New Britain herald., 1923-03-06
Inc Way Katie and Jim Took Lil-
 Hans Rather Strong Advice.

Hans Rather strong Advice
 For tense. puzzled second or two wondered if Lillian had not made mistake when she told Jim, In katie's hearing, to keep tighter rein upon his wife.
 1 knew it was advice that Lillian had thoughtfully contemplated giving because of her study of my little maids volatile and tempestuous tenn perament. Katie still was imbued with so much of the superstition, and ancient traditions of woman's subservioncc, Drought with her from her birthplace across tho seas, that she would always be ready to yield son near her. It was highly desir- able that her huspand should be that person.
 But the girl had also geaned in her new environment, many ideas of economic and conjugal equality as jumbled and ludicrous as the distort- ed specimens of American slang with which she garnished her speech. Would they make themselves felt in her reaction to this touch of the spur from Lillian?
 And then there came to my ears a sound had not heard for many days "a distinct giggle from Katie.
 True it held a note of lIysteria, but there was also in it the joyous non chalance with which Katie sheds worry when she is sure that someone else has assumed her burdens.
 With Jim back, and the assurances of safety from Joe which Lillian and 1 had voiced, Katie was her old volatile care-free self again. And 10 my great relief, I saw that she was too intoxicated with happiness to rec ognize the serious intent behind Lil- lian's warning. Jim could deal with her later on that score without the handicap of the girls resentment against Lillian's advice.
 I'm Your Man.
 Maybe you better take beeg steeck to me, Jeem,' she said coquettishly, and I saw her hand smooth the tumbled hair back from his forehead. Jim did not smile--he is neither so nimblewitted nor so ephemeral in his emotions as katie-but he clasped her work hardened hand in his, and held it to his cheek with an awkward tenderness which made my eyes moist as I turned toward Lillian in time to catch her vehement nod of the head toward the door. I seized the cue. and turned back to the absorbed pair by the table
 You won't need us any more, i Katie said off -handedly. Be sure you make Jim finish his supper"
 T feex heem eef he don't" Katie rejoined gayly with another coquettish glance at her husband, but Jim got to his feet, heavily and awkwardly, | and crossed the room to us.
 T ain't much on the talk" he said in embarrassed fashion, but if ever either of you needs anything done that l can do, no matter how big or hard job it is, I'm your man."
 Madgc Tells Her Story.
 We know that, Jim" l said heart | fly holding out my hand to him. "Ann we're all very glad to see you back home. Your old job is here for you whenever you're ready to work"
 m be on the job tomorrow morn ing" Jim said simply, and then Iil- lian and I werc outside the door, eacl, l think a trifie thrilled by the pie ture we had elimpsed as we left the picture of Katie in ner husbands arms, with his head bent tenderly to hers.
 It was Llhian who spoke first, in the flippanr manner with which 'hc masks her deeper feelings.
 And thats that" sne said. '"o can look forward to sCrne scrumptiors meals in the next few days, l lm- agne. katie'l lay herself out 10 feed Jim up, and we'll reap the bene- fit. Tell me, is Jim fond of chicl.era with biscuit?'
 I laughed at the whimsical earn estness with which she put the ques. ton concerning her own favorlte dish.
 "Passionately. I'm sure" I returned. And we'll have it for dinner tomor- row"
 If you ever go to congress, they'll put you in charge of the pork barrel" she retorted. You're good pro- sider, Madge. "I'll say that for you. Are you terribly tired?"
 I seized the cue immediately.
 Not too tired to talk" I said. T