Cheyenne record., 1919-08-14


much to be done.
II wish she would be definite" In
nes' thoughts complained. She was
restless to make her own plans. 1t
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. 1t may
spoil my trip. But Gerty never thinks
Of that" She believed 1t to be
simple matter of clothes. 1t 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 60 then.
will. Absurd for US both to be here"
1t was already fiercely hot.
Gerty, meanwhile, had been wonder
ing how she could suggest to her sis
ter-in-law that her trip be taken first.
Without arousing suspicious! Ter
ribly 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 If Tom asked to see 1t?
1t was addressed to her in her hus-
bands care. Hardin had found 1t at
the Office in his mail. And she going
each day to the postoffice to prevent
1t from falling into his handsl She
gave it a 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 a date for the
drive" She put the letter carelessly
into her pocket before her husband
could stretch out his hand. It 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.
ITO take you up on an invitation like
that I call that pretty raw"
you must remember we are such
old friends" urged his wife. HE
knew meant 1t seriously"
"J1st the same. it's nerve" grum-
bled Hardin. helping himself to more
OF the omelette, now a fiat ruin In the
center of the Canton platter. His re-
sentiment had taken on an edge Of
hatred since the episode of the dredge
machinery. ITO write to anyone in
any house! He knows what l think of
him; an Intellectual ass. that's what he
is. laundering around with his little
levees. and his fool work on the wa
ter tower"
yThe water tower?" demanded his
sister. whats he doing with that?"
"Oh. 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 flare 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 m0cking one. that his
chief. at least, did not consult him.
Was it true, what she had heard. that
he had made fluke about the ma
chinery? He was looking seedy He
had been letting his 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 60
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. I wonder why you do
1t, unless it's to hurt me-"
f"Hurt you, Tom" cried his wife, her
deep blue eyes wide with dismay.
"How can you say such a thing? But
If 1t is given for him. how can do
anything 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 itf'
II don't see why you want to make
him a 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 1t showed
they had no feeling.
II think 1t fine idea" agreed In
nes heartily. I'm sure Tom will, too,
when he thinks about it." But she did
not give him sny chance to express
himself. "How are you going to man
age it. Gerty7 You said it was going
to be progressiveP