The Washington herald., 1913-11-15
DAILY SHORT STORY

back number and maybe that's why Har-
vey doesn't seem as interested as he used
to be-"
She followed her. sisters advice and
went to tea with her at a little meeting
| room Of a village club. There she could
not help being impressed by the genuine
hand-grip. the dominant personalities of
the women she met. They all seemed to
be alive and interested in life and its
mechanisms. One member Of the little
organization with whom Mary found her
self sitting over her cup of tea was a
writer Of children's stories. To gain a
knowledge Of childhood outside of her
own family circle she was studying the
little lives in the settlements, in the
schools. even in the factories. where some
Of them were forced to labor Mary
found her interesting and marveled at the
information that that same woman had
four children Of her own and a delightful
home.
When her iance came to call-he had
been 80 astonished at Mary's breaking
OF the afternoon engagement that he
came Unexpectedly that night to see her
he found her full Of the afternoons ex-
perience.
I've come to the conclusion that I'm
old-fashioned," Mary told him later in
the evening.
But love the oId-fashioned girl,
Mary" Harvey said.
Yes; don't doubt II, Harvey. And
It's a habit with you to say SOTO me-
But. honestly. wouldn't you find me more
interesting II / didn't Just sit here in the
shadow Of the vines to wait for you each
evening? Wouldn't 1t add more spice to
our lives IL ! was occasionally having
q conference with some other women on
important matters Of the day or IL
was attending lecture that would help
to broaden out my vision and make me
a better wife?" she asked, her color
coming at mention OF the last word.
Harvey took her hand gently and look
ed into her eyes for a moment. why
perhaps II would be a more comradely
relation Tiff We could build 1t I'D that
way, dear. But l."
That's enough. you dear old goose
that's what Helen calls mel know I've
been stupid anc you are too kind to say
so. 1 shall cease to be the clinging vine
Il viii show you that When We are mar
rfed will be a chum. a companion, who
can discuss topics OF the day with you
instead OF sitting back while you find
interesting comrades outside of your
woman was meant to efface herself and
merely worship her lord and master-oh.
Harvey" she laughed And then, when
he would have spoken, she said: No
not a word I know you will like me
better and I'll like myself better and
when I'm. dead and gone you won't have
to write, She sits beside the throne" or
some such thing on my tombstone to
safve your conscience for the meek and
humble way in which you made me con-
duct myself as your wife,
Mary stopped and Harvey stared at
her. well, how do you like me to-
night?'
"You-you're great! I'll have to learn
to know my new Mary snd-if you'll let
me get far enough on the porch before
1 say it'll tell you what think was
your Inspiration" he said, q merry
twinkle in his eyes.
Il won't hurt you: tell me now," she
begged.
Jealousy; my complete absorption in
the conversation of Miss Edith Marges-
son last night" he ventured. taking her
hands to keep her from escaping. Am
I right?''
And Mary had to admit that he was.