Evening star., 1922-10-22

rlddeo me or blank featured lncu-
bus. q thing that's hung on to me
like q leech. given in to me at every
twist and turn, merely that she could
rob me; some one SO sweet and gush-
Ing that she's sickening. that herself
hasn't any more strength than to
take the word of the first man who
natters her. and who is willing to
run awly with him simply because
he tells her any mass Of lies that
happens to come into his head! That's
when I'll face a thief. when he's
stolen somethinE-do you understand
that?"
And as for you" he nodded
toward the doorway-'you can go
when and where you choose, and the
sooner the better. thought you
were q woman when I married you.
I've found out in the ten years that
we've been living together that
you're merely a spineless, resistiess,
shapeless mass OF human putty. l
didn't expect thing like this--but /
should have known that it would
come. 1t was the only end possible,
the only thing possible-from a per-
son like you. Resistance? You
haven't any. Strength OF character?
It dosen't exist Spineless, It's the
only word I can think of for you
THEN he halted, gasping A warm,
L impulsive little form was close
to him. her arms tight about his
neck, her lips seeking his and kiss
ing him again and again.
"Oh, John. you're wonderful" came
all in q breath. Just simply wonder
full! /"
He strove to push her away and
failing. merely gasped the more. For
she was talking again. her words
streaming excitedly. delightedly.
That's just what I've thought
about you. John-what you've said
about me-that you were spineless.
resistless. But you're not, are you,
John? YOU'RE"
"Please-." He strove to break
from her, but she held him tight,
sudden pleading happiness in her
tone.
Il don't have to go away now,
John. My other man has come to
me. Don't you understand, dear
est-don't you understand
"Huh?" 1t was the only word he
could utter. as he stood staring at
her. his arms fiat at his sides, his
lips open. his expression one Of COM
bined anger. dismay and wonder
ment. The soft arms frightened still
more about his neck.
kiss me. John-please"
Hardly"
But don't you understand? / was
just trying to make you say the
things you did say. 1t was the only
way / could think to do it! Don't you
see? I didn't know any other way in
me, to forget that eternal counting
to a hundred before you'd ever an
swer, to-to-John, please-won't you
kiss me? I don't love any ono in the
world but you. swear it-nobody
in the world, John! Don't you see?
Just couldn't stand 1t any-any more"
stand it-stand what?'
"Why-why. everything, John. You
Just can't endure things forever with
out salt and pepper. 1t isn't natural.
lit just got on my nerves until 1
thought I'd go crazy. I"
Whats the Frank amaze
ment was his now. Il don't under
stand you-can't make you out.
Medaine. Salt and pepper"
"Just what mean, John. Put your
arms around me, won't you. please?
Please, John:" She caught hand and
raised 1t to her shoulder, where 1t
hung a moment. then dropped Imply.
But he did not resist her now, as he
had done a moment before. Tell me,
Johns this the first time you've
ever thought me spineless?"
He shook his head, saying silently
what he would not say in words. 1t
seemed to please her. She kissed him.
"And haven't you wondered often
how on earth You ever married me?
Haven't you wondered If really had
enough spirit to even have quarrel
with q tradesman? Haven't you.
John7 rve thought that about you
wondered how on earth you managed
to transact your business, how you
ever got the backbone even to dis
charge an employe. You've never
shown It At home. I've tried to net
tie you. anger you-and all you did
was count to q hundred"
THAT was our bargain" He said 1t
somewhat grudgingly.
"Just tho trouble-iust what hurt