The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1921-02-17
PALS
BY ETHEL MAC Carly.

Good morning, Bob DEAR" accentu-
ated by an affectionate greeting, was
Bob'S wife's salutatiOn on this beauti-
full morning in early September.
Morning." was the gruff and al
together too frequent response from
her better-half, who Immediately
slumped into his chair and made a
veritable grab at the morning paper,
placed before his plate by his duti-
full little wife. Two or three gulps
from his coffee and he vouchsafed the
information that it looked as if coal
would be $40 a ton this winter.
isn't that terrible, dear?"
This seemed only to incense her hus-
band who was not to be cOnsoled one
atom, and had a distinct crouch this
morning which was growing more
acute each minute.
Just then Virginia placed before
him, some exceptionally good pork
chops and hot biscuits, which appealed
as usual to his masculine appetite and
he replied:
well, anyway, 1 picked the best
little cook in the world, and We'll
show them we can get along"
After Robert had left, Virginia
dOnned her most business-like serge
suit and sport hat, locked the little
apartment and started downtown.
IN take a look myself" said the
portly gentleman, who had sauntered
into the specious employment agency
But, we don't permit that we always
refer to our card index for qualifica-
/ lions of the aspirant," demurred the
austere-looking clerk at the desk.
MY dear madam, l wish secretary
and am willing to pay her reasonable
/ salary to cope with the high cost of
/ living for doing my work. l do not
want any whitewashed noses around
me. I'll just take a glance around.
Um-um, will you kindly let me inter-
view the young miss in the dark Suit?'
! Virginia was summoned and after
the perfunctory conversation was
hired to start in work on the NOR
row. Could she believe it?
Could she believe it? Hours ten to
three, not very much work, he had
told her, and such a salary! She
walked as if on thin air to the little
"love nest"
The duties of the little household
we're completed the next morning and
Virginia started to her downtown Of
fee, which proved to be very beau
tiful one, the work most interesting
while Mr.. Cameron she found to be
the best and most considerable of EN-
ployers. At the end of the first day
each was more than pleased with his
find.
The first week was gone and the
salary placed in the strong box at
home. Weeks followed weeks and the
little pile grew rapidly until one eve
ming Bob seemed particularly grumpy
and his wife made up her mind to do
something the next day. After the
customary work was gotten out she
approached Mr.. Cameron and asked
If he could spare her for a few hours
as she had some important shopping
to do. She was graclously given the
entire day. 60 along, my dear and
don't come back until tomorrow.
Thanking him with her most capti-
waiting smile she sailed forth
A few evenings later Virginia walk
ed to the corner of the street to meet
her husband.
Later they sauntered home and Vir-
ginia guilefully led her husband into
the kitchen first She stepped into the
living room and soon the strains of a
favor. o piece reached Bob's astonish-
ed ears.
"a victrola, Virgie?" And he fairly
.eaped into the next room.
"Where did it come from. Virgie
tell me?" But without waiting for an
answer he said, And this and this and
that?" and finally he stopped short and
gazed at his excited little wife.
Don't ask any questions, but just
look first" she replied. He saw the
little living room changed so that he
hardly knew it.
"And that isn't all, dear, we have
500 left to get what we both think
best"
Back to the old armchair she led
him, and, faltering at first, she final
ly told him all about that eventfu
day some months ago when he was
blue and she was blue and the whole
world was blue. When she finished
he was so quiet she thought him hurt
Bob, you are not angryT"
mo, dear, only realize more anG
more what a real pal l have"
Real happiness was theirs, and af
ter trying out all of the records fol
the new victrola they retired.
A few evenings later Bob was home
earlier than usual, and almost trippet
in his endeavor to reach Virginia anC
give her a tremendous hug.
"Halloo, dear, the old adage is true
Good luck never comes alone TIL,
old gent gave me private interview
in the Office today, and next week
. start on the outside game just VIVA
I've been wanting to get a chance a
FOR some time Said he was Watchini