Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-11-08

Until I heard Dickys voice over the
~ telephone and knew that no accident
had befailcn him 7 did not realize how in
tense had been my anxiety for his safety.
] had told myself over and over that moth
ing IN the world could happen 10 two full
Grown men, even n they we're intoxicated.
But Lillian Gales evident worry had af-
fected me. and J had distressed myself ever
since her phone with visions OF Dicky in
various dangers
When ! heard his voice. however still
urging with drunken lnslstence that 20
back with Harry and himself 20 Lilllan's
ail-nlght party. my anxiety vanished and
my anger returned. I purposely made my
own voice as cold and incislve as I could
when I answered him,
You know am not going back with
you Dicky. Where are you and why do
Where am ~ DiclSy's injured voice
hoated back 20 me. "Tm down IN n place
that's got an ali-night license, I am. and
Harry is with me, and here we're going TO
stay until you get ready to go back with
US to LIS party. Poor Ill, having n nice
party, and we don't dare go back without
you. That's three Of us Iii hasn't got
Poor Ill poor grill"
His voice trailed on brokenly as II he
were overwhelmed at the thought Of Lii
lians wrongs. | spoke slowly and dis
tinctly into the telephone:
"Dcky. listen TO me Mrs Underwood
"a very much worried about you and her
husband. She wishes you 60 go back TO her
house at once. III you do not want TO do
that. come home"
But DiclSy was adamant 81 toll you
can't go back unless I take you" he reiter-
ated. My patience suddenly ned
Then stay there" I snapped chldishly.
and hung up the receiver.
A PROMISE KEPT
the promise I had made her that IL
heard anything OF our husbands I would
eall her up. The task was most distasteful
TO me. but I said to myself that a promise
was promise, and turned to the telephone
again.
Chelsea, SEA" said in answer TO CEN
trails demand Of Number" and in another
moment heard Mrs. Underwood's worried
voice.
Eyes. yes" she began. "Is that you. Mrs.
Graham? Have you heard anythlng?"
"Dicky Just telephoned." l replied. that
he and Mr.. Underwood are I'm some place
with an all-night license. and that they in
tend 10 stay there until come back with
them to your house. As assured him that
he was expecting an imposs,bity I sup
pose they will stay there for some time"
"Oh, dear" she returned. How / wish
you had come with Dicky this evening
Then this would not have happened"
Il might as well have done So" agreed
Il can imagine the state my head will he
in tomorrow IL this performance keeps up"
MY dear girl. l am so sorry" Mrs
Underwood's voice seemed 10 hold genuine
contrition. Don't trouble TO telephone me
again. and I won't bother you with phoning.
know where they are. fancy at Flack's
an all-night restaurant they both like They
won't be home until breakfast time, SO
you may as well get some sleep"
That Is good advice" / replied smooth
ly. Il shall take II. Good-by," and 1 hung
up the receiver.
/ could have laughed aloud at the idea
OF sleep for me, which Lillian Gale had so
glbly advised. Sleep Rest felt as n
! never should know the meaning of the
words again. My eyes met Katies. hers
round and eager with curiosity and I'm.
terest felt "A sudden rage that any one
should be witness of my emotions
"katie"-I tried to speak kindly. but 7
put note of decision in my tone which
j did not think she would disregard-"vou
must go TO bed. j cannot have you sit nm
here any longer You will not be M for
anything tomorrow, and I shall want Won
feeling all right in the morning, for I am
AFRAID j may have n headache Then I
snail want you to take care OF me Please
LOOK IN at my door when you have dressed
in tho morning"
Katie evidently recognized the Inevitable
In my voice, for she rose without n word
and went toward the kitchen. Al the door
she looked back 1'''