Omaha daily bee., 1912-03-19

went to the postoffice. but today there
had been only a circular for her. And
there would be no other mail until morn.
ing.
She had glanced through the Sunday
papers, but was too restless to read
Finally she went in and got out her
mendfng basket. Surely II was no worse
to sew on Sunday than to do anything
else, and the time would drag less heavily
II she was at work. A little petticoat
Of winlfreds and some stockings were
already In the basket. These she mended
and then got out her blue serge skirt
which needed fresh braid around the
bottom.
II was so warm that she raised the
window beside her. and the soft spring
air blew In the curtains through which
she caught glimpses Of the street below,
The bright day had brought out many
afternoon stroliers. The silk hats and
frock coats of the men. the spring mil
linery of the women. gay with flowers
and bright colored straw, the occasional
bunch of violets-it was all part OF
the atmosphere of q Sunday afternoon in
spring.
No one seemed alone-they were always
in couples or groups Of three or four. As
Helen looked down at this leisurely well
dressed Sunday throng more than ever
she felt her desolation.
Just then there passed an athletic look
ing man with q slender woman beside
him and little girl in white running on
in front. There was something In the
carriage Of the man that reminded her
Of Warren. and the woman was strangely
like herself And yet what difference
For even as they passed Helen saw the
man take her arm at the street crossing,
and his very gesture was one of love and
protection, while the woman looked IN
and laughed happily.
II was only a passing picture. but II
was so full of Joy and eompanionship
that Helen turned from the window with
the old aching lump in her throat.
She thought OF the look Of contentment
In the woman's face and the pride OF
possession in the mans How long had
Il been since Warren had looked like
that? What could that woman give that
she could not? And why must she be
here alone, with the emptiness Of sun
day afternoon and evening before her
while other women had the joy Of their
husbands love and companionship?
A startling ring from the telephone In
the hall. She dropped her sewing and
ran eagerly to answer 1t. Any chance
caller-any interruption to her brooding
thoughts-would be welcome.
Mrs. Stevens is calling" announced
the boy.
with a hurried ASK her to come up. .
Helen ran back to gather up her sewing
and put It away.
.sIoplng here all aloneT' asked Mrs
Stevens, as she kissed her.
Il thought so. Now put on your
things-we've got the car downstairs
We're going for 3 long drive and have
dinner somewhere in the country
But winifred? It's DeTias afternoon
olf-rye no one to leave her with"
That's all arranged for" triumphantly
Il brought Jennie along TO take care Of
her-sheIl be up in moment"
Jennie was one Of Mrs. Stevens maids,
a young French girl, devoted to children,
who had taken care Of wInifred on sew
ersI occasions. So Helen hadI no feaI
OF leaving her.
Now hurry. and get ready. Oh. IT'S
wonderful OUT
1t took Helen only q few minutes to
dress and get, into her wraps, and when
she had given some final instructions to
Jennie about wInifred. they hurried down
10 the car. Mr.. Stevens greeted her cor
eisiiy.
I'VE thought II was too fine a day
for any one to stay indoors" as