The citizen., 1914-09-04
CHAPTER III-contInued.

wasted on sentiment and when final
~ let my heart run away with my eau
ton landed on Staten Island"
But suppose we ought to be hap
py. Jane ventured resignedly I'VE
have our homes and l know l have
the best husband in the world"
That's what they all say. Oh, mind
you. am not complaining about mine,
but there are times l am aggravated
by the smallness of his income"
But we mustn't think of money,
Mrs. Collins. After all, we are out
here in the country with the fresh air
and sunshine and when we think of all
those people In the crowded tenements
in New York. who are so much worse
OF than we are. suppose we ought to
be contented."
,. That's all very nice, Mrs. Reynolds,
but the fresh air. don't chop the kim
ding wood or put quarters In the gas
meters. Those that prefer the country
can have it. For my part I would
rather be in my little fiat with some
one around. Here it's shut up the
house all winter to keep the warm air
In and fight all summer to keep the
mosquitoes out. Why, even the cats
sneak away from Staten Island when
it's cold"
Il know it. 1t is terrible lonely,
sometimes. and nothing but the same
old grind-dishes and cooking and
cooking and dishes"
Well, that's something to bring you
back to earth, anyway, and guess
had better be getting back home to fix
James supper. Some people complain
because their husbands stay away too
much. but will say for mine that he
hasn't missed meal In ten years. And
wouldn't mind If he did now and
then"
"Oh, goodness!" exclaimed Jane
What do you think I've done? I've
been so excited over the matinee that
forgot about our dinner entirely and
Bob will be home any minute. There
isn't a thing In the house, know. Not
even eggs. l can't imagine what to
say to him either. | don't like to tell
him that I've been to the theater."
Gracious, you are slave. Does he
object to that?"
mo. not In the way you mean. Mrs.
Collins. but there's the money for the
tickets. You see. saved it out of the
household expenses and l don't want
him to know"
We'll, you saved 1t, didn't you? Any
time l can do that / spend it where
and when please. figure that's my
business and not James,"
"But we haven't much money for
that sort Of thing. and you see there's
this, too added Jane, hurriedly re-
moving her new hat. Il got this out
Of the household money also, and I'm
afraid it would be hard to explain such
extensive economy"
We'll, | wouldn't worry. dear Just
put 1t away for while and avoid un-
necessary arguments. l know men do
argde so. They want woman to
drudge and drudge and never derive
any benefits from it."
,os "Oh. Mrs. Collins, Bob isn't that way
at all. We do have to figure in nickels
and cents and dimes, and get so tired
of being poor, but he tries to give me
everything he can. That's what makes
me feel bad. and I'm just wretched
over the dinner. You'll pardon me.
Mrs. Collins, but l guess I'll have to
run out"
'I'd like to help you cut, DEAR"
"Oh. could your"
I'm afraid not It's Wednesday,
stew night with US, and James will be
eating the last Of Sundays roast"
Il didn't mean to bother you. Mrs.
Collins, but it's the first time in my
life that this has happened and feel
that just can't face Bob, tkat's ALL"
why face him? Have him face
you"
tits the same thing"
mo, my dear, 1t isn't the same thing.
When you have been married as long
as have you will find that the only
way to get around your husband is to
have him sorry for you.- Don't ever
let him get chance for you to be sor-
ry for him. 1t took me quite a while
to get on to that and I'm giving you
the benefit of my experience"
How do you mean?"
Honor brighs. haven't you ever
played possum?"
why, no"
Then that makes it all the easier.
You know-anything from a sick
friend to case OF cholera. Why. even
a headache would answer in your case
II this is the first time"
But don't believe could do that"
Certainly you could. Now, IL you're
down with sick headache you can't
be expected to be taking care Of house
hold affairs. can you? What chance
has hot dinner against case of hys-
terics?"
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