Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-16
DAILY NOVELETTE,
HOME
Nv Susan +, HayfOrd
by Susan f. Hayford

"F"R goodness sake Jim Graham
what a looking room. If you
aren't enough TO try the patience o
job. "
Thc>usually soft voice was high
pitched and qucrulous
why, what's the matter what's ur
now 2" inquired Mr.. Graham from the
depths of his newspaper.
well. il you would use your eyes
you'd sec what was the matter. Just
look at that rug. and after I've cleaned
all day. too. And his wife pointed an
accusing finger at tho mud tracks that
| spread across the floor.
! lie gave hearty laugh. so that
! all. is it we'll, I'm sorry. but come and
give me kiss and say that you forgive
it this time. and putting an arm about
the trim little waist he drew her down
| to the arm Of his chair. But she was
not to be so easily appcascd. and with
an angry jerk she pulled herself away.
'rOh. that's just like you-you never
take anything seriously. and ] work all
day trying TO keep things neat. Look
at your coat on ono chair. your hat
right on the mantcl and----'
Mr.. Graham laid down his paper with
sigh
"Well. Agnes. | suppose We might as
we'll get this settled. I'm getting tired
Of being naggcd every night lately.
never complain about what you do. and.
after ALL furnish the house for a
home. hc ended angrily.
II was n very unfortunate remark
just at that moment and the tears filled
Mrs. Graham's eyes in spite of her Of
forts TO keep them back. VERY well.
if that is the way you feel think |
had better earn my own living-I did
once without any trouble and you can
have your house Just as you please. :"
Her husband arose from his chair and
spoke severely "Don't talk nonsense
what is the use of making a fuss over
nothing:"
'NOnScnsc-it's $ more nonsense to be
a slave for man and m tired of it "
she flung back over her shoulder as she
FASTENED to the kitchen. partly to at .
tend to the burning supper and partly
to hide the falling tears.
Presently her husband appeared at the
dining room door in hat and coat.
'iou needn't wait up for me. have
key. Good evening" he said roldly
and was gone
"Wait. Jim" she cried. but the front
door closed before she could finish the
sentence.
Regardless Of tho overdone chicken
in the oven she put her head on the
kitchen table and wep.
"Oh. why did ever say such things .
But then he might have known that I
didn't mean them. and he didn't seem
to care II ! did leave: probably he'd be
glad" and n fresh food of tears came.
but after while she arose with an air
Of determination. and taking the over
done dinner from the stove consulted
the mirror. to be confronted with very
red and swollen eyes and her new silk
waist we'll spotted with tear drops.
Half an hour later. a veil hiding her
tear: :dimmed eyes, she locked the door
apartments. to let Jim see that she
could get along without him.
She hurried along the avenue intent
on taking the car just coming in sight {.
then a fall and sharp pain in her
ankle.
From around the corner some one ap-
pcarod and a familiar voice was in her
ear:
Are YOU hurt. Puss? Tell me quick. :"
mot much. Oh, Jimmy, where were
you:' she gasped.
H.
the last hour" he replied carelessly
With his arm to support her she hob
bled home in silence, but once inside
the CHEEKY living room the tears started
afresh as her husband turned toward
the hall to hans. his hat and overcoat.
Don't. please" she cried. "just
throw them anywhere. II love to see
them round. and. Jimmy. | was tired
and cross and l truly didn't mean it ="
she concluded from the depths of his
shoulder.
The dinner had lost its favor, but
the diners were radiantIy happy enough
to overlook it, and fragrant cup of
coffee made pleasant finish.
Jimmy" she said. Just think. mar.
ried most a year and our first quar-
rel. Wasn't it silly"
$50 silly it will be the last, :" said Mr..
Graham. lighting his cigar.
His wife went softly over to his chair
and put her arms about his neck
We'll both do just as we like, won t
We? And nobody'll fuss, for it's truly
home. isn't it?'
She paused as her husband for the
second time that evening, but now all
unresisting, drew her to his knee.
ITS home where my little wife is"
he ended.
The next complete novelette, - A
Nightly Visitor.