Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-09-23

10dL you, DOuules Sduue JdCh rem
dleton's voice.
YES" responded Mrs. PendIeton.
I'm bringing a friend home to din
ner. VIII it be all right, dear?'
"Ye-e-s." Mrs. Pendleton's voice did
sound doubtful. There isn't a thing
to eat in the house, but cam
Never mind, then. Well dine in
town and come down afterward," said
Jack in disappointed tone.
"If you don't bring him home" pro-
tested Bonnie. "Tll never speak to you
again. Jack Pendleton. and
Hang up along the line there!" bel
lowed Jack. with sudden intuition that
his performance was interesting his
rural neighbors.
So five receivers were noiselessly re-
stored to their hooks. and five good
housekeepers, pink of face. but with
excited eyes, went back to their pro-
sale duties.
The Pendletons concluded their con-
versation, and pretty Bonnie explained
to her adoring husband that she had
not planned anything to eat that day
because, If he would only remember,
he had invited her to dine In town
with him and go to the theatec after
ward, and absentminded Jack ruefully
acknowledged his guilt.
They were newcomers in Dayville
and fresh from the big city, where
ones neighbors' business is not of the
slightest interest, and they were some
what bewildered by the almost avid
curiosity displayed by their new ac-
quaintances in the little village.
So Bonnie worked busily all day long
preparing an appetizing repast for her
husband and his business friend, while
the five housekeepers dismissed their
tasks with deft hands and dressed for
the Wednesday afternoon sewing So
| ciety with a pleasant sense of impor-
lance in being the center of interest,
for in Dayville the bearer of news"
! invariably holds the middle of the
stage.
By o'clock the society meeting was
in full swing. and the Pendletons' af-
fairs were made the subject Of discus
sion.
II hear they make a terrible mess of
getting along" said Mrs. Henry Beebe.
Don't get along, eh?" wheezed Mrs.
! Bush skeptically.
keeper she is" said Mrs. Charlie
Sayles.
And him such a poor provider. /
expect he don't earn enough to keep
soul and body together" was Ellen
I Spencer's significant remark.
They're both pretty husky looking
put in Mrs. Bush.
But she was ignored by the news
bringers.
I've heard that he treats her dread.
fully" simpered Miss Fanny Wicks
who had ideas of her own regarding
the perfect married life.
Il heard they was going to sepa
rate" said Mittie LOOMS.
After that tongues clacked more
busily than the needles flashed.
The Pendletons would have beer
quite stunned with surprise If they
had known how intimately their af
their neighbors.
Talks to her like a dog" asserted
Fanny Wicks,
IF his bed amt made before b,
takes the train or if his dinner is
mite late" added Mrs. Charlie Sayles
with relish. And. being the poo
housekeeper she is. guess it keep
| lin ~ olI .,
NO woman will stand that 70
long" said Mrs. Henry Beebe, VIII,
ruled her little husband with an irol
hand minus the velvet glove.
Just think of there being days whel
they don't have a bite to eatr' put il
Ellen Spencer. Il wonder if it 'twoult
be an insult to give 'em donation"
IF they're going TO separate the.
won't thank anybody for giving EN-
party" remarked Mittie Loomis.
That's so. But wonder what W,
can do. / don't like to feel that there
anybody in our midst that's sufferin;
for food when have a-plenty," twit
tered Fanny.
mo more do T." said Mrs. Charlie
ned fruit that's not going to keep
Land knows what got into it. coult
leave it there unbeknownst to her"
She might guess who twas tina
never had no luck with canned stuff,
whispered Ellen Spencer to Mitt
1 Loomis.
Old Mrs. Bush had said Fiddle
sticks"' three times and "Boshi" twice
but no one took the slightest notice o
her. Presently she folded up her work
popped it into her black sateen work
bag and got up to go.
why. Aunt Louisa. you amt neve
, going now? Why. we're going t
have refreshments" protested Mitti
:, LOOMS.
: 81 can't stay" said Mrs. Bush acidly
r "Ive got things to do that have to b
did" and she marched off with an nj
# deeply offended dignity. and til
ialf frightened pleading Of the minis
; .er's meek little wife was Of no avail
81 wonder what she'll do when sh
q gets a divorce shuGdered RAM
q Wicks. With a sentimental sigh oy
the grave of dead romance.