Semi-weekly herald., 1911-08-03

so Mrs. Dunbar's chocolate cake was
a great solace.
It's ever so good of you," little
Mrs. Hendricks told Mrs. Dunbar. 81
don't know what | can ever do to re-
pay all you kind people who help out
my loneliness. You see, lived In a
small town before was married, and
missed the neighbors so much at
first. feel now as though | were
In town again. instead of big
city like this. Thank you 80 muchl"
Mrs, Dunbar regarded her with soul
full 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 1t now Il 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 a
custard a 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:
Il am sorry II you have trouble,
she said coldly. Il have none that
know Of. though I'm grateful for your
sympathy. l am sure"
| You make a mistake covering II
up" Mrs. Fisher said sharply. You
can't hide such things and it's a great
deal better to acknowledge them and
have 1t over with"
81 don't know what on earth you are
thinking about" Mrs. Hendricks said
somewhat impatiently. Everything
l have ever done is as open as g
book"
"I am not speaking of you. We al
know you are all right" Mrs. Fisher
said. But, OF course. II you dom,
care to speak of 1t l won't say any
more. / thought maybe 1t might helI
to talk 1t over"
1t seemed an endless time before
Hendricks came home again. Hi
train did not get In until two in the
morning, but Mrs. Hendricks sat VI
for him. and they had a little supper
while he 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 o.
hdmor..was always acceptable to heI
and received in the right spirit
'Woman!" he shouted. Where are
my shoes7. Do you mean to tell me
you have not blacked them? What die
marry you for. suppose you eat
the bread Of idlenes and expect me tc
pay the baker. You shall have such
q beating for this as never was. ri
lay on. McDunt-"
| "Oh, Dicki" his little wife cried ir
sudden agony. "Oh, Dick!"
"S'matter? Burn yourself? Coms
here and let me put some stun on"
| Mrs. Hendricks appeared In this
door, a picture of dismay and fright.
"oh, Dick. don't say those thingsl'
she cried. It's awful"
Awful fddlesticks!" he said. stern
fully. whats come over the spirit
OF your dream?"
ut isn't dream. Dick, that's why
they're 80 good to me. they think
you see, they hear through the
court"
| Hendricks gave her one look, and
then rolled over in 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 l hated to tell you
because / thought you liked the people
here SO much. Well cut loose as soor
as possible. Meanwhile. II you don't
mt on your things and 90 nm enrae