The L'Anse sentinel., 1919-05-02

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 a
simple matter of clothes. 1t always
took her weeks to get ready to so 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.
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 letter on the
table one evening. "a letter to you
from-Casey."
closed over the letter move casually.
She could feel them tremble. What
would she say II Tom asked to see 1t?
1t 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 postoflice to prevent
it from falling into his hands! She
gave 1t quick offhand 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.
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"
"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. ITO write to anyone in
my house! He knows what 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 tower2" demanded his
sister. "What's 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 SO up, with MacLean and
Estrada. Once, there a large flare of
light But he wouldn't ask [! Some of
his fool tinkeringl
His sisters gaze rested on him with
concern. He had too little to do. She
guessed that his title, consulting en-
gineer. was a mocking one, that his
chief, ut least, did not consult him.
Was 1t true, what she had heard, that
he had made fuke about the ma
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 GO
Ing badly, there
Everybody has accepted" Gerty
was saying. ''They have been waiting
Tor me to set the date"
"And you cater to him, let him
1angle you all. / wonder why you do
t, unless it's to hurt me-"
"Hurt you, Tom" cried his wife, her
deep blue eyes wide with dismay.
How can you say such a thing? But
4 1t Is given for him, how can do
anything else than let him arrange
he day to suit himself7 1t would be
funny for the guest of honor not to
DO present. wouldn't it?"
II don't see why you want to make
him a guest of honor" he retreated,
covering his position.
Gently, Gerty expressed her belief
hat she was doing the best thing for
her husband In getting up public af-
mir for his successor. She did think
hat Tom would see that 1t showed
hey had no feeling. +
II think II fine idea,r agreed In
les heartily. "rm sure Tom will, too.
when he thinks about It." But she did
lot give him any chance to express
himself. "How are you going to man.
lge 1t. Gertyf You said Il was going
o be progresslveT
I'VE shall draw for partners" said
frs. Hardin. "And change every half /
! mile. The first lap will be two !
niles; that will give some excitement
n cutting for partners" Easy, being
he hostess, to withhold any slip she ,
,leased, ensy to make II seem acci-
lentali
when II this circus coming ofrf"
INQUIRED her husband. d