New Britain herald., 1921-02-24

nToDlCm upon me ne ltPpiloIt i'i my own home was useless, for tn" wires had been wrcnched out tho day before. and the telephone man had not yet como to repair it. Mrs. Dur kee's was the most natural place for mo to telephone. but just then Edith Fairfax passed from the hall to the dining room. and at my glimpse of her. I.illinn's warning came back to mo And suddenly, for tho first time. I realized just why she had given it.
 An Interested Listener.
 That it would be impossible for me to telephone DiCky about anything SO disturbing Rs the wanton wreckaEe which tho midnight disturbcrs had left fh our house without his getting auerulous .nnd impatient and proh- ably losing his temper well knew. That was not good enough actress to carry on the other end of the telephone conversation without so shrewd and interested n listener as Edith Fairfax realizing that there was friction in the air. I also knew. And 10 have the girl-who, l knew. loved Dicky-ailently commenting. perhaps eNulting in our lack of har- mony. was simply impossible.
 After my first echo of dismay at
 
 seconds had passed in reality. but to my excited nerves it seemed that hours had own. and that Mrs. Durkce was waiting wide-eyed for my answer. My particular good fairy must have been pcrched on my shoul- der. however. for I was able without any appearance of embarrassment to put my hand upon Mrs. Durkees shoulder and smile down at her.
 It's n crime to mako you do 1t when you're 70 busy" I said. but you know Dlcky. He would never como on just my invitation. when it's your party. And you know that you love to talk to each other"
 More Trouble.
 The little woman preened herself.
 "Of course I'll telephone the DiCky- bird" she laughed. and don't you darc get jealous She shook her finger playfully at me.
 My eyes have been green ever since new you I retOrtcd. then lowered my voice confidenually. Don't say anything about the mess over at the house, I said.
 Mrs. Durkce stared at me wide eyed.
 Haven't you told him about that
  like to be in your place when he finds out. or course. I won't say n word. but you take my advice and call him up as soon as you know how. Don't you want to come In and use the phone now ?''
 "I think not. just now I answered. smiling. 'Tt's always good plan. I've heard. to get a man in good humor before you tell him something disagrecablc. And I do not know of anything more calculated to make Dicky feel nt peace with the world than a dinner invitation from you"
 Get along with your blarpey!" she said laughing. but I knew that she liked the reference. neverth heless You needn't tell mo. Madgc. that you were born in this country. It was tho Emerald Isle for yours. I'll be bound"
 I laughed again as I turned away. but the laugh covered dismay at my own forEctrulucss. Dicky would he rcsentful. and rightly so, of my silence regarding the dcspoiling of our home. | must get him on the telephone as soon ns possibly could. but must do 1t from some public booth in the village.
 When went into the kitchen l found Katie and Jim in a whirIwind of work. The room was being rapid ly reduced to order. but at sight of me. Katie lifted up her voice in lamentatlon.
 "Oh-h. Missis Graham!' she said. "Youse might shoost as well sell dis house. Walls of dining room and kitchen all spoil, cost mooch money to feex."