The Ordway new era., 1917-10-26

Lear, It's the most uncomfortable
room-no place to put anything. And
only one side window! It'll be so
stuffy we can't Sleep" thinking of the
Carson's room with the two front win
dows.
"Well, it's only for one night.
Where'd you put my collars"
Right here-Tve given you this
drawer. Dear, what're we going to do
after dinner?"
"Oh, bum along the boardwalk-and
finish up at some cabaret"
do we have to have supper?
You'll have to pay for it, If we do"
"Now see here" irately, II told
you"
"Oh, know, but can't help 1t. 1t
isn't fair! 1t makes me furious to see
them impose upon you. That's why
they were so eager to come with us.
They know you always pay for every
thing"
"How about the time they took us to
dinner and show afterward?"
"We've had them to the house twice
since then"
"Huh, grudging people what you give
'em In your own home. eh?" jerking
on his dress shirt with a disdainful
snort.
warren. you know love to enter
tain. And when we 60 on a trip,
want to do our 'share-and more! But
it makes me wild to see"
"Now that's enough! Drop 1t, tell
you! Where's brush? Here's some
of your Internal powder on my coat"
Helen brushed the white smear off
the sleeve with u repentant:
"Dear, I'm horrid. I know. After all
it's your money-Ill try not to say
another word while we're here"
"Oh, Carson's the right Sort" thrust
ing into his pockets the change and
keys from his other suit. "Men are
whole lot more particular about keep
ing up their end than women-but they
don't talk so alfred much about 1t.
And they don't split over every five
cent piece. Ready? Knock on that
door and see If they've gone down."
As Helen turned to the connecting
door she stopped petrifled. 1t stood
ajar-almost an inch. Drawing nearer,
she heard distinctly Mrs. Carson's
voice, lowered to a cautious whisper.
For a moment she stood dazed. War
ren was waiting out in the hall, impa-
tiently twirling the jangling key.
He had not noticed the open door,
and Just then she had not the courage
to tell him. Switching off the lights,
she Joined him with a nervous Lets
not hurry them. They'll come on down
as soon us they're ready"
Downstairs the well-dressed crowd
of popular resort hotel filled the
lounge and lobby. Beyond was vista
of the long dining room with the white
linen and glowing table lights.
"We'll wait for them out here"
Warren strolled over to the news
stand.
How much had they heard, Helen
was asking herself in anguished sus-
pense. Knowing the walls were thin,
she had not talked loud, but with the
door aiar, If they were listening, they
could hear every word. What would
tbey saw or do? The situation was In
tolerable.
"Its ten after" she suggested nerv-
ouslS. perhaps we'd better go IN:
They might feel more comfortable II
we don't wait"
"oh, no, they'll be along in min
ute. Here they are now."
One glance at Mrs. Carson ana
Helen's heart beat sickenly. They had
heard!
"Ready for the eats?" Warren fold
ed I'D his paper in genial unconscious
ness.
"Just a minute" Mr.. Carson's face
Redeemed as he drew out his waliet'
Lets square up our accounts, Curtis
before we 60 in. The parlor car seats
we're So and luncheon $4.3O-that
right? That makes $3.50, not count
inc the fins. Four dollars will about
cover our half" -.
"why, what does this meanF'
| spluttered Warren.
| AZ was going to settle up to night
hut Mrs. Carson wants to DO II now
before we-before we so any further
he finished lamely.
| For one long, embarrassed moment
warren stood fumbling the bills. Then
he blurted out a protesting:
"See here, Carson, we're not going 70
snoil our, trip by any misunderstand-
ing. You ought to-" -,
"Hadn't we better go In to dinnerr
interrupted Mrs. Carson, frtgidiy' =
| think we're rather late as 1t is."
For moment, Warren stood uncer-
tain, then helplessly thrust the bills IN
his vest pocket. -.
.rhis is your dolngsi'' between his
or,tted teeth, as they, followed the stif-
T. sloof Carsons into the dining room.
i h sOh. they'll hear ypu, whispeeed
H.len n wretched eutresty.
4 4 aWhat III thsy ~ Iheysvs hsar9 q