The citizen., 1914-09-11

didn't pay the butcher. But you
won't be angry with me. now that you
see how pretty the hat is, will you?
wanted it so bad and needed it. too,
and was afraid it would be gone If
wanted till saw you and told you
about it."
Reynolds looked distressed. He took
two or three steps across the room and
turned back toward his wife.
No, dear, / am not going to be
cross; am just sorry, that's all. II l
had the money you could have mil
lion hats. | don't know anything in
the world that would give me more
pleasure than for you to have pretty
things, for l know how dear nice
things are to a girls hearts But
remember when we were married up
state five years ago, we both agreed
that what we wanted most was home
and we finally got this place. Now,
twice a month they are at the door for
the money, and if | should miss one
payment we'd lose everything. I've
never told you how hard 1t Is for me to
meet that obligation. l have met it
so far, and If it comes through all
right we'll have some part of this old
Mother Earth. That's why | can't buy
you hats. I'd like to, Jane, but can't
and l am sorry"
Truly repentant now, Jane walked
to her husbands side and put an arm
about his neck.
Il didn't know it was as bad as
that" she answered sadly. Pm sorry,
too"
Dick looked gloomily across the
table. Doesn't it beat all how little
thing can knock the bottom out of the
festive board?" he said. Gee. this
has just coppered my bun and ruined
my socialism"
stood looking out. He turned at
length and, as if addressing himself,
declared: She looked wonderful in
that hat. Why can't l dress her up
and give her an even chance with
those that are not half as pretty?"
Dick crossed to his friends side and
put his hand on his shoulder. Il
have told you why, if you ask me, but
you say I'm theorizing. Now, call it
theory If you want to. but here you
see a practical demonstration of it.
The system doesn't allow you to dress
your wives up unless you pay for 1t,
and you can't pay for 1t unless you're
in the system. Sometimes 1t dresses
them up for you if they're pretty, but
this particular case doesn't belong In
that category. Now, you buck up, old
fellow; we're better of here dipping
into this cold relic Of the plunderbund's
generosity with nothing but this bum
galow to cover US than all those big
fellows put together. You've got love
here, Bob, real love. When they Inn
agine God does slip love to them 1t is
stamped counterfeit from start to
finish. With Jane and you living for
each other as you do, you have got 80
per cent of all the happiness right
here at home In this question mark Of
a house"
He stopped. Reynolds was smiling
at him.
"All right, Bob; you're hopeless II
you can't stand little socialism, even
when it is mixed with romance, why
let's wash the dishes"
The buzz of halting automobile
was heard outside. Reynolds stepped
quickly toward the door.
Il guess that's Brand now, Dick"
Then that's my cue to vamoose."
mo, you stay right where you are.
There he is at the door"
Hello, Mr.. Brand, greeted Rey-
nolds, as he threw open the door; I'm
glad to see you"
Mr.. Brand? Why not John? How
are you, Bob?"
First rate; let me have your coat
and hat"
Thanks; quite long way out here,
isn't it,"
Yes, it is, but we find 1t worth
while after we get here. We enjoy the
air and view very much. This is my
country villa"
Brand laughed. First one I've seen,"
he said. although / own some stock
In this company. Wish / had known
you were buying this place. l might
have saved you some money"
Then wish SO, too."
Dick returned from the kitchen,
where he had gone with some of the
relics of the feast He saluted the
new conner and spoke cordially.
How do you do, Mr.. Brand? We
meet again. Guess you're little sur
prised to see me out here"
mo. not at all. One can expect to
find a reporter anywhere. though you
are little way from home"
Its sort o. home right here for
me. Mr.. Brand. suppose you came to
discuss some business with Reynolds"
"Whvs not directly. You know Roh