South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-02
WHY DICKY INCONSISTENTLY
INQUIRED TIRED OF DIN
ING a DEJX' WITH ME2"

DING with good numor. i am used
10 his extravaganza. so I simply an
swered demurely:
Their other names, please ."
He tweaked my ear playfully as
he kissed me, and sitting down by
the fire warmed his hands with pro-
VOking slowness. I saw that he was
in one OF his teasing moods and
hoped 90 pique me by delaying the
Information for which I had asked.
But. profiting by past experiences.
] did not rise TO his bait. simply
waited quietly for him to speak.
Got my number. haven't you?"
asked quizzically at last. But you're
he dying 10 know whom I meant just
the same, so I'll take pity on your
curiosity. Prepare 10 meet the
Durkees. They know we're home"
Then you met them ?"
Just Aft. He was swinging along
Shore road. and when he met me
thought he'd tumble over the sea
wall. I haven't let a soul know I'm
back from San Fran. you know
sneaked into the studio the other
day like a second-story man-so lit
tie Alfie was properly surprised and
embarrassed. 1 suppose he and his
mother have had some sort Of an
idea that something was wrong
don't you think?"
Dicky himself was plainly embar-
raised as he put the question 10 me.
II was the first time either of US had
referred to our former estrange-
ment. / made my answer as matter
OF fact as possible.
How Utterly Absurd
They couldn't very well help sur
missing something" I said quietly,
especially as Mrs. Durkee came fire.
quently 20 see me after my accident,
before Lillian took me to her apart
ment But she never by word or
look gave me any reason TO think
she noticed anything.
NO. she wouldn't" Dicky &c
ouiesced. Little Mrs. Durkee is
one OF the best little fellows going
7 suppose they will call soon nov.
had TO give ALI cordial invitation
10 do so. you know"
His tone was apOlogetic and
knew that he meant me 20 under
stand he was loath to have even
such true and tried friends as the
Durkees interrupt our companion
ship. But there was a note in his
voice of which he was not conscious
himself. but which /. knowing every
infection OF his as I do. recognized
at once as one Of desire for other
faces. other voices than just mine.
caught my cue fairly. took it in
stantly.
Don't YOU think we ougl.c TO do
something more than invite them TO
call?" asked. Suppose ] tele-
phone Mrs Durkee now. and ask
Them 10 run over 10 dinner tonight
informally"
With masculine inconsistency
Dicl5y frowned slightly at my sug-
sestion.
Tired OF dining "a deux with
me?" he aueried.
''Dicky.'' I exclaimed reproachfuI-
~. How utterly absurd But Mrs.
Durkee was so kind TO me when I
was in that / do not want her TO
have any idea that we are neglect
ing her now. And I would like TO
see her"
What Madgc Learned.
But underneath my outward pro-
test was a joyous little thrill at
Dicky's selfshness. Inconsistent
OF course. but most wives will un-
derstand my inconsistency
well, I am sure 7 don't mind il
YOU don't" returned Dicky loftily.
I understood my husband perfect
". He might wish a change from
him TO think 7 that would welcome
the presence of any one else.
Three months ago I would have
gone on serenely with my invitation
20 the Durkess feeling that had no
right 20 encourage Dicky i'm his self
ish attitude. But the long weeks Of
misery 7 endured during our es-
arrangement seem 10 have crushed
something in me. 7 have seen
child that has bruised its flesh
shrink from having anything, no
matter how light, touch the injured
SPOT. and understand the sensa-
ton perfectly. Probably I shall get
over this feeling after awhile. sac
rifce anything 10 avoid any I'M
pleasantness between Dicky and
me
So 7 turned 10 Dicky smiiingly-
"Of course. any other night VIII
do" said nOnchalantly. and IT
would be nicer TO have dinner just
by ourselves"
Welt" returned DicNy, with the
air OF making a great concession.
suppose you tell them tomorrow
night then"
THAT will do nicely Now sup
pose YOU get ready for luncheon. II
has been waiting several minutes
and Katie must be getting impa-
tient"
Anything 10 oblige dear Katie,
am sure Dick tossed the words
back 20 me as he went up the stairs.
"IT be down directly"
Something in his attitude as ne
mounted the stairs attracted my at
tention. Dicky usually bounds up
two steps at a time. But he was