The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-06-24
CHAPTER TX.

Bibbs' room, that neat apartment for
transients to which the ''lamidal"
George had shown him upon his return,
still bore the appearance of temporary
quarters, possibly because Bibbs had
no clear conception of himself as a
permanent incumbent. However, he
had set upon the mantelpiece the two
photographs that he owned; one. a
group" twenty years old-his father
and mother, with Jim and Roscoe as
boys-and the other a cabinet" Of
Edith at sixteen. And upon a table
were the books he had taken from his
trunk: SartOr Resartus, VirginSus
Puerisque, Huckleberry Finn, and Aft
erWhiles. There were some other books
in the trunk-a large one, which re-
manned unremoved at the foot of the
bed, adding to the general impression
of transiency. 1t contained nearly all
the possessions as well as the secret
life of Bibbs Sheridan. and Bibbs sat
beside it, the day after his interview
with his father, raking over a small
collection of manuscripts in the top
tray. Some of these he glanced through
obviously, finding little comfort in
them; but one made him smile. Then
he shook his head ruefully indeed, and
ruefulIy began to read 1t. 1t was writ
ten on paper stamped Hood SAM
tarium,' and it bore the title, Leisure"
-. For profession adapted solely to
the pursuit of happiness in thinking,
would choose that of an invalid; his
money Is time and he may spend 1t on
other side of the wall and the wall must
be so thick and high that he cannot
hear the roaring of the furnace fires and
the screaming Of the whistles. Peace
Having read so far as the word
peace" BibbS suffered an interruption
interesting as a coincidence of con-
trast. High voices sounded in the hall
just outside his door; and it became
evident that a wOman's quarrel was in
progress, the parties to it having begun
it in Edith's room, and continuing it
vehemently as they came out into the
hall.
Yes, you better go hOme!" Bibbs
heard his sister vOciferating. shrilly.
you better go home and keep your
mind a little more on your husband"
EDDIE, Edie!" he heard his mother
demonstrating, as peacemaker.
You see herer' This was Sfbyl. and
her voice was both acrid and trem-
ulous. Don't you talk to me that
way! 1 came here to tell Mother Sheri-
dan what I'd heard, and TO let her tell
Father Sheridan if she thought she
ought to, and I did it for your own
good"
Eyes, you didr' And Edfth's gliding
laughter footed loudly. Yes. you did!
You didn't have any other reason! Oh
no! You don't want to break it up be
tween Bobby Lamhorn and me be-
cause"
'Edie, Edie! Now, nowr'
"Oh. hush up, mammal I'd like to
know If he oughtn't to come here, what
about his not going TO her house.
How"
I've explained that to Mother Sheri-
dan" Sibyls voice indicated that she
was descending the stairs. Married
people are not the same. Some things
that should be shielded from a young
| girl"
This seemed to have no very sooth-
| ing effect upon Edith '' Shielded from
young girI'T' she shriIied You seem
pretty willing to be the shield! You
look out Roscoe doesn't notice what
kind of a shield you are"
Sibyl's answer was inaudible. but
Mrs. Sheridan's furried attempts at
pacification were renewed.
"Oh. hush up, mamma, and let me
alone! If you dare tell papa"
well, We'll see. You just come back
in your own room, and we'll"
| mo! / won't talk it Overt Stop
pulling me! Let me aloner And
Edith. flinging herself violently upon
Bibbs' door. jerked it open. swung
round it into the room, slammed the
door behind her. and threw herself,
face down, upon the bed in such a riot
of emotion that she had no perception
of Bibbs' presence in the room. Gasp
| ing and sobbing in passion of tears,
she beat the coverIet and pillows with
her cienched fists. Sneak she bah
bled aloud sneak! Snake-in-the-
grass! Cat!''
Bibbs saw that she did not know he
was there. and he went softly toward
the door, hoping to get away before
she became aware of him; but some
sound OF his movement reached her
and she sat up, startled. facing him
"Bibbs! / thought saw you go out
while ago.
Yes. came back. though. I'm
sorry"
did you hear me quarreHng will
| SibyI?'
only what you said in the hall. Yor
lie down again. Edith. I'm going out
NO: don't 60" She applied &
handkerchief to her eyes. emitted &
sob. and repeated her request. Dom
go. I don't mind you; you're quiet
anyhow. Mammals so fussy, am
never gets anywhere 1 don't mint
you at all. but wish you'd sit down
''AIl right And he returned to hi,
chair beside the trunk ''Go ahead ans
cry all you want. Edith" he said. IN,
harm In that!'
..SibyI told mamma-ohs" she began
choking. '-Afary yertrees had mamml