Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1919-04-03


much to be done.
II wish she would be definite" IN
nes' thoughts complained. She was
restless to make her own plans. It
had not yet occurred to her that Gerty
would stay In all summer. For she
never had so martyrized herself.
"Some one must be with Tom. It may
spoil my trip. But Gerry never thinks
Of that" She believed it to be q
simple matter of clothes. It always
took her weeks to get ready to 60 any
where.
'But I won't wait any longer than
next week. If she does not go then, I
will. Absurd for us both to be here"
1t was already fiercely hot.
Gerry, meanwhile. had been wonder
ing how she could suggest. to her SIS
ter-i7~law that her trip be taken first.
Without arousing suspicious! Ter
rlbly loud in her ears sounded her
thoughts those days.
Her husband flung a letter on the
table one evening. "A letter to you
from-Casey."
She tried to make the fingers that
closed over the letter move casually.
She could feel them tremble. What
would she say II Tom asked to see II?
1t was addressed to her in her hus-
bands care. Hardin had found 1t Mt
the Office In his mail. And she going
each day to the postoffice to prevent
1t from falling into his hands! She
gave it quick ofrhand glance.
"About the drive, of course, Sup
per's getting cold. Look at that ONE
lette. Don't wait to wash up. 1t will
be like leather"
When she had finished her meal. she
read her letter with fine show of in
difference. HE sets date for the
drive" She put the letter carelessly
into her pocket before her husband
could stretch out his hand. 1t would
never do for jealous Tom to read that :
"Your letter was received two weeks
ago. Pardon me for appearing to have
forgotten your kindness"
'The nerve" growled Tom again,
his mouth full Of Gerty's omelette.
To take You up on an invitation like
that. cnll that pretty raw"
"You must remember we are such
old friends" urged his wife. HE
knew I meant it seriously"
"Just the same, it's nerve" grum-
bled Hardin, helping himself to more
Of the omelette. now fiat ruin in the
center of the Canton platter. His re-
sentiment had taken on an edge CT
hatred since the episode of the dredge
machinery. ITO write to anyone in
my house! He knows what l think OF
him; an Intellectual ass, that's what he
is. Blundering around with his little
levees. and his fool work on the wa
ter tower"
'The water tower?" demanded his
sister. whats he doing with that?"
"Oh. I don't know" rejoined Tom
largely, his lips protruding. He had
been itching to ask some one what
Rickard was up to. Twice, he had
seen him go up, with MacLean and
Estrada. Once, there large fare of
light. But he wouldn't ask! Some Of
his fool tinkering!
His sisters gaze rested on him with
concern. He had too little to do. She
guessed that his title, consulting en-
gineer. was n hooking one, that his
chief, ut least, did not consult him.
Was it true, what she had heard, that
he had made a fluke about the ma
chinery? He was looking seedy. He
had been letting hk clothes go. He
looked like man who has lost grip;
who has been shelved.
She knew he was sleeping badly.
Every morning now she found the
couch rumpled. Not much pretense of
marital congeniality. Things were go
ing badly. there
Everybody has accepted" Gerty
was saying. "They have been waiting
for me to set the date"
"And you cater to him, let him
dangle you all. wonder why you do
1t, unless It's to hurt me-"
"Hurt you. Tom," cried his wife, her
ueep Diue eyes WlOe With diSmay.
slow can you say such thing? But
II 1t is given for him, how can I do
else than let him arrange
the day to suit himself? 1t would be
funny for the. guest Of honor not to
be present, wouldn't it?"
II don't see why you want to make
him guest of honor" he retreated.
covering his position.
Gently. Gerty expressed her belief
that she was doing the best thing for
her husband in getting up a public af.
fair for his successor. She did think
that Tom would see that it showed
they had no feeling.
II think 1t fine idea," agreed In.
mes heartily. ''Tm sure Tom will, too,
when he thinks about it." But she did
not give him any chance to. express
"How are you going to man.
age It Gerty7 You said it was going
to be progressively"
1--WE shall draw for partners" said
Mrs. Hardin. "And change every hnlf
q mile. The first lap will be two
miles: that will give some excitement