The Washington herald., 1914-02-07
Daily Short Story
SPENDING MONEY.
D ELLA RANDALL rEARCE.
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Mr.. Lemuel Wallace kissed his wifi
good-by In his usual gallant early norn'
| ing planner. walked 5auntiiy a. far ~
the door and turned with reflective
giarce. 49,,
II gave you q bill yesterday. didn'i
H. Chrissie?" he questioned. How
much was the gas tubingr'
Young Mrs-. Wallace knew what was
expected of her. She quickly produced
handful Of small change from her
counted the money into his ready palm
and stood looking at him . little wist.
fully. TIA like to keep q quarter, Lem. "
what forr' inquired her husband.
| with elevated eye-brlms. You're no,
going out today"
moo. But I'd like to have q little
change handy" Her face was reddening
and she looked away. "oh. never mind.
| Go on"
Lemuei slowly dropped the coins into his
pocket
1T can't see why you're always ask
ing for money" he said peevishly. -Its
Its irritating"
Always askingr' echoed his wife
frightened and she stared mutinous,y a,
the man before her. 'weil. IL am
always asking-I never get it!'
But. Christie. what do you want
money for?" pursued the surprised hus.
band. 'I pay all the bills. don't II" And
buy you good clothes? And take you out
whenever I can. don't I? Yet. you're
harping on change lately-what do you
want with my changer"
MY change" mimioked Chrissie in the
childish way that made her gentle anger
,-l-
anything else. 'Oh. 60 along, Lemuol
She pushed him across the sill and shu,
the door. Then, with tears leaping to
her eyes, she fell into her chair at the
table
Hell never understand-never. never.
And can't make him, I was hoping
he'd forget about that s. bill. i wanted
to see how 1t would seem to have a few
pennies In my purse. He thinks I'm Just
joking. or set on having my own way.
And LENS awfully stubborn himself
about some things"
Within q week. the disagreeable matter
came up again. Lemuel rising from the
breakfast table, counted out S1.10 with
which the laundry bill was to be paid.
I'm going to your mothers for lunch
CON-" reminded Chrissie.
Another dime was carefully laid on
the table. Chrissie glared at 1t with
eyes full of extraordinary resentment
That's enough for your carfare," said
her husband.
Then the long brooding storm broke.
''Lemuel Wallace, don't want your
money. A dime-a single. stingy dime
and had to ask for that- Chrissie
choked Us she winked back the tears
Suppose I lost my last nickel and had
fn IL
make a small purchase on the way. Or
your mother asked me to go out with
her, or to donate to one of her pet
charities l won't be humiliated in this
way! And-I won't ever ask you for
money again. It's-it's awful
Her husband regarded her with an
expression in which astonishment and
hauteur were blended. You have very
strange ideas. Chrissie-and foolish" ne
said coldly. Il suppose that comes of
your having been a wage Garner before
your marriage. am willing to give
you all you need: but this idea OF spend
as you call it-why, It is be-
coming veritable bone of contention
between us. II is spelling our lives,
Chrissie."
Then why don't You let me keep my
asked Chrissie, pitifully.
You paw my bills. You give me pennies
when 1 ask for them-but you make me
feel like pauper-and a beggar. Lem,
Lem. think II over. Try to be fair with
me! Other wives crave dresses, Jewels,
for their friends; but l.
l." She laughed Historically, and her
tones were shrill- why, Lem, the hap
piest moment of my life would be when
could hear my husband say, Keep the
Chrissie" -
The speech, with its provoked sar-
casm, stung deeper than the speaker
had intended Lemuel Wallace flushed
angrily. and stiffened with unexnressAd