The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1920-01-28

he had spoken with such enthusiasm
that at first he wasn't conscious Of
Dorothy's lack of spontaneous ap-
proval.
His cheeriness vanished. He sub
jected her to a sharp scrutiny. 1T
sounds NICE" she returned smiling;
'and we can talk about 1t after dinner.
Come; I'm falnished." ApaaI@
Her tone had been "a trifle careless
ana noncommittal. Still, he told him
self that he mustsnot be too exacting.
He admitted that It was rather highs
handed of him to have taken the whole
responsibility: He should have con-
suited her. Going back from the res
taurant, he apologized, but the atrnos-
phere did not clear. sGe9+s@tS ~ Y,
"Iet's have 1t all straight out, Dor
othy," he said quietly, once more in
their room.
He fixed his eyes upon her with an
appeal that stirred her. She knew OF
his longing for home; and with what
gusto he talked Of the fine house warm
ing they would have, If they only had
little fiat. Two years ago, when he
and his brother had gone across, his
home had been broken up.
That she was not as keen about a
home as Jim had never dawned upon
Dorothy. But now that she was facing
such possibility, she was alarmed at
her dlsinterestedness.s Though she was
sorry to disappoint him, She must
speak the truth; though she smiled
as she talked, he was aware Of the
sadness that tingedA her reply. H9,z
she didn't want to give up her posi-
ton. Today She had raise Of So;
now s35 week. And she didn't have
the strength nor the inclination; after
working all day, to putter around the
house at night. Living was too high
to give up $85. How could they meet
expenses on $40 "a 6week?' ~ y ~
p"You silly boy" she said softly, "you
have no idea what clothes cost today"
She opened a boz and displayed d new
suit. 'That cost me s100." !" s3Ss
Jim flushed red. Her money; not
his, he thought. And 50 all his beau
tiful dreams collapsed. The reference
to her raise and to his meager salary
hurt him. She knew nothing Of his
scheming to earn extra and Of his fine
figuring; for he could show in black
and white that it cost very little more
to have little fiat. AS the days went
by, he felt lonely and depressed to an
extent that Dorothy didn't realize.
They never referred to that subject
again. Jim grew sensitive about mon
ey. He never told her Of his raise.
One day Dorothy renewed her pro-
posai Of some time previous, which
Jim had indignantly repudiated, that
she be allowed to pay her share, and
1t was accepted with such alacrity that
Dorothy was startled. Even Jim was
surprised at HIMSELF I,s F2c egfctR
November came. One evening Dor
othy went over to see her friend Jen-
ME, who noticed at once troubled,
wistful look in DOrothy's face. Per-
hal,s she was beginning to realize that
she was losing something worth far
more than $35.
Tears filed Dorothy's eyes. Then
she confessed that she had been house
hunting and was thoroughly disheart-
ened. She wanted to begin where she
and Jim had started, when they used
to talk over all the happenings Of the
day. Now they were almost strangers.
Jennie had been begged to help and
she did. Through her were located
four rooms in modern apartments. Dor
othy was jubilant. With gratitude, che
assented and acted upon Jennie's sug-
gestion that she take Jim's mother and
sister into her confidence, for Jennie
was anxious to see that breach
spanned.
The next week Dorothy worked hard
and late. Everything was in its place.
Jennie thought she had never seen
such homelike apartment. She loved
the look Of the rooms, the good taste,
and especially the living room, in the
soft glow Of that handsome lamp.
1t was three nights later, and Jim.
as he supposed, with Bill, his brother
were coming to make call. Dorothy
was radiant and sweet. She knew that
nothing mattered so long as Jim loved
her and they were together.
/ Jennie Joined his mother and sister
in the kitchen, who were rejoicing over
the attractive party which had been
prepared. They thrilled when the bell
rang and the door opened. A moments
silence. Then they heard Jim saying
in the dearest voice, "Dorry, Dorry!
Then Bill came in closing the kitchen
door. grinning, and they all grinned
back.
Anyway, Bill wanted to see that
turkey.