The Washington herald., 1914-06-01

And Gerald had laughed. saying that II
was a bubble too likely to burst.
She went up the steps Of the little
porch. thinking of what Gilbert had said
about the bubble.
Elsie In her letter had asked her to
Clayfield to visit them. 1t is true. but she
had supposed II to be a new summer
home OF some sort. Well, there might
still be a mistake.
But pretty Elsie Langley. herself,
answered the bell.
you dariing.' she cried. almost drop
ping the baby she held in her effort to
throw both arms around her visitor.
I'm so glad Gerald would let you come.
Come on in and let me have a good luck
look at you. What a darling hat! And
who made your suit? You look stunning!
It's been SO long since I've seen a tailor
made rig, I'm starved for the sight of
one. They don't grow 'em here" She
laughed, half pulling. half showing Nan
ette into the little parior and depositine
her in a chair.
Nanette was trying her well-bred best
not to show surprise. But for Elsie. in a
gingham dress, with a baby In her arms,
taking her bag was a most astonishing
thing. Something had surely happened.
did you have any trouble finding
us?'
Not very much. asked two or three
people"
Este laughed again easily. 'T should
have told you to bring reld glasses.
We're SO small we're hard to find. Are
you surprised. Nanette?' suddenly seri-
GUS.
1t was useless to feisn disinterest. "a
al 49, l. ls
ment?"
Come on upstairs Nan. have your
little room ready. Then I'll put baby
to bed. and we'll have a little chat. /
want to tell you al labout It. / couldn't
in a letter"
A little later Nanette learned the truth.
all quickly told. There wasn't much.
The bubble had burst The Langleys
had nothing. They were beginning all
over again. Jack had a clerkship in an
Office
But Elsie. can't see how you-Tell
me. Are you happy? You have always
had everything"
Never was happier in my life
81 don't see how you do 1t. You say
you have only one maid"
II get up early and work. I feel splen-
did for the exercise. You ought to see
me sweep
But the children-and no nurse"'
II am just getting acquainted with
them I'm learning to sew. too. I've
made Buddy five new pairs of rompers. -
"Elsiew
And GAevieve a new coat out of my
pink party coat
Elsie! 80
And aIi my own gingham dresses and
pajamas and shirts for Jack, and all the
Swiss curtains in the house. and -
Elsie, -
Nanette's mouth was wide open with
amazement
Mrs. Langley went on quickly. TT is
such g relief. too, now that I don't have
to worry about Jack racing any more.
You know 1 was always afraid he'd be
killed. He feels so much better, too.
since he's been walking to places. And
as for my jewels-they were only a bur-
den. I'm glad to be able to sleep with
out thinking of thieves"
Nanette having no reply to make to
these astonishing facts. Mrs. Langley
ratified on as though she thought her re-
marks were merely causing a gratifying
sensation in her visitors breast
She went on with a laugh. You won't
believe me. / suppose, dear. when l tell
you I bought my spring suit of hook
for $50. and trimmed my own hat. I did
feel odd in the hand-me-down at first. i
love tailor-mades, but Jack declares /
never looked so well in anything. At any
rate, have the satisfaction of not wor-
rying him. I know it's within his means.
But you're tired OF hearing all this. Do
tell me about yourself. dear"
Nanette had risen. Elsie, dear, there
Is something L Well, IL you don't
mind, I'll tell you all about 1t sometime
again. You'll think I'm crazy, ! know,
but have just thought of something. I
think I'll not unpack my bag. I'd better
get back home right away. I'll come
again later in the summer. You won't
mind, dear, will you? You have darling
little home and I'd like to stay, but
Dearie, I'll be honest It's about Gerald.
We've quarreled. and I want to get home
before he gets there this evening"
Kind little Elsie seemed to understand
with wonderful quickness, and sped the
parting guest
Nanette got home just in time to tear
up the note she had left for her husband.
He came in as the scraps 1uttered into
the basket.
Nanette for the first time noticed the
strain in his face, the graying hair and
the STOPPING shoulders.
Dearest" She went to him and pulled
his tired head to her breast. I'm sorry.
I'm going to try so hard after this to
help. Let's give Sup this place. We can
take little house, and I'll learn to work
Just we two, 1t will be loads Of fun!
We really ought to catch up soon and
save money" r
With a happy sigh he kissed her. The
years Of care seemed to fall away.
Miles away in Clayield Mrs. Langley
had put the babies to bed and was busy
with dinner. In the pantry she leaned
against the ice box an instant and wiped
away a tear. She was very, very tired.
I'm glad 1 did what Jack asked. He
felt so sorry for Gerald. and I'm sure
Nanette will do better now. II just took
an hour instead of a week, and its
good thing. for I'm afraid. If she'd stayed