The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-15
DOMESTIC DAYS
Ky ROY l.. nrCARDELL


 Mrs. Jarr was In bed and the lights burned low. She gave no sign of being aware of MT. Jarr's presence as he entered softly and prepared to retire.
 She's asleep" said MT. Jarr as to himself.
 "I'm not asleep" came from. the pillows, calmly but coldly.
 "Ah, birdie, thought you were" re- marked MT. Jarr with airy noncha- lance. Its been a beastly day. By goshl I hate downtown after dark at the best Nof times, but to have to stay down and have to work on a damp, gloomy night, gets on ones nerves. "Still," he added lightly, tits all in lifetime. and I suppose a man should be glad he's got job, even if he does work overtime"
 There was silence.
 Met young Haggers as was con- | ing home" continued MT. Jarr as he proceeded with his disrobing. Gee He was feeling good Now, there $ a fellow that had every chance In the world. He married 8 nice Igirl, but now he's Just breaking her heart. can't understand these men what they see bumming around clubs ant bootleggers' studios. You'd think l they'd realize the responsibilities O. life, wouldn't you? They don't know when they're well off. And yet they say Haggers wife never scolds ol complains. Can you understand man like Haggers?"
 But still there was no answer from Mrs. Jarr.
 q suppose you'd bs perfectly sat isfied if I were like that fellow flag gers and didn't work at all! When man tries to do what is right ano attends to his business and works overtime, what encouragement does he get?"
 q do not knowp came at last the voice of Mrs Jarr in icy tones. "Try 1t once and see."
 All right" he said solemnly. "Al right. If you prefer to live this kind of life, If you would rather quarrel than be kind, have 1t your own way But I tell you this Is the thing that drives men from. home"
 What drives them homer" inquir- ed Mrs. Jarr.
 "A little kind treatment; a little | interest in a mans affairs. To ap- 1 preciate when Les working late into the night to-
 ITO be careful not to telerhohe ano | find out he's been gone since five 1T the afternoon" interrupted Mrs Jarr, and her tones were trapped in- deed.
 q didn't say I was working at the office. I had to go out and attend to some business for the firm, and can prove itr' cried MT. Jarr hotly What makes you so suspicious What makes you find fault and get mad at me? Whats the matter with women?"
 "There's nothing the matter with Al, n,,1. ware of the day when what you do doesn't make your wife angry, be- cause when that day comes"-
 "Oh, to be sure, to be sure" as- sented MT. Jarr. wiling to let 1t go scented MT. Jarr, willing to let it go with himself in the dark.
 MT. Jarr had the blues. He did not know why he had them, but he had Mrs. Jarr did not know why ht should have the blues, either. Sht said nothing, but watched him close ly. Finally she came to the conclu sion that his depression was due tc l the spurring of the grim monitor Conscience. So Mrs. Jarr said nc word. expecting every minute that ht would break down and confess.
 As for himself. MT. Jarr began wondering whether his low spirits were caused by nervousness or iron smoking too much. He finally con cluded that a little walk in the oper air would do him good. Mrs. Jarl permitted him to depart without ob | jecting. Just previously she had bor- | rowed all the money Mir. Jarr had and she knew that without money ht could come to no harm out alone ir a great city.
 As MT. .Jarr passed from the hall way to the street entrance of the apartment house the sound of joyous laughter fell on his ears. This sound was emitted by Mir Wilkins, a tenant on one of the lower floors. At the present moment MT. Wilkins was rid ing astrlde of the brass rail of the street steps and was knocking the janitor. who was standing aloof growing threats to the effect that ht was going for the police. The janitol had a pair of swollen black eyes, evi dently but recently imparted, ant now he trudged sullenly away
 What's the matter with you Mir l Wilkins?" inquired Mir. Jarr.
 Whats the matter with YOU?' asked the merry Wilkins in turn You look like a pickle. Cheer uI 1 and let's sing, Yes, We Have Nc Bananas!'"
 You must be feeling good" sait MT. Jarr. Whats the occasion ot joy being unconfined? Whats tho matter with you?"
 On MT. Wilkins flushed and happy face the grin deepened. What's the