The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-09-08

More urgings by Mrs. Stevens over
the phone, more gruff insistence from
the bedroom and Helen reluctantly
yielded.
"Oh, I don't like to go without you,"
when in long white coat and VEIL
tied hat she lowered over Warren,
who had gone back to bed.
"Don't worry about me-Tn have
the time Of my life. Run along now
If they're in such blooming hurry r
Downstairs the Stevenses greeted
her joyously.
"Pve been trying to get Warren up
all morning." with lingering regret, as
she settled back on the leather-tufted
seat.
"Well, you're not going to stay in
and pamper him day like this" Mrs.
Stevens tucked the linen buster about
her.
At first Helen gave herself up to
the sheer physical Joy Of the glittering
sunlight and gsoft-scented air. But
soon thoughts of Warren shadowed
her mind.
| Would he sleep all morning without
either breakfast or lunch? In her hur-
ry, she had forgotten to give Dora any
orders. That she had had no break
fast hardly occurred to her. But War
rem should not miss his meals; any ir-
regularity always upset him.
The car shot on with even speed.
They were at One Hundred and Eight
ieth street now. With vague uneasi-
ness, Helen was watching the numbers
on the lamp-posts.
'"That's not very heavy" observed
Mrs. Stevens, feeling Helen's light
pongee coat. "Will you be warm
enough coming back tonight?"
Tonight! Why, we'll be back be-
fore dinner?"
Before dinner We're to dine out
there! We won't get back much be-
fore midnight"
"Oh," blankly. 81 thought we were
only going out for luncheon"
"Well, now, don't begin to worry
about Warren. Do him good to have
lonely Sunday. You can phone him
from the club, If you want to-"
Two Hundred and Thirty-ffth
street, Two Hundred and Thirty
sixth street, Two hundred and Thirty
seventh street. The last subway sta
ton was at Two Hundred and Forty
second. She could get out there-and
be back home in less than an hour!
Not until midnight What would
Warren do for dinner? Where would
he go? How would he spend the eve
ming? Would he stay around home
and read in lonely dreariness?
What If he did want to lie in bed2
Sunday was Ills one day to rest. And
his work was so nerve-wearing, he re-
quired sleep.
Two Hundred and Thirty-ninth
street-only three more blocks Lean
ing forward, she laid OBTAINING hand
on Mr.. Stevens shoulder.
"Stop at Two Hundred and Forty
second street-rm going back on the
subway Oh, I know I'm foolish, but
I can't leave Warren all day."
A storm of protest followed this an
nouncement. Mrs. Stevens, exercls-
ing the privilege of an old friend, de-
nounced in scathing sarcasm Helen's
lack of independence.
eyes, I know" helplessly, "but
wouldn't enjoy it. I'd be perfectly
wretched all day. know would"
| From the subway kiosk she waved
them laughing good-by. Almost
lightheartedly she ran down the steps
to waiting express.
1t was not quite twelve when she
reached their apartment. Noiselessly
she closed the door and tiptoed
through the hall. Warren should
sleep as long as he wanted-but when
he woke he would find her there.
Passing the dining room, she
stopped In startled amazement. Dore
was clearing the breakfast table.
eyes, ma'am, Mr.. Curtis had his
breakfast, but he didn't eat nothin'--
just a cup of coffee and bit OF
toast"
The next second Helen had darted
into the library where Warren, in his
shirt sleeves, his hands in his pockets,
stood staring modify out the window.
1t was only in that first glinting Sec
ond that she saw his face light up.
Then he shook the ashes from his
cigar with careless, Hello, kitten.
what brought you back?"
"Oh, they won't get home before
midnight They're to have dinner out
1 there-and FL couldn't stay that long
without you'll" Drawing him to chair
she crept into his lap. Il made them
let me out at the last subway sta
| ton"
"Silly" blowing away her tickling
veil. How'd you like to go down to
Long Beach--have dinner there?
ooh, I'd love I'll" excitedly. I'D
love itr'
"Look out--that's villainous
thingl" lodging a threatening hatpin.
as she burrowed her face against his
coatless chest. "Now We haven't time
to fool pushing her away. "You get
Isoma breakfast and we'll be off. Yes,