The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1914-06-30
THEIR MARRIED LIFE
By Mabel Herbert Urner

Warren's remarks as he gazed after
he receeding train were most en-
phatic. They had missed it by less
than two minutes. and there was no
other until morning.
"Oh, what shall we do What shall
we do? Helen was almost sobbing as
she watched the rear lights of the
l0:45 train disappear in the distance.
To be stranded Sunday night in a
small town forty miles from New
York, with no trains until morning was
not pleasing predicament. Still
muttering strong and expressive ex-
pletives, Warren strode down the
platform to where solitary cabman
was watching them expectantly.
Take us to Mr. Baldwin's-George
w. Baldwin, on Maple street. Know
the placer"
The cabman said he did, and War
rem put Helen into the cab, unmindful
Of her excited protests that they could
not go back to Baldwin's.
where will they put US? Ethel has
the spare room-it will upset the
whole house! Oh. Warren. can't we
go to some hotel?"
Cant go to a hotel without bag.
gage" grimly. 1T is up to Baldwin
anyway If he hadn't kept us there
showing us his blasted old coins, we
would not have missed our train"
Helen knew that the Baldwins had
invited them for the day only, be-
cause they were not fixed to entertain
any one over night, and she would
rather have sat up in the station than
to face the embarrassment of return
ing at this hour.
hnfo he
Baldwin house the whole place was
dark. Not even in the upper windows
was there any light.
They have all gone to bed! Oh
Warren, we can't get them up now.
THE PALACE HOTEL.
Got a decent hotel here?" Warren
demanded of the cabman.
"The Palace, sir. That is where the
travelin' men stop"
We'll, drive us there"
Again they ratified on through the
dimly lit streets.
THE Palace!" snorted Warren
you can tell it is rotten by the name
Every bum town has a Palace hotel
and a Trade Emporium"
This time the cab stopped before a
three-story frame house, painted a
ulIlSy yellOW. mere, tOO, ulOoI VI IuS
windows were dark.
Inside the office was sitting with
the odor of stale beer that came
through the swinging doors of the bar
A sleepy night clerk lowered his heels
and regarded them with interest.
Warren explained briefly that they
had missed the last train. The clerk
showed forward the register. Taking
a key from the key board, he led them
up the brass bound steps.
The room he showed them into was
large, but low-ceilinged and stuffy
He lit the single unshaded gas jet
and started out.
See here" Warren thrust his hand
into his pocket, cant you get us a
couple of extra sheets? We have nc
night things with us and we can't
sleep in our clothes"
81 will see, sir, if the linen room is
not locked"
Helen was gazing critically about
the room. There was a bureau with
a skinny towel over it's SCARED top
a washstand with blue-banded bowl
and pitcher. white iron bed swaying
deeply in the center. a much stained
carpet, and a square of oilcloth under
the washstand
There was also a brass spittoon
which Helen promptly poked out OF
sight with Warren's cane.
Dear I couldn't sleep anyway.
Will lust loosen my waist and lie here
on the couch"
You will do no such thing! You
will go to bed and get some rest SO
ycu will not be whining around in the
morning.
Tuning down the covers, Helen
scrutinized the bed linen. 1t was
Wretchedly laundered and of such
thin, cheap muslin that the soiled dark
ticking of the mattress and pillows
showed through. The blanket and red
lowered comforter We're far from
clean, and over all was a dingy-white
honeycombed spread.
Dear, | WON'T sleep in that bed
| would rather sit up all night.
A knock at the door, and the clerk
handed in two extra sheets. Warren
who by this time was partly undress-
ed, wrapped one around him toga
fashion.
HELEN GETS THIRSTY.
whats that for" he demanded, as