The Press., 1918-01-31

there was something on my mind was very apparent. There were others present besides the two girls, and all were dampened by my saying nothing and looking as if had received stab. When the dinner was over Gwen led me into the drawing room and, turning tO me, said:
 "something troubles you. Tell me what it is.''
 Stammered an account Of my being in tho drawing room alone in the gloaming, of her entry and, supposIng that she was unobseryed, Of my seeing her appropriate the statuette.
 Ut is we'll" she said, ''that you have discovered a serious blemish in me be fore tying yourself up to me for life. My maternal grandmother was klep- tOmauiac. Had shc not been lady she would have doubtless spent the most of her life in prison. Since she was lady she was followed by wO. man employed to return what she stole or pay the bills. should have had the strength to tell you that have in- herited this mania, that you might cast me of. I can only say that had not the moral strength to do so"
 Here was a failing which, being in- herited, Gwen was not responsible for. If she should become confirmed in- valid, loving her as I dld l would not hesitate to marry her and devote my life to her care. Should cast her of for this other physical defect for which she was no more accountable than the other?
 walked away from her to another part of the room This matter was of too much importance for me to decide on impulse. After pacing back and forth a few minutes stopped before Gwen, who had sunk upon a sofa, and said to her:
 Gwen, give me till tomorrow to de. eide what course ! shall take in this matter"
 She made no reply, but left the room.
 Later Emily Tucker came in and said to me:
 What has happened?"
 II can't tell you now. must have till tomorrow morning"
 She, too, retired, and again l was alone. Taking my hat and cane, left the house that might have the dome of heaven under which to think. l did not return till near midnight. Seeing sight in Gwen's room, called to her softly. The window was open, and she heard me.
 "I have decided" I said. Come down and will tell you"
 She had not gone to bed and In q few minutes came down on to the porch, where I was. and, approaching, stopped a short distance from me.
 "I love you so well that cant give you up," I said. Tn screening you from the consequences of your misfor- tune I shall be far happier than pass ing lifetime without you"
 supposed that she would stand mute. I would approach her and take her in my arms; her head would drop on my breast in token that she accept ishment when she broke into a laugh, And was still more surprised to hear 1t echoed from an upper window. recognized the echo as Emily's.
 Stupid" Gwen said to me, 'how could you have been deceived by sucs a shallow trick? My kleptomaniac grandmother was a minister's wife and inherited nothing but goodness. When entered the drawing room this even ing I knew you were there and tooh the statuette on purpose that you should see me. I carried it to Elm and told her that had given your romance severe test. | am happy that you have stood it valiantly."
 For the next two hours We relapsed into billing and cooing.
 am free to confess that Gwen's common sense and practlcability have counted for far more than my TO. nance. l have missed a certain com paniOnshlp of appreciation in my wife, but one may enjoy ideality alone. while management Is necessary for all parties concerned. Whenever l have talked "in the clouds" Gwen has taken me by tue coattail and pulled me down to earth. When fits of generosity that we could not afford have seized upon me Gwen has locked up the family purse where I could not get at 1t. Ev- cry year that we have lived together has found us in better condition than the year before. Our prosperity Is en. tirely due to my wife's management,
 in the United States only one farm in seven Of more than twenty acres now supports sheep, and consequenuy we import nearly third of a billion pounds of wool yearly.
 The legion, the chief subdivision of the Roman army. contained about 5000 men and a contingent of cavalry.
 Satisfaction, even after one has dlned well, is not so interesting and eager feeling as hungcr.-Sarah Orne Jewett.
 Spain, 1t is said. leads the world in the number of hunchbacks in propor. ton to population.
 Don't put on too many airs as you float down lIfes stream. Your little boat may capsize.
 TG the Jealous eye the success of an- other is the unpardOnabIe crime.--Mil- News.
 The first airship made a successful light in 1901, and the first airplane 1onr years later.
 The report of a gun a mile away takes full five seconds to reach the gar.
 The equatorial seas, where calms and squalls alternate, are known as the OOldrums. The Russian railways employ dog car pikes for fastening the rail to the | rack. The Scots Greys have captured more Iags in warfare than any other Brit. | T,