The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-09-12

Il can't get insurance, and men nave
been known to die and leave their
widows penniless. However" he rose
with an evident effort, we've gone
over all this hundred times. I'll see."
Yielding was in his voice.
She fell back into her languid grace
full pose. She gave him her very
sweetest smile, which she meant to
seem lovingly grateful He saw In 1t
only triumph.
You can be such a dear" she
purred I'm so proud of you! And
now you'd better hurry and dress. You
know the Higsbees are coming for
dinner"
He repressed an oath. I'D forgot
ten" And he limped heavily from the
room.
In his own room he dropped on the
bed, yielding for a brief interval TO
the pain and weakness OF which IL
was his pride never to give sign
before others.
He descended barely in time to join
Unity in greeting their guests.
He did not see a deeper vanity In
his feeling of superiority over his
guests. Higsbee was a big beefy man.
red of countenance and with raucous
voice that grated on Marks nerves.
He was rough, not to say boisterous,
in manner. and his notion of wit was
yelled smuttiness-essays to which
Unity, incompatible hostess! paid the
perfect compliment of a shocked laugh
and blush.
The dinner was well cooked and
served, which was not always true
when the FRUITS dined alone. Mark
ate sparingly, the while eying covet-
ously the viands with which he dared
not indulge himself. He talked little,
neither Higsbee's coarse daring nor
the ladies' light gossip Of plays, latest
books and mutual acquaintance
especially of mutual acquaintance
being fields in which he felt at home.
But he was secretly much amused
when to Unity's casual mention OF
Mrs. Henley's call, Mrs. Higsbee re-
piled with the invidious suggestion
that Mrs. Henley was a good deal of
a snob. And when Unity countered
sweetly, do you think SO? l haven't
found her So" he chuckled aloud.
He explained the chuckle. "One
mustn't look gift horse in the
mouth" At which crude remark Higs-
bee guffawed, Mrs. Higsbee Uttered
maliciously and Unity looked panied.
All three had a suspicion Of what he
knew-that Mrs. Henley's call had
been under orders, gift from Henley.
Later he smoked, slowly and very
appreciatively, a mild cigar, which
lasted until Higsbee had consumed the
second.
How" Higsbee asked once, INTACT
fully, did you get Henley to send his
wife around?"
Mark resented the question. Il
didn't get him to-"
Nor" Higsbee looked bit incred-
ulous. We'll. you certainly do stand
well with him. Say, If you get a
chance. / wish you'd drop him hint
that we'd be glad to have her call"
I'm afraid" Mark said coldly. Hen
ley isn't a man to take that sort of
a hint kindly"
Il wish you would" Higsbee urged.
Mrs H. is crazy for 1t. And reckon"
he laughed lumberingly, the best way
is to get a woman what she wants.
It's comfortablest, anyhow"
Il haven't found it So" Mark lied,
adopting Unity's tactics. and promptly
changed the subject.
But at last the Higsbees left
Thank heaven!" exclaimed Mark
And to think that that man is one
Of the best labor handlers in the coun-
try!"
Bourgeois" Unity gave a shrug
and a nod to include the departed
guests.
Spell It."
Unity complied.
Hmm! happen to know what II
means" He gave her look of mock
admiration. Unity, you're a wonder.
You've got the nerve Of a winner.
You travel too fast gait for me. Who
could believe that less than six years
ago you were back In Bethel, keeping
company with tight-flsted Bill Slocum."
But Unity was too well pleased with
herself Just then to resent this cruel
reminder. Don't you see why / am
30 anxious to get up above such peo-
ple?"
Il can see." he said, Il shall have
to give In"
She went to him with a little cud.
ding movement, locking both hands
over one of his shoulders and looking
up at him. She made pretty picture.
A mirror over the mantle reflected 1t
for him.
"Oh, Mark, you make me so happy!
Tell me the truth. Aren't you glad l
made you come back to the city, and
that we've got so far-and that we're
going SO much farther"
You insist upon the TRUTH" He
looked thoughtfully at the reflection.
We'll, l suppose l must be. Other
wise you couldn't force me to buy the
new house, even though you are a very
capable bully"
"Bully!"
Exactly. Only" he continued, Il
still have a sense of proportion. We
are rather absurd, you and l. Unity"
She laughed contentedly. Il know