seemed to be waiting for an
answer, SO Mrs Hendricks made re-
ply nervously:
4 am sorry If you have trouble"
she said coldly Il have none that
know of, though I'm grateful for your
sympathy, ! am sure"
You make a 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
Il don't know what on earth you are
thinking about Mrs. Hendricks said,
somewhat impatiently Everything
have ever done is as open as
book"
81 am not speaking of you We all
krow 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. l thought maybe it might help
to talk it over"
1t 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 a little supper
while ne unpacked and made a gay
presentation speech to go with the
china he had brought all the way from
New York.
Hendricks was in high spirits the
next morning and called to her gayly
as she worked about the kitchen.
knowing that his peculiar style OF
humor was always acceptable to her
and received in the right spirit.
"Woman!" he shouted Where are
my shoes? Do you mean to tell me
you have not blacked them? What did
| marry you for. suppose you eat
the bread of idlenes and expect me to
pay the baker. You shall have such
a beating for this as never was. I'll
lay on, McDuff- -"
ooh, Dick" his little wife cried in
sudden agony. "Oh, Dick!"
"S'matter? Burn yourself? Come
here and let me put some stuff on"
Mrs. Hendricks appeared in the
door, picture of dismay and fright.
"Oh, Dick don't say those things!"
she cried. TITS awful"
Awful fddlestickn!" he said, stern
fully. What's come over the spirit
of your dream?"
1T isn't dream. Dick, that's why
they're so good to me, they think
you see, they hear through the
court"
Hendricks gave her one look. and
then rolled over in a paroxysm of
laughter His wife was nearer tears.
Never mind" he said as soon as he
could speak. I'm transferred to Bos-
ton, anyhow. but hated to tell you,
because | thought you liked the people
here so much. Well cut loose as soon
as possible. Meanwhile. if you don't
put on your things and go on a spree
with me for a day, Ill-I'll-"