The diamond drill., 1919-04-26
BATHROOM SCREEN
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON.
pyrignt. 1918. by Mcclure Newspaper
syndicate.)

oiauet thihb tO ioSss TOO! III lt nhu
been a door key. pair OF gloves. or
even a hat. one would not have won
| dered-but screen. window screen
/ 1t was a mystery.
Mrs. Weed had looked for II "just
everywhere" but could not find II.
All the other screens were fitted in
the windows; this was needed. Files
were beginning 10 come. What was 10
be done?
"Father, you must know where that
screen is; you put II away" Mrs Weed
said to her husband. ''Those that hide
surely ought TO be able 10 find"
~ don't know where IL is, mother !:
I've looked for II everywhere don't
know a thing about IT. don't remem-
ber putting II away"
These two good people had the old
fashioned habit Of calling each other
father" and mother" I'm "A real honey.
loving way.
We'll, you put II away, I'm sure OF
that, and you ought 10 know where II
Is" asserted his gentle wife, with un-
usual decision. She was generally
quiet, but now she was decidedly ruff
fed. 81 haven't touched IT," she went
on; "'tisn't likely anyone has stolen
it; there are plenty of things they'd
take sooner than that"
That's SOL" asserted her husband,
with troubled look; "but really l
can't think what can have become OF
IL. II can't have walked on; but
don't believe it's In the house. and
I've looked down CELLAR wish knew
what did with IT,"
II worried him much 10 have his
wife even inslnuate that he was in the
wrong. Surely he had done his best
10 find the screen. II II had disap-
peared II was not his fault. and he
didn't see how he was 10 blame for
II, IL II wasn't his doing
"You must have put IL somewhere
yourself, mother" he suggested. try
ing to clear himself and TO ward of
her displeasure.
81 didn't, father You know
didn't. haven't touched II; guess
/ know You have hidden II some
where. that's all there is about II.
and I'd just like 10 have you find II.
The flies are coming In. and / can't
stand flies. They'll be all over the
house before you know IT,"
These two worthy people had lived
together as man and wife for more
than forty years, and had never been
known 10 quarrel. Yet now they were
just on the verge OF storm-and all
for the sake OF window screen So
little n thing II takes sometimes 20
break up the harmony and peace Of
home life. and to separate even the
dearest and truest friends $50 great
n matter little fire kindleth :"
Mrs. Weed hustled about, rather sui.
lenly, for she wanted her husband 10
understand that she was thoroughly
displeased with him, finished her work,
dressed and started for downtown. She
closed tho bathroom window, however,
before she went out IF you can't
find the screen. you've got to have the
window down, and smother" she af-
firmed, in decided voice
MIR. Weed was left alone. standing
In the middle of the kitchen floor.
His face wrinkled. ITS strange where
that screen could have gone to- he
muttered III hate 10 have mother so
put out about lit must be some
where, thats certain. | guess I'll just
give another look about, though /
"A,
Mr.. Weed spent an hour in his
search going from attic 10 cellar but
all with no avail 81 knew It," he said
TO himself; ITS no use"
At last quite wearied with his fruit
less toll. painting and dazed, he stood
still In the front hall. scratched his
head, and tried TO think for he hated
10 give II up. after all.
Suddenly Mr. Weed gave n jump.
"By lingo What's thatf" he cried
His eye had caught the sight Of
something behind the glass. only a
small portion OF II could be seen on
either side Of the glass and through
the fillgree work. lie hastily pulled
Il out and there was the lost screen
"IIa. har' he laughed. there that
screen has been all the time! We
weren't very smart not TO see II right
before our faces ! am going 10 put
II In the window and see what moth
er'll say when she comes home"
OF course. Mrs. Weed discovered the
screen the first thing. "Where did you
find II, fatheri" she asked.
"Why. mother. what do you think7
Twas right before our faces and eyes
all the time; II II had been bear
'twould have bitten us-'twas right in
the front hall. behind the hat-tree-
and-come 10 think Of It. put II there
myself when / brought the screens
down from the attic--I never thought |
of II, So twas oil my fault. mother.
I'm the one who hid Il, and I'll take !
all the blame" he laughed.
but ] told you TO put II there. IN.
therw returned his wife. Don't you
remember, said II would be ont Of /
the way there for timer | ought 10
n 80 ~ AZ r..