The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1914-08-15

WIN hNA IhAAuAOh Wy hOA bIAACL IL
their need of her personal care, she
took charge of her babies as soon as
the nurse left. On the first night
that she was alone with Ruth, the Sec
ond child, her husband told her he
was going to the club. He explained
that, during her illness, he had not
had the heart to mingle with any of
his friends, but tonight, unless she
objected seriously, he would like to
run out for a smoke and a game Of
cards. Louise hid the CONSERVATION
which she felt, and answered color
lessly.
"of cours you must go II you wish
to-" she said. But as l am not very
strong l hope you will not be out
late. 1 might need you"
Maggie is at home" he reminded
her.
YES" she assented, "but when one
maid does all the work it is hardly
fair to disturb her rest at night"
That's true" agreed Tom good
naturally, but l feel blue this eve
ming and want to get away. It's been
lonely here with you sick so much
lately"
ITS a bit lonely tonight for me,
too" she reminded him gently.
"Ah, yes, but you have your baby"
he replied.
She is your baby, too" she as
serted, with a little culver in her
voice. Then she tried to laugh. go
out, Tom, if you want to. l will get
on all right, l think"
Tom Marshall meant to come home
early, but a number of his friends
were at the club, and most of them
insisted on drinking to the baby's
health and he drank with them. He
found 1t good to get with men again,
and wondered how some fellows
seemed satisfied with the company of
II woman most of the time. Then
he remembered that Louise was wait
ing for him at home, and he looked
at his watch. It was after midnight.
One of the men suggested that they
start for home, and Tom left the
club with a member who lived near
him. He stumbled as he went up the
steps of his house, and his fingers
fumbled so when he tried to At the
key in his front door that his friend
took it from him and turned it in the
lock.
Go upstairs softly, Tom" he
warned him, "or you will wake your
wife"
And what If I do" asserted the hus-
band, more loudly than was neces-
sary. I'm master in this housed"
He slammed the door behind him.
Louise, lying awake after several
hours of wretched nervousness, heard
it all. She also heard him start to
come upstairs, and the banister creak
as he leaned heavily against it.
Springing up, she slipped on her bed
shoes and wrapper, and went to the
head of the stairs. Her husband, near
the top, staggered against the wall
and looked at her with a foolish
smile.
waiting for me, Ell? Coin to kiss
me or scold me?"
She turned sick as he came toward
her.
Tom" she said in a hoarse whis-
per, you've been drinking too much!"
He frowned. That's a nice way
to welcome a man home isn't It? 1
tell you I've only had a couple OF
drinks. You're Internally suspicious,
that's the matter with you!"
He started toward their room, the
room in which both Of the babies
slept, but she laid her hand on his
arm. He looked at her and gave a
short laugh, then threw his arms
about her and drew her to him rough
ly.
"Confound 1t, but you're pretty with
all that hair hanging around your
face! You ought to keep it that way
all the time! l say, old girl" hold
ing her at arms length and looking
at her with a maudlin smile, while
tears Redeemed his eyes, don't get
mad at me! Let's kiss and make
upi"
mo, no." she gasped. IF you have
a spark of decency in you, don't
touch me again! You will make me
hate you!"
She turned quickly toward the small
room in which the nurse had slept
while she was with them. Here"
she said hastily, lis a bed all ready
for you. Let me help you undress."
The warmth of the house was begin
ming to have it's effect on the mans
brain, and he was too stupid to argue.
He sat down IN the side Of the bed
while his wife took off his coat and
unfastened his collar and necktie.
Then he pushed her aside and pulled
himself to a standing posture.
I'm going to sleep in my own bed,
Louise" he affirmed, 81 won't stay in
here
Then the babies and l will have to
sleep in this small ROOM" she said
You're too good to stay neal q
fellow that's had a drink, eh?" he
sneered.
NO" she replied calmly, "but my
little daughters are"
The bed looked inviting to the
drowsy man, and he started toward
1t, then stopped and glanced at the
door Of his own room. AREN'T you
going to let me kiss the babies good.
night?" he quavered with a silly
whimper.
NO" said the wife firmly. Then,
az he sat down on the side of the bed
/ rival Of n "royal nersonaRe" an,