The Pulaskian., 1919-04-18


 much to be done.
 1 T wish she would be definite,n 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 Gerty never thinks of that" She believed 1t to be a simple matter of clothes. It always took her weeks to get ready to go any where.
 But won't wait any longer than next week. If she does not go then, will. Absurd for us both to be here" :" It was already fiercely hot.
 GGrty, meanwhile, had been wonder ing how she could suggest to her sis ter-in-law that her trip be taken first. Without arousing suspicionsi 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 it2
 It was addressed to her in her hus- bands care. Hardin had found it at the office in his mail. And she going each day to the postoffice to prevent it from falling into his handsi She gave it quick offhand glance
 About the drive, of course, Sup pers getting cold. Look at that ome- lette. Don't wait to wash up. It will be like leather"
 When she had finished her meal, she read her letter with fine show of in difference. s'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 :: 'sYour 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. s'To take you up on an invitation like that. I call that pretty raw.n
 "You must remember we are such old friends" urged his wife. 'He knew meant 1t 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 of hatred since the episode of the dredge machinery. 'To write to anyone in my house! He knows what I 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. "What's 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 aski 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 mocking one, that his chief, at least, did not consult him. Was it true, what she had heard, that he had made fiuke about the ma chinery? He was looking seedy. He had been letting his clothes go. He 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. soThey have been waiting for me to set the date"
 And you cater to him, let him dangle you all. I wonder why you do it, unless it's to hurt me-"
 ssHurt you, TOm,' cried his wife, her deep blue eyes wide with dismay. ''How can you say such thing? But if it is given for him, how can I do anything else than let him arrange the day to suit himself? It would be funny for the guest of honor not to be present. wouldn't itY
 sT 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 public af- fair for his successor. She did think that Tom would see that it showed they had no feeling.
 'T think it fine idea,n agreed h. nes heartily. I'm sure Tom will, too, when he thinks about it" But she did not give him any chance to express himself. How are you going to man. age 1t. Gerty? You said it was going to be progressive?"