The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-11-11

CHAPTER Cx. l"You were out to dinner with An thony Norreys!''
 Jim's voice choked and sputtered he drew away from my arm and hurled himself to his feet.
 "Out with Norreys- what d'you mean ny that, Anne?" he demanded; make a monkey of me. What d'you think I'm made of-milk and water?" What d'you take me for. anyway? Wel1-why don't you say there blinking up at me with that baby stare all night?''
 'Why, Jim.'' I cried. "Jim, you said you'd go your way and I should haven't done anything although I 1 thought you meant
 'Faugh-meant that my wife should. gallivant around with rich old cripple and make me a laughing stock-Uriah to his David" "Jim-don't!''
 q couldn't have said more. Jim was insulting me. To explain that Betty was with us all the while, seemed to me now only compro- mise with the thing that was at stake-Jims faith in me, his belief in Anthony Norreys' decency-and | manhood.
 I have heard women say that until they found their power to rouse | jealousy. I had never doubted l Jim's love until his jealousy was aroused. Even his toleration of Tom Mason's insolent attentions was not as bad as this.
 I sat silent-propped up on my arn-speechless. Vaguely noticed that my hand was going to sleep" But I couldn't change my position.
 'Confound it-aren't you ever go- ing to say anything stormed Jim, snatching off his overcoat and fling ing it vindictively across the foot of my bed
 And then I got cold all over, as I do when I'm furiously angry. Don't you dare swear at mel" commanded in a cutting voice. Jim sneered and rasped out an ugly laugh.
 "confound it. Anne. you're lucky won't have it! Do you hear me?' "I have not lied to you. I don't | care 0 discuss anything with you while you're in your present condi- and in the morning-when you're fit to talk to-Pll tell you about my perfectly respectable party, and pre- pare to hear about yours-even ii | it wasn't quite So-reSp ectable." With a sweep of his hand Jim flung back the covers and handed me nfy corduroy robe.
 Put sthis on-and your slippers. Then come into the other room; now. And you'd better not pass any more of your sarcastic remarks about my condition r mas sober as you are-and a darn sight more sane. Now come along.' Rather than have an undignified brawl over this detail, I donned my robe and slippers and followed Jim | into the living room. He was sit. ting on the couch when I got there, ! lighting a cigarette with shaking $ fingers looking up.
 q prefer to stand Now will you kindly tell me why you brought me out here I demanded. Jim took a long puff of his cigar cite, flung the smoldering match into the grate and then renewed the dent1y riding hard on the curb. 'fWhen I 'phoned just before sev- en and told you I couldn't get homo you sniffled something about being by lying to me?''
 'I wasn't lying. MT. Norreys didn't phone until fifteen minutes
 aFffteen minutes after! Did he say where he was 'phoning from How did he know you were alone?"' began Jim with new excitement.
 Still more icily; I replied | Don't worry, he didn't-give you away. He said you were working had to finish up some stuff before -one of the office force went to ed again, as he adjusted himsel! among the pillows and crossed his long legs with an air of relaxation and relief.
 "oh-and as soon as he knew ] was. out of the way-he 'phoned Norreys Well, thank fortune, the Harrison family isn't going to be mixed up with him long. You won't see much more of the gentle. man who finds such good hunti11z among the wives of his employee:
 "Jim-you shan't" I cried, warm, ing to rage rag n nov: oN e If you hadn'. aIone-at MT. Norreys' suggestion took my asked Betty
 ,a Betty? A. A likely k story Don't a very good liar. Anne.''
 'Not as good as you-with your part-business, part-soeial engage. night And you needn't think ] j don't understand this pretence o1 jealousy-of righteous indignation ] recognize perfectly well that it's 1e keep me from asking uncomfortable questions about-you and-Mis. ! West You needn't worry. I won't I'm not nterested-sufficient1y Tn remembering your suggestion tha you go your way and I mine vol see. And now I'm going to bed" Jim made to move to stop me- Ht sat shrunken back among the pill lows of the couch as I crept bacl to bed. pulled the covers owe rm, head and tried to stif1e my sobs 1T my pillows.
 Long moments passed. No sfg1 from Jim.
 At last I must have fallen asleep.
 CHAPTER CXI. awoke with a quick jerk. All tn details of my ugly quarrel with Jin the night before came trooping bacl