The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-23
EVENING STORY
The Spendthrifts.
BY n. PARKER JONES.


BY n. PARKER JONES'
Copyright, 1918. by Mcclure Newspaper
Syndicate.)
Hugh Waters tucked little Mrs.
Hugh under his arm, pulled his over
coat collar up to keep out the biting
wind. and they turned briskly down
the snow-covered street toward home.
Warm enough, Muggins?. he
asked. 81
''Smothered!" was the laughing re-
ply.
Some party, wasn't, it?" he said
enthusiastically.
Some party! should say so!
Hugh, wouldn't it be lovely to have
money!" Mrs. Waters sighed softly.
Enough SO we could give a party
once in while, like this one of the
Hudsons tonight, ana have a house
and wonderful rugs like theirs, and
clothes like the Waltons, and go home
from other folks parties in big
warm car like the Careys?"
Hugh threw back his head and
roared. I'VE are mighty 4hard up.
aren't we. lady love =? L never realized
it so strongly before"
Mrs. Hugh laughed too. "Oh, we're
not suffering, I'll admit, and 1 suppose
lots of people think we're rolling in
riches on your salary of $4,000 year;
but it doesn't reach very far out after
frills, anyway she answered as they
reached their steps.
They opened the door quietly to
keep from waking their two little sons,
and at their entrance the young high
school girl, in charge during their in
frequent nights out, rose from her
chair, gathered up her books and with
a thank YOU for the half-dollar her
services demanded and a pleasant
Good night" she hurried away.
Sit down and warm your feet, Mrs.
Madam said Waters" L want to talk
to you a little bit"
I'VE ought to go to bed right away,
dear It's late!' Mrs. Hugh demurred.
But she sat down nevertheless, and
her husband drew a chair near her.
Kind of coy here by the fire, 1
think don't your" he asked. and pat
ted her hand. Just as nice as the
party. maybe?"
Nicer. Hugh" she replied. THE
best part of going out is coming home,
according to my way of thinking But
we are poor, aren't we: 1t seems to
me that every one in our crowd is
getting ahead faster than we are 1
wouldn't trade husbands with any
body, but wouldn't mind trading in
Waters leaned forward with a
rather strained look on his face.
We'll, Muggins," he said briskly.
perhaps we can manage the income
hereafter. Guess what?''
WHAT" she asked breathlesSly.
Hudson took me up to his den to-
night and-guess what he said!'' He
stopped impressively.
Now, Hugh," she begged.
Offered me five thousand year to
go with his firm" His tone was tri-
umphant
Five thousand" his wife cried in
credulously. You accepted before he
had a chance to change his mind, of
course?''
We'll, no, I didn't" he replied slow
ly. IT thought I'd better consult you
first, as all good husbands do
Man alive! AS if a wife in her
right mind would veto such a plan
that" she exclaimed in establishment.
Five thousand dollars! Just think of
all we can do with that much money.
We can sell this little dollhouse and
buy a bigger one down by the park,
and pay for it in no time, and we can
send the boys thru the best college
in the country when they're old
enough to go. and we can have fine
car. and beautiful clothes, and
Oh, just think of it dear. Won't it
be grand? If 1 thought they weren't
too tired to be disturbed I'd have you
telephone Mr. Hudson before we go
to bed and say Yes, indeedy'!'
Il think the proposition will be
open till after breakfast anyway, was
the dry response. There was one lit
tie condition that 1 haven't mentioned.
Maybe you'd better hear it.
why, of course" she answered.
But 1 know his firm is one of the
best in the state, and that you have
always hoped they would offer you
place, and 1 can't think why you
should hesitate. 1 know 1 wouldn't"
Her tone was positive. What's the
condition."
Just that l must travel all the
time, stopping only a few days in
place, and will only be able to get
home to you and the kiddies once
every four weeks, and then only over
Sunday, if the trains run right. 1 get
all my expenses, of course, so we'll
have the whole sum to buy anything
you want. 1t is attractive, and I sup
pose 1 was a fool to even hesitate be-
fore accepting" he said slowly
BY the time he paused Mrs Waters's
eyes were wide with amazement and
her pretty face was pale.
Hugh Waters. And you hesitated
| one single, solitary second? I'll never
forgive you as long 1 liver She
began to cry
well, I'll tell him tomorrow that
l can report for duty on the GOTH
That will give me time enough to close
UP things with Mason & Co. It will
be all right with them, for they never
stand in the way of any mans ad
vancement, he answered.
And you don't want me to take it %
asked Mrs. Hugh. staring in Mortified
lastonishment at her husband
''Of course he replied
I "Acc only come home once in thir-
4 e.