New Britain herald., 1915-10-25
\ Talk With Dicky Through the
 Closed Door

Madge! What do you mean ?? You are not afraid of me, are you?"
 Dicky's voice, half-anxious, half indignant, came through my locked door As~I heard it, I felt ashamed of the panic of fear which had caused me to rush into my bedroom and barricade my door, when I saw Dicky, half-intoxicated, come toward me.
 But if my fright was lessening, my anger was increasing. Dicky had rushed off to Lillian Gales affair be- cause of a quarrel we had had over our household finances. I had not expected his return until nearly morning. But shortly after midnight he and Harry Underwood, Lillian's husband, had driven up in taxicab. Harry had remained downstairs, but Dicky had come up in an almost maudlin condition, to peg me to re- turn with them to the party. The very sight of a drunken man has al- ways terrified me, so that when Dicky crossed the room toward me, and I realized that he was going to em- brace me, fled in unreasoning terror to my room
 I stood silent and trembling be- hind my door, while Dicky stormed and entreated outside.
 Let me in, Madge," he command ed. I'm not going to hurt you, but I'm your husband. I want to talk to you, and I'm not going to do it through any door,"
 I do not know whether disgust or anger was the stronger feeling with me. This certainly was a new phase of my marriage, this parleying with a drunken husband.
 "Just Open the Door,
 1T shall not let you in" My tone was icy. "Nor shall I talk to you while you are in the condition you are in now. Please go away"
 What dye mean. What con- dition?" Dicky's voice was surprised and injured. What's the matter with my condition. I'd like to know?"
 He paused, evidently expecting a reply, but I was resolved to speak to him only if it seemed necessity. He waited for a moment, then a sudden thought appeared to strike him, and he exclaimed:
 "I know what's the matter. you think I'm drunk. Now Madge, you're mistaken. Everybody else at the party except Lii and Harry and me are drunk. And Lil and Harry they're just little upset, but am all right. See here, I'll tell you what to do. You just open this door and smell my breath. You wouldn't think I was drunk if you could smell my breath just once.'
 The absurdity of this proposal, when the whole room from which had, fled seemed pervaded with the odor of spirits, appeared to strike even Dickys muddled understanding, for he finished his appeal with a distinct cnuckle.
 Good thing she didn't cover that bet" he whispered to himself as I still remained silent.
 I wondered what crazy proposal he would utter next. Evidently he ap- peared to be thinking things out I heard him wandering about the room, his stick striking against the chairs and tables as he unsteadily passed between them. Finally he came back to my door again, and struck it violent blow
 Goodbye, Little Cross Girl.
 See here, my lady," he said harsh ly. I'm not going to do any Bought and Paid For stunt here, breaking in my wife's locked door, but I want to know right now, are you going back to LiIs with Harry and me or not '"
 1T certainly am not I made my words as emphatic as possible. Go back yourself, or, go to bed. or do "'0uetfrrng bestde- stanriing --outsitfe