Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-05-30
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
Lope and Theory
BY JOSEPHINE s. BROOKS

happy to toll for love of her dear
ones. She felt that nothing mattered
II they all remained we'll. How thank
ful she ought to be for these blessings.
Her song, rising clearer this sunny
morning, was cut short by the ring Of
the doorbell. Ellen smoothed her hair,
cast aside her work apron, and then
hastened to the door.
II heard you singing and I don't see
how you do it,
"Do what. Elsie?" asked the hostess
In surprise.
why, be so cheerful and happy in
such-'
"Iu so humble home?' supplied
Ellen.
"Well, that was my thought--then I
mean your work. You do work hard.
Ellen, and you can't deny it. And for
what! No one gives you any credit
for it."
"Credit, Elsie2 No true wife does it
for thst, but out Of love-"
Love is all very we'll for while. but
year after year. to go without rest,
with no vacations, Is unjust. I'll never
marry a man who makes me work all
the time"
Ellen stood silent. She wondered if
her face had lines in it like this friend 8
Of thirty five birthdays.
"Oh, Ellen" The, young woman
clapped her hands. 81 have plan.
Let your husband do your wor k for
one day, and III wager your trying
times will end"
"I have never looked at it in that
light. love my husband and boy so
much it lessons the task.
"Oh. fudge Love is for the rich
pleasure seekers. not for poor working
people"
Ellen thought while.
"Perhaps---you 're--right. have never
had a real vacation. l never cared to
leave my family. But. as you, say,
'You think 1t over, Ellen, tempted
Elsie, land see if I'm not right. I'm
studying these subjects, and l know
what I'm talking about. Every woman
has her own individuality to preserve.
No downtroddcn wife has a grain of
1t. Assert yourself. Good by.
The young wife's song had ceased.
The sun shone less brightly and her
task now seemed heavier. AS the hours
passed bitter thoughts grew and mag
nified.
Ellen left her work and sat down by
the table. hand on chin. Soon she rose.
"I'll do it," she whispered: "Ill
go--let's see, it's Saturday, I'll 60 to-
morrow after John and Rodney start
ing that I must have vacation of a
few days, and as he can never afford
to hire the washing. he must attend
TO Il himself. They'll be glad when !
get back. Then, want to prove Elsie's S
Theory"
Ellen imagined, when on her way to
Cousin James, how amazed John and
their boy must be as they read her
note; but she could not read John 8
thoughts as to her sanity-his wife, al
ways so gentle. Neither could she see
Johns puckered brow as he read her
words, thoughtless and little selfish.
She laughed as the picture of him
Juggling at the big pile of washing,
blankets and all, arose. Perhaps he
would revolt.
Ellsn's thoughts we're not all joyous,
as she swung next day in the hammock
beneath her cousins elm tree. She had
missed the "hasty kiss" that morning.
and had longed to hear the confusing
boys whistle.
II wonder how they managed this
morning, with no one to get breakfast
for them? 1t seems rather sudden, my
uprising. But women aren't machines.
As Elsie says, they must rest some
times. cant wait to prove her
theory
Monday proved long day to Ellen
in spite Of her independence, and Tues
day was scarcely passed before she con
fided her longing for home to her
cousins.
"You just spoil that husband of
yours, Ellen. Just think of it, you
never leave him. You must think Of
yourself, dear.
"Why, that's what Elsie says. Her
theory must be true" sighed Ellen, as
she promised to remain another night.
In the morning very determined
woman faced her cousin.
II can't stand it another minute.
Alma" declared Ellen. BESIDES,
had a terrible dream-it seemed as IL
something fearful had happened to
John. Then. by this time, my house
must be a sight" she added, as IL in
apology. IL want to see, too, how
John took his lesson" she laughed as
she said good-by.
As the wife neared her journeys end,
she breathed; After all. home looks
good. There's no sign of life. No
doubt John and Rod are at work"
Ellen entered the hall, where sense
of emptiness seemed to strike her. She
passed into the dining room, then went
on to the kitchen. A noise startled
her. She opened the door and paused
on the threshold.
Rodney, what are you doing at
homer"
Washing dishes, mother" the boy
answered, as if dish washing were an
ordinary task.
"Father-he-hasn t--what has hap :
pened?"
| Father has been--phew. game from
Rodney, as he nearly let fall cup.
Without waiting for the boys an
swer the mother dashed into the bed ;
room, where upon the bed lay her John.
] John, John she sobbed. "Irl