The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1915-12-17


What puzzles me is that she always
seems disappointed when there's moth
ing in the post from him, and here's
a cablegram that might be the very
thing she's looking for and she pays
no attention to it. It certainly beats
me-"
you know what puzzles me more
than anything else? I've said it
hundred times. She never goes outside
this house-eXcept in the garden-day
or night You'd think she was an in
valid-or afraid of detectives or some
thing like that God knows she amt
sick woman. never saw a healthier
one. Rain or shine, winter or summer
she walks up and down that courtyard
till you'd think she'd wear a path in
the stones. Eats like a soldier, laughs
like kid, and I'll bet she sleeps like
one, she's so fresh and bright-eyed in
the morning"
well, I've got this to say, Joe
Riggs: she has been unCOmmOnly de-
cent to you after the way you used
to treat her when she first came here.
She's made you feel everlastingly
! ashamed Of your idiotic behavior"
q beg your pardon, Danbury," ex-
claimed Mr.. Riggs, striking the table
with his bony knuckles so violently
that the books and magazines bounced
into the air Don't you ever say any
thing like that again to me. It's
against the rules for me to call you a
scoundrelly liar or I'd do it in Sec
ond."
For your sake, sir, I'm CHAD it's
against the rules" said Mr.. Dawes,
fiercely. I'm mighty glad"
Mr.. Riggs allowed a sheepish grin
to steal over his wrinkled visage. *
apologize, Danbury."
"And so do l." said his friend, where
upon they shook hands with great cor
diality--as they did at least dozen
times day since the beginning of the
new regime.
She's the finest, loveliest woman on
EARTH" said MIR. Riggs.
II never knew | could be so happy
as I've been during the past six
months. Why, this house is like bird
cage filled with canaries. | some
times feel like singing my head off
and as for whistling! haven't whis-
tied for years till now. +"
Ssh" Kissed Mr.. Riggs, suddenly
backing away from the table and try
ing to affect an unconcerned examina-
tion of worn spot in the rug.
Mrs. Brood was descending the
stairs, lightly, eagerly. In another in
slant she entered the room.
How nice the fire looks" she cried,
crossing the room. Never had she
been more radiantly, seductiyely beau
tiful than at this very instant. my
cablegram-where Is it,"
The old men made simultaneous
dash for the long-neglected envelope
Mr. Dawes, being fat and aggressive
succeeded in being the first to clutch
it in his eager fingers.
Better read it, Mrs. Brood" he
painted, thrusting it into her hand
Maybe it's bad news"
She regarded him with one of her
most mysterious smiles. mo, nv
friend it is not bad news. It is good
news. 1t is from my husband"
But you haven't read it," gasped
Mr. Riggs.
"Ah, but l know, just the same" She
deliberately slit the envelope with a
slim finger and held it out to them.
Read it IL you like"
They solemnly shook their heads,
too amazed for words. She unfolded
the sheet and sent her eyes swiftly
over the printed contents. Then, to
their further stupefaction she pressed
the bit of paper to her red lips Her
eyes flashed like diamonds.
Listen! Here is what It says:
Come by the first steamer. / want
you to come to me, Therese.' And see!
1t is signed Your husband"
"Hurray!" shouted the two old men.
But" she said, shaking her head
slowly, 81 shall not obey"
what! You--you won't go?"
gasped Mr.. Riggs.
mol" she cried, the ring of trf-
umph in her voice. She suddenly
clapped her hands to her breast and
uttered long, deep sigh of joy. mo,
I shall not go to him."
The old men stared helplessly while,
she sank luxuriously into a chair and
stuck her little feet out to the fire.
They felt their knees grow weak I'M
der the weight Of their suddenly inert
bodies.
"But, Mrs. Brood, he wants you!"
came almost in groan from the lips
of Mr.. Riggs. 1j;s9i
She lighted cigarette. "If he wants
me, Mr.. Riggs, let him come and get
me-" she said sending long cloud Of
smoke toward the ceiling as she lay
back in the chair and crossed her
feet in absolute, utter contentnent.
"He will come, my dear old friends
oh, am sure that he will come"
"You-you don't know him, Mrs.
| proodn lamanted Mr. Dawes Hoe