Gilpin observer., 1919-06-05


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. It always
took her weeks to get ready to 60 any
where.
But I won't wait any longer than
next week. II she does not 60 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 suspicionsl 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."
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 postoflce to prevent
1t from falling into his handsi She
gave it a quick offhand glance.
"About the drive, Of course, Sup
per's getting cold. Look at that ONE
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. 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 1 meant it 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 I'm edge Of
hatred since the episode Of the dredge
machinery. ITO write to anyone in
/ my housed He knows what 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"
'"The water tower?" demanded his
sister. whats 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 go up, with MacLean and
Estrada. Once, there a 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 mocking one, that his
chief, at least, did not consult him.
Was 1t true, what she had heard, that
he had made a fluke about the ma
chinery? He was looking seedy. He
had been letting his clothes go. He
looked like a 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"
sand you cater to him, let him
dangle you all. wonder why you do
1t, unless it's to hurt me-"
"Hurt you, Tom," cried his wife, her
deep blue eyes wide with dismay.
"How can you say such thing? But
II 1t is given for him. how can I dc
anything else than let him arrange
the day to suit himself7 It would be
funny for the guest Of honor not to
be present. wouldn't itr'
II 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 fol
her husband In getting up public af
fair for his successor. She did thinl
that Tom would SEQ that 1t showed
they had no feeling.
II think 1t u fine idea," agreed In
nes heartily. "lm sure Tom will, too
when he thinks about It." But she die
not give him any chance to expires,
himself. "How are you going to man
: age 1t. Gerty7 You said It was goin,
to be progressive"
ave shall draw for partners" sait
Mrs. Hardin. sand change every haf
n mile. The first lap will be twt