Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-10-27

gan to grow restless. One evening
when he came for her she saw that he
was nervous; a strained. tired look had
crept into bis eyes, and she thought
she understood. Nevertheless his spir.
its were ebullient. Whom they reached
home he ushered her into the apart
ment with flourish, and Lorelei was
amazed to ind their table set with
strange linen, silver and china and the
dining room decorated a. II for .
party
"Who's comingP What on earthr'
she exclaimed.
"A little surprise. A supper for just
you and me, my dear"
II was one Of his whims. During
the meal he made elaborate speeches
III the names Of ais friends, Hia
Ina ginary guests congratulated him
In empty glasses they toasted the bride
they extOlled her beauty. they praised
his own gallantry. and Wanted hii
conquest of the demon rum. But wher
all traces of the feast had disappeared
he swOoped down out Of the clouds and
confessed miserab.y:
II thought could kid myself, but
can't | want a drink. I-want--a--
drink! God! how l want IL!
Lorelei went swiftly to him. THE
fight IL just beginning, Bob. You're
doing nobly."
ut isn't thirst" he explained. and
she saw that same strained uneasinesi
in bis bright eyes. I'm not thirsty
I'm shaky inside, l get tired Of fight
Ing"
Lorelei nodded alphabetically
That's why it's so hard to reform
ones conscience tires, but temptation
is always fresh. You must keep busy
I'm going to work.
mo, no! Not yet" she cried, quick
ly. you must fght It out where can
help"
Bob smiled gratefully. You're q
thoroughbred. promised to let you
have your way, and you shall. Even
II we lose the patient 1t will be a dandy
operation"
For the first time in her life Lorelel
really worked, and worked not for her
self, but for another. Although the
experience was interesting In its nov
city. the result remained unsatisfac
tory, for not only did love fail to re
spond to these sacrifices, but she could
see no improvement in Bob's condition
The thing she fought WAS impalpable
yet enormous; II was weak, yet strong
1t seemed to sleep, yet 1t was evel
awake.
or necessity the two lived In thu
closest intimacy, than which nothing II
ordinarily more fatal to domestic hap
plness. But Bob was unique; he dit
not tire; he began TO rely upon Lorele
as a sick man leans upon his nurse
and to worship her as man worship
bis sweetheart. There was more thai
passion ~ his endearments now.
But II was discouraging to the girl
who gained no strength from her pen
ance and derived NO satisfaction what
ever in service for services sake. Tit
whole arrangement tried her patience
desperately; she was weary In mint
and body. aud looked back with regre
upon her former easy life There wal
no time now for recreation-BOb hat
to be amused, Salary day assumed
new Importance, and she began t
count the cost Of every purchase.
So spring went and midsumme
came. II was terribly hot In the city
the nights were breathless, the day
were glaring and this heat was espe
cially trying to one in Bob's condition
In bis periods of gayety be showers
his wife with attentions and sduan
dered every dollar he could borrow II
presents for her; in his hours OF depres
sion he was everything strange, moros
and irritable.
without her knowledge he applied I
his old firm for a salar1ed position an
was refused. He appealed to Merkl
with the same result, but succeeded u
borrowing a thousand dollars wit
which he bought Lorelel set Of blac
opals, going into debt for half tn
price.