The Glenwood post. (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) 1897-current, 1920-06-05
COATS AND FUSES.
BY LILLIAN N. RICHARDS.
20. 1920. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate. ),

"Now, you listen to me, Mr.. Ted
Harlow" demanded his wife, one
morning as they were seated at the
breakfast table. 'If you wanted a
new fur coat, you wouldn't sit down
with pencil and pad to see whether
you could afford 1t or not. you'd sim
ply buy it, and then figure afterwards.
So. why can't l do the samef
"But, darling" responded her hus-
band pleadingly, you know they're
terribly high just now, and they'll
surely take drop in price little
later. II you'd only wait"
Wait =" exclaimed his wife on the
verge of tears. That's all hear,
wait I'll not waltz" Then she Topped
her napkin down on the table. "For
once in my life I'm going to have what
I want, when I want It," And she hur-
ried out of the room.
Hazel Harlow was in a rage. Her
ungovernable temper had been the
cause of much repentance on her part
many times. In few minutes she
heard Ted go out Of the door whistling,
and that settled 1t. Before another
hour had passed, she was dressed for
the street, and headed for Hayden's
department store.
After trying on several coats with
out finding one to suit, she became
discouraged and was about to leave
when the clerk brought out Hudson
seal. with skunk trimming.
"How much Is it," she inquired
breathlessly.
"Just five hundred" replied the girl,
as if she were saying five cents.
give hundred" repeated Hazel
thoughtfully. That was a great deal
| more than she had intended paying
That evening the Harlow's were
hardly on speaking terms, you know,
one of those chilly sort of affairs. The
next morning Ted Informed his wife
that he would be leaving at noon on a
business trip. which would necessi-
tate his absence for several days. AL
though, he'd try and return for her
birthday. With relieved look, Hazel
bid him good-by. She would have a
few days in which to wear her new
coat before he saw it. AS Ted Har-
ment, a delivery boy opened the lower
hall door. with box for his wife.
Hazel had wonderful time visiting
her friends, enveloped in her sealskin
/, She was like child with new play
thing. But. when the newness wore
off she realized the folly of her hasty
decision, and wondered what she
would do If Ted really couldn't afford
such an expensive coat.
Finally her birthday came and went
with no Ted, not even a present. 1t
was the first year he had neglected
her, and it hurt. SERVES me right"
she thought "maybe he knows all, and
will never come back" Hazel began
to realize that Teds love and affec-
ton were worth more than a dozen
fur coats. "Why did go against his
Wishes" she thought, "when he plead
ed with me to waltz"
The next day. tear-stained and
weary, with box under her arm, she
started in town for the store.
1--WE worn 1t several times" she ex-
planned to the clerk but I'll pay for
any damage If you'll only take 1t back
and credit my account"
'Why, Mrs. Harlow" said the girl
with look of surprise 'the coat you
bought was returned"
Returned" gasped Hazel, incredu-
lousy. "There must be some mis-
take"
AS the clerk came from the Office
with the information that her account
was in balance, and the coat had been
sold to another customer. Hazel, still
carrying the box, left the store in a
daZe
When she reached home and found
telegram stating that her husband
would return that evening, her brain
was in whirl. What would she do?
How could she ever explain? If the
coat was not hers, then whom did it
belong to? Tired and weary, she
threw herself on the bed In flood of
tears.
When Ted Harlow came In that eve
ming the soft, red glow Of the floor
lamp helped to hide the swollen eyes
and worried expression Of his wife.
"Hello, little sweetheart" ne ex-
claimed. giving her fond embrace |;
"glad to see me back? I've had hard
trip"
"Glad" cried Hazel, covering hi
face with kisses Tied I've missed
you terribly" You'd think they'd never
spoken cross word.
Later, as they sat In front of the
cracking logs in the fireplace, Hazel
ventured
Darling, I've something awful to
tell you. II bought fur coat and
they won't take 1t back" Then trem-
bling, she outlined her predicament
"Hazel. dear" said Ted, soothingly,
nfter she had finished, you really
i cared enough about me to take 1t
back?"