The Era-leader., 1921-02-24
THE LATCH KEY.
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON.

Jack Martin had been married Dut
one month. He did not know a great
deal about women folks, and there
was much in his young wife that puz'
zled him. He was uneasy, constantly
afraid of doing something to offend.
The idea that she would some day
fake fight, offended at something he
had unwittingly done to displease her,
and leave him, haunted him. He had
heard of such things happening, and
had always wondered how the hus-
band could stand it. What would he
do if Mollie should take notion to
run away? Would he dare risk go.
ing after her to bring her back, or
would he let her take her own course,
unmolested by him? He tried his best
to please, but could not always be
sure that he succeeded. Women were
so hard to suit. He imagined that
Molie's smile was not as bright as
usual, her greetings not as loving.
Did women change, he wondered,
after they were married? He tfied
not to think about it, the idea pos.
sessed him, and he watched her mar
rowly.
And then 1t came, the thing he had
been dreading. The train from the
city was delayed one evening by an
accident. 1t was quite dark when
Jack reached the door of his cOzy
little home. Mollie would be worried.
He ran up, the steps, but the house
was dark. There was no little wife
in the doorway to greet him. What
could have happened2 He fumbled
nervously In his pocket for his latch
key; then he remembered that he
had lost 1t week ago and had neg
lected to get new one. Mol'e had
always been there to let him take
her key. It flashed upon him all at
once-perhaps she was asleep. He
knocked loudly. Still no answer. He
went around to the back door. That
also was locked, and every window
tight. Mollie was afraid when alone.
He could raise no one. What was to
be done7 He might perhaps climb
to the piazza roof and try the bedroom
window, but he reflected that Mollie
always kept that locked when he was
away, she had told hin so; then, too,
he would no doubt be taken for a
burglar, and it would be awkward.
He found himself In the uncomfortable
position Of being locked out of his
own house. Mollie might have become
tired Of waiting and dropped off to
sleep-if he could only wake her!
Perhaps she was sick. The thought
frightened him. He knocked again
and called her name frantically. he
must wake her-if she were there
t.
The old thought took possession Of
him. Mollie had left him He paced
the narrow piazza, perspiration start.
Ing from his face. He could not stand
It. She might be dead. Horrible
Nightmares assai1ed him. Had she
really gone-left hin9 What had he
done to offend herr Ills kiss III the
morning had been as tender as ever.
He hadn't refused to do her errands
In town. He had the pink silk In his
pocket now--if he could only give 1t
to her! His wearied mind tried to
think Of something he had done to
anger her, but he could find nothing.
She had been more loving than usual
that morning, he remembered with d
sigh. She must be dead or she would
hear his pounding and open the door.
His knocks ought to wake the dead
even.
"Hello, Jackl What's up?' called
familiar voice. "1ost your latch key?
Can't get in1 Wait a jiffy, I've a skel'
eton, Here, try this"
He pulled key from his pocket and
ran UP. the steps to the door, Which
Jack was still pounding furiously.
With little effort the door flew open
and the two men entered, Jack trem-
bling with fear, hardly daring to stir.
His friend struck a light.
"You look like a ghost, jack" he
laughed. "yout wife locked you out,
did she1 Well, pay her back some
day."
They entered the dining room, where
the table was spread with dainties for
his late supper, and there lay note,
folded neatly, written in fine hand.
"Dear Hubby" 1t read, "1'm awfully
sorry. A telegram tells me mothers
terribly sick. I must stay with her
tonight. tried to get you on the
phone, but couldn't, Your slippers
all ready for you. 80 sorry to be
away. I'll be back In the morning.
You'll find the key under the mat.
"Mollie."
Jack whistled. "Just like WON.
an" he muttered.
His friend laughed heartily. "Why
didn't you think Of the matp he
chuckled. "That's where they always
mat ikN