Evening star., 1922-10-22

TT was S:15 o'clock. In the kitchen
the last touches had been given a
meal which was a bit more extrav-
axant than was customary in the
household of MIR. and Mrs. John Car
rineton. The silver candlesticks were
on the dining room table, instead OF the
usual glass ones; the service had been
polished with extra care that morning.
At the side of each of the two plates
was a sprig of orange blossoms, which
had arrived, special delivery. from Cal
ifornia, that morning. Just beyond the
French doors leading to the living room
was a large basket of roses. 1t was
thus every year.
In the fireplace of the living room the
flames leaped in blue and green and
violet colorings, the off givings of drift
wood, sending their colorations into the
big, comfortable, shadowy room. and
upon the woman who sat, just within
the range of warmth, gazing into the
flames. Mrs. John Darlington was wait
ing for her husband to come home-to
dinner in honor of their tenth ami
versay.
Not that there was any doubt as to
the time or manner of his arrival. Mr..
and Mrs John Darlington had repu-
tation they were known as the happiest
married couple of all their set-a set,
incidentally, which included every worth
while name In the directory. In five
minutes. Mrs. Darlington knew. there
would sound the throbbing of a familiar
engine from down the street and the
soueaking of brakebands, which always
announced the homecoming Of the best
husband in town. John never failed
Just as he never failed to telephone her
precisely at II o'clock each morning.
lust as he never failed to remember her
birthday or to send the biggest basket
of roses which he could afford. on their
anniversary Just as he never failed to
take her TO the theater on Tuesday
night, to the country club for the Fri
day night dances. or-but the list is too
long. John was the ideal husband. He
never failed in anything.
Nor did she For Medaine Caring
ton also had her place in the matrimo-
NAL sun. Even her enemies admitted
that she was a perfect wife. The SER
entity Of the Darlington home was some
thing which could not be denied. Every
one knew Of it. every one spoke of it.
John Darlington and his wife never had
even quarreled.
x 4 *
WET, as Mrs. Darlington watched
i the fire. it seemed that an express
sion, almost Of utter fear. was in
her eyes: the tapping of a shoe upon
the soft rug gave evidence of nervous
ness. the quick knitting of her hands
emphasized it. Now and then she turned
her head toward the window-as though
fearful Of his coming, yet anxious that
he be here. Then she would resume her
former position, her eyes fraught with
presentiment. gazing into the. big fire.
place where the driftwood cracked and
the flames leaped and scurried in va
grant colorings
The minutes passed.
A car stopped protestingly. A step
sounded. The door opened. She turned
with her usual smile.
How are you, dearie?'
Same as usual, sweetheart"
He was hanging up his hat and over
coat. A moment more and he came he
hind her, to lay his hands on her
shoulders for an instant. "How's my
sweetheart, tonight"
Happy as always. John" She turned
and kissed him lightly. You were a
dear to send me those roses. You never
forget, Jhon."
He Strengthened proudly.
why should 1? Pretty fire.
Yes, driftwood I've been sitting
here watching 1t, while 1 waited for
you
For q moment he, too, looked into
the blaze.
Beautiful. Driftwood. eh? Rather
hard to get isn't it?"
She smiled.
"Yes-but then, this is our anniver-
sary."
That's right. That's right I sup
pose the dinners waitingT'
1t was q useless question-asked
merely for the sound of it. John
knew that dinner was ready. 1t al
ways was ready. The home of Mr..
and Mrs. John Darlington was one
In which nothing ever was awry. He
went oni
"Yes, of course it's waiting. Just
a moment, sweetheart. until I tidy
up a bit and I'll be with you. Only
Q moment"
He hurried up the stairs, while
again the gaze Of Medaine CARING
ton sought the fames; the gaze of
ono whose mind is peopled with an
guist. But In Q moment moro 1t had
vanished. John was beside her, bow
ing over in mock overpoliteness. and
Offering his arm in an extravagant
invitation to the table.
Many congratulations today" he
said as they seated themselves. -Four
or I'VE of the boys dropped in to tell
me their troubles, and incidentally to
say how much they envied us
Strange what a few little numbers
will do. isn't it?"
Marvellous" Her self-possession
had returned; with him before her
she was again the usual Medaine
Darlington. This is the tenth year.
without a quarrel"
S@ laughed.