Middletown transcript., 1917-10-27

"Oh, bum along the boardwalk-anc
finish up at some cabaret"
do we have to have supper7
You'll have to pay for it, if we do"
"Now see here" irately, 81 told
YOU"
'Oh, know, but can't help it. 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 tc
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 I love to enter
tain. And when we go, on a trip, l
want to do our share-and more! But
1t makes me wild to see"
"Now that's enough! Drop it, tell
you! Where's brush? Here's some
of your Internal powder on my coat"
Helen brushed the white smear off
the sleeve with repentant:
'Dear, I'm horrid, know. After all
it's your money-Tll 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 petrified. 1t stood
ajar-almost an inch. Drawing nearer,
she heard distinctly Mrs. Carson's
voice, lowered to 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 as they're ready"
| Downstairs the well-dressed crowd
Of q popular resort hotel filled the
lounge and lobby. Beyond was a vista
Of the long dining room with the white
linen and glowing table lights.
well 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 ajar, If they were listening, they
could hear every word. What would
they say or do? The situation was in
tolerable.
"It's ten AFTER" she suggested nerv-
ously. perhaps we'd better go In.
They might feel more comfortable If
we don't wait"
"Oh, no, they'll be along in a min
ute. Here they are now"
One glance at Mrs. Carson and
Helen's heart beat sickenly. They had
heard!
"Ready for the eats?" Warren fold
ed up his paper in genial unconscious
ness.
"Just q minute" Mr.. Carson'S face
reddened as he drew out his wallet.
Lets square up our accounts, Curtis,
before we 20 in. The parlor car seats
were So and luncheon $4.3O-that
right? That makes $3.50, not count
ing the tips. Four dollars will about
cover our half"
"Why, what does this mean?
spluttered Warren.
81 was going to settle up to night
but Mrs. Carson wants to do 1t now
before we-before we 60 any further, u
| he finished lamely.
For one long, embarrassed moment
Warren stood fumbling the bills. Then
, he blurted out protesting:
"See here, Carson, we're not going to
spoil our trip by any misunderstand
ing. You ought to"
"Hadn't we better go in to dinner'
interrupted Mrs. Carson, frigidly. 81
think we're rather late as it is"
> For a moment, Warren stood uncer
tain. then helplessly thrust the bills ir
his vest pocket.
"This is your doings!" between his
gritted teeth, as they followed the stlf
e Iv aloof Carsons into the dining room
i "Oh, they'll hear you," whispered
{ Helen in wretched entreaty.
"What if they do? They've heart
j every blamed word you've said! II
: like to get out Of here by the mex
: train. Well have mighty comfort
oble time Of it after this! !"