The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1917-08-30
(contInued From Our last Issue)
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
Mrs. Ed took her place screnely
at the foot of the table. and the
husband coming IN apart from the
men purposely on this particularly
day-took his at the head. As his
gaze swept over the table. he start
ed, stood stiil moment. staring
nj Il daEedly. lie sat down. his
lips pallld. lie did not look AT
Peggy. and Peggy, watching him
under veiled eyes. suddenly trem-
bled. She had been waiting for his
eyes TO meet hers had counted on
it-Rnd now--now-
The others sidled to their places.
fumbled awkwardly with the yard.
square napkins. that seemed never
20 get thru unfolding. looked at the
table curiously. searohingly. and
Ben angrily. Where In thundera.
ton was tho grubg Did she expect
them to eat silver and glass and
rosesF
But the door leading from the
pantry opened and an appetlzing
odor waited in - also the cook.
CARRIED In immaculate white. her
impassive face as awesomo as tho
silver tray she carried. In silence,
a deadly. paraiyEing silence. each
received twohandled frail china
cup and saucer. set on n plate
What in the devil Who In thunder
could drink this sick.looking coffee.
anyhow And where was the sugar
and the cream'
But criminy crickets -- there
were pieces OF vegetables In { he
bottom OF the cup. And here were
little toasted pieces OF bread being
passed. Was this the kids grub'
But no: for Mr.. and Mrs. I'D were
partaking OF II calmly by the spoon.
fuls. Daxedly. not knowing whether
this was laughing or "cussing"
matter. they followed suit as best
they could. Only Ben. who swai.
lowed his at gulp and cried out
loudly:
For a sample that want 30 bad
Now I'll have bowlful. II you'll
call that gal. Err. II you're all out
OF bowls. then a soup-plateful."
An angry red lcaped TO the cheeks
OF the man of the house. but the
mistress rang the bell and calmly
ordered:
"A serving OF soup. Annie. for
Mr.. i.ake-at the right OF Mr.. Trow'
bridge"
"A howlful." supplemented Ben
grufny.
Their meat disappeared before
the potatoes arrived. mashed beau
TRULY In cream. and served in a
beautifully shaped dish. and pre-
scented most politely at the side OF
each on silver tray for him TO
serve himself. But-"So. ma'am.
NO" mo. thanky ma'am." Don't
eat EN-" Not any fer me"--eame
In mumbies.
Some further clearing away OF
dishes and further brushing away
OF crumbs. Then something more.
at last.--and set down before each
place without any foolery. Yes;
but
"Ferrot Z cook yer dessert"
sncered Ben. feeling himself on
sure ground here.
That's Waldorf salad. Ben said
Mrs. Ed. Eraciously informative.
You win like 1t. know--it's Eds
favorite"
Ben pushed II from him.
IN take my dessert now. II there
10 dessert" he snorted
ed takes what give him and
when I give. Ben" returned Mrs.
Ed quietly. Isn't that so. Ed7"--
laughing archly at her husband.
but In her voice was the pleading
call OF bird 10 her mate.
A taut silence fell
All had noted Big Eds grimness.
and Ben had traded on II. and con.
tinued to trade.
Il won't" he asserted. cooking
his head like n bantam.
II reckon y will" II was the
husband who spoke - quietly. but
with an authoritative note all had
heard before and anew was not 10
be disputed. Il eat what my wife
sets before me. and I'm thinking
the rest OF you'll do the same"
Cheese IT," Frinned Dave. We
Amt been insulted. We've been
like II. that's all. I'm goin' Z get
treated like the family, an we don't