The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1919-11-21
HOME
BY SUSAN r. HAYFoRp.

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enough to try the patience OF Job.
The usually soft voice was high
pitched and querulous.
"Why, what's the matter; what's up
now?" inquired Mr.. Graham from the
depths of his newspaper.
well, if you would use your eyes
you'd see 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 the mud tracks that
spread across the floor.
He gave hearty laugh. so that's
all, is IT /; well, I'm sorry, but come aho
give me kiss and say that you for
give ii 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 he so easily appeased, and
with an angry jerk she pulled herseif
away.
"Oh, that's Just like you-you never
take anything seriously, and | work all
day trying to keep things neat. LOOK
at your coat on one chair, your nat
right on the mantel and"
Mr.. Graham laid down his paper
with a sigh.
well, Agnes, l suppose we might
as well get this settled. I'm getting
tired of being nagged every night
lately. l never complain about what
you do, and after all ] furnish the
house for home" he ended angrily.
It was a very unfortunate remark
Just at that moment, and the tears
filled Mrs. Graham's eyes in spite OF
her efforts to keep them back. very
WELL If that's the way you feel.
think | had better earn my own liv-
ing-I did once without any trouble,
and you can have your house just as
you please" she said with sarcasm.
Her husband arose from his chair
and spoke severely: Don't talk non
sense; what is the use of making a
fuss over nothing?'
"Nonsense-it's more nonsense TO be
a slave for man, and I'm tired of II"
she flung back over her shoulder as
she FASTENED to the kitchen, partly to
attend to the cooking supper and part
~ to hide the falling tears.
Presently her husband appeared at
the lining room door in hat and coat:
"You needn't wait up for me; i have
key. Good evening he said coldly,
and was gone. t
"Wait, jim she cried, but the front
door closed before she could finish the
sentence.
Regardless of the over-brOwn chick
en- in the oven she put her head on the
kitchen table and wept.
"Oh why did | ever say such things
But then he might have known that l
didn't mean them, and he didn't seem
to care If | did leave; probably he'd
be glad" and fresh flood of tears
came, but after while she arose with
an air of determination, and taking
the done dinner from the stove consult
ed the mirror, to be confronted with
very red and swollen eyes, and her
new silk waist, all spotted with tear
drops.
Half an hour later, veil hiding her
tear-stained eyes, she locked the door
and started for her dear chum Isa-
bellies 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 fall and sharp pain in her
ankle.
From around the corner someone
appeared and familiar voice was in
her ear:
Are you hurt, Puss? Tell me
quick"
Not much. Oh. Jimmy, where were
you?" she gasped
Just been walking around the block
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 start
ed afresh as her husband turned
towards the hall TO hang his hat and
overcoat
Don't, please she cried; '"just
throw them anywhere. IL love to
see them round; and, Jimmy, was
all tircd md cross. and | truly didn't
mean it," she concluded from the
depths of his shoulder.
The dinner had lost its favor, hut
the diners were radiantly happy
enough to overlook ii, and fragrant
cup of coffee made pleasant finish
Jimmy" she said, "just think, mar
ried most year and our first quarrel.
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.
even both do just as we like, won't
we? And nobody II fuss, for it's truly
home, isn't it?"
She paused as her husband for the
second time that evening, but now all
unreslsting, drew her to his knee.
ITS home where my little wife is"
he ended.
Copyright, 1919. Mcclure Newspaper Syn