Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-08

vited Howard and Estelle out for dinner
the next week. There was business
deal that they could talk over more
carefully in the evening with Murchkins
library as a handy resource, and Mrs.
Murchkins wanted to get acquainted
met except casually.
Estelle promptly accepted Howard
was half-glad. He had an idea that the
sight of another woman whose deport-
ment and home were all that could be
desired, might inspire his frivolous wife
to more decorum and better housekeep-
ing. And he was half sorry He was
nervous when he and EsteEle went visit
ing. Estelle was apt to do so many
things that, if not outre, were yet the
kind of actions to embarrass husband
whose god was decorum.
But when ne came home early that aft
ernoon to dress he found Estelie on a
couch with a~bandaged ankle. She had
been trying to rehang heavy picture
ard had fallen from the chair. But she
wouldn't listen when Howard would have
remained at home with her. She was
perfectly comfortable and she had a good
book. After awhile she would manage to
make some coffee. The sprain or twist
wasn't serious enough for q doctor
Il hate to leave YOU Howard pro-
tested dutifully. hunting his best studs
even while he protested.
I'D rather stay alone" she laughed
i tnaT
Mrs. Murchkins is of the prim
proper sort that are nicer at a distance
than beside YOU
Mrs. Murchkins is a charming wom-
an" Howard growled from the depths of
a dresser drawer.
1t was with a feeling of relief that he
left the house, although he kissed Es-
tel.e tender!y. She was a lovely picture
in the pink house dress that just match
ed her checks
But Mrs. Murchkins was also an ex-
duiste picture. tall and serene in laven-
der crepe de chine. And the dinner was
served perfectly. Harvey didn't envy
Murchkins-at least, he tried not to. But
he wished strongly that Estelle was
well, different. One had an intuitive con-
viction that the Murchkins menage NOV
ed smoothly always: that meals were on
time; that the contents of chiffoniers and
closets We're arranged neatly, not tossed
in haphaZard; that the silverware was
polished regularly, not rushed at fever
iShly when company was on the way.
And his eyes filled with hard light at
thought of Estelle's slack ways.
After dinner Murchkins took him into
the library and they talked and smoked.
When fifteen minutes had passed Har-
vey suddenly became conscious that
there was q strained note to Murchkihs'
conversation The joviality that marked
him down in the Office was not evident.
Presently Mrs. Murchkins came in.
Just at that moment Murchkins let the
ash of his cigar fall upon the polished top
of the table at which he sat. He mum
bled an apology and Mrs Murchkins
hastily brushed the white flakes into the
ash receiver. Harvey looked up in time
to catch the glare that she shot at her
husband and he had a moments discom-
fort But he didn't blame her He. too
liked tidiness. Murchkins had no business
| to drop the ash when receptacle stood
near.
In a ,,ouent Murchkins hogan IN IooE
| for a magazine. There was article
| that he wanted to show Harvey. 1t was
not on the table or in the rack. Il
| thought / left il right here he said
regretfully.
$50 you did," snapped Mrs. Murchkins
and her icy tone this time made Harvey
distinctly uncomfortable And I put il
away. You know perfectly Well that last
months magazines are always found or
! the third pelf in the closet off the hall