The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-03-02

either to his wife or Forbes. Prepar-
4, ing an examination might have &C
counted for his taciturnity-but 1t
didn't
And now several days followed in
which the professor glum humor was
very marked. he scarcely looked at
his wife. And one who would thought
at such treatment. She didn't. The
professor noted. that If anything she
appeared more contented than ever.
shes tired of me- was his inward
conviction. She didn't care for me
after ALL" Then he grew furious.
That was no reason why a woman
a good woman, -should-should- He
left his thought unfinished.
And now a time came when he lay
wide awake each noon on that couch
where he had had so many pleasant
siestas. Furiously each day. he wait
ed for that rousing smack that at
first he had puzzled over. There was
no question In his mind now as to
what 1t was. The sound had been
| hicu A1C hhcW NWhdt ~ Woo ANO
wide-awake person could mistake 1t.
But to think that Emily-his wife
should
"I'll kick that young jack-a-napes
out Of the house tomorrow" was a
conclusion he arrived at one day
That day the smack had been repeat
ed He's too good-looking anyway
And Emily-shes only a kid Why
she's never had any other fellow but
me-" 1t was rather unprofessional
talk. but II the truth must be told
the professor always did his thinking
in the vernacular. He wasn't very old
himself
The next day he spent only fleet
ing moment on the couch. He just
let them see him there. eyes closed.
Then, teeth gritted. he took his place
at the door between the dining room
and kitchen 1t was slightly ajar
Somewhere overhead he heard the
teacher of mathematics humming a
tune. In the kitchen his wife was
busily scraping the plates. The pro-
lessor felt the cold sweat OF nervous
ness on his body as he waited To
look on at his wife's perfidty was no
joke. In his throat he swallowed hard
at his conscience on account OF his
eavesdropping. And yet he must
something drove him to 1t!
When the footballs OF Forbes de-
scendng the stairs. came to him. he
clenched the door in the intensity OF
his feeling Then just as the teacher
of mathematics reached the hall floor
that kiss reverberated loud and clear.
The professor grew rigid. The out
er door slammed. Again that kiss.
This time, dignity thrown to the winds.
the professor thrust his head through
the doorway. And he was just In
time to see his wife. not more than
a foot away. kissing with whole-souled
ardour the back of her own hand. Al
so, there was no way In which she
coulc have reached the hall except by
passing her husband.
The professor gasped. The gasp
startled the wife from her self.absorb
ing rite. Rigidly erect. she gazed at
him But the professor was hopping
hia genuinely beaded brow. and did
not see 1t. At last when he looked al
her a ripping laugh issued from her
lips.
Your sleep-made you warm. Ar
thur"
81 wasn't sleeping." The professor
confronted his wife with peculiar
look 81 haven't slept for week"
You haven't slept for a week.
Her tone was properly surprised and
she laughed girlishly.
mo, haven't"
But thought you"
We'll. haven't" he interrupted
seriously He put out two arms and
| placed them on her shoulders. ITO
day | was going to kick our respected
teacher of mathematics out OF the
house."
Gurgles OF Laughter came from the
woman.
Poor. innocent MIR. Forbes" she
beamed up at him.
There was moment OF silence
while the professor smiled back. Then
suddenly he caught her to him. And
now perfect imitation OF those re-
sounding kisses echoed through the
house. When he finally released her
1t was with a low laugh Of satisfac
ton.
What a trickster you are, Nell
You've certainly put me through the
third degree" he said whimsically. 81
don't believe ri ever be able to SLEEP
again without being haunted"
She pointed threatening finger a,
him. IF you do" she blushed, I'll
really do it-really and truly"
"What?" he laughed. kiss our pro
fessor of Matchmaker"
She nodded
He wagged his head teasingly
Maybe old Forbes wouldn't lei
you"
"Poof!" she snapped her fingers in
his face. "A woman can do anything
she likes with man-even to keep
ing him from his MONDAY siesta!"
At which the professor only laughed
happily and rushed away.
1