Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1923-08-30

IL was SlA-HIteen O'Clock. In the
Kitchen the last touches had been
given meal which was a bit more ex-
traVagant than was customary in the
household of Mr.. and Mrs. John Car
rlngton. 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
mad arrived, special delivery, from
California, that morning. Just beyond
the French doors leading to the living
room was 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 offgivings Of
driftwood, sending their colorations
into the big, comfortable shadowy
room and upon the woman who sat,
just within the range of warmth, gaz-
Ing into the flames. Mrs John Car
rington was waiting for her husband
to come home to dinner in honor of
lCtllll y.
Not that there was any doubt as to
the time or manner of his arrival. Mr..
and, Mrs. John Darlington had repu-
tatlon-they were known as the hap
piest married couple of all their set
set, incidentally, which included
every worthwhile name in the direc-
tory. In five minutes, Mrs. Darlington
knew, there would sound the throb-
ebing Of familiar engine from down
the street and the squeaking Of brake
bands which always announced the
homecoming Of the best husband in
town. John never failed, just as he
never failed to telephone her precisely
at eleven O'Clock each morning, Just as
ne never failed to remember her birth
day, 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 Thursday
night, to the Country club for the Fri.
day night dances, or-but the list ia
TOO long. John was the ideal husband.
He never failed in anything.
~NoA uAu SHe' TUT Meualne earring
ton also had her place in the matrimo-
NAL sum- Even her enemies admitted
that she was perfect wife. The Sc
renity Of the Darlington home was
something which could not be denied.
Everyone knew of it, everyone spoke
of it. John Darlington and his wife
never had even quarreled!
e
Yet, as Mrs. Darlington watched the
fire, 1t seemed that an expression. al.
most Of utter fear, was in her ewes ::
the tapping Of shoe upon the soft
rug gave evidence Of nervousness, the
quick knitting of her hands en-
: phasized it. Now and then she turned
her head toward the window-as
though fearful of his coming, yet anx-
iaus that he be here. Then she would
resume her former position, her ewes
fraught with presentment, gazing into
the big fireplace where the driftwood
cracked and the flames leaped and
scurAied in vagrant colorings. The min
utes passed.
A car stopped protestingly. A step
with her usual smile.
"How are you, Dearest?'
"SRme as usual, Sweetheart" He
was hanging up his hat and overcoat.
A moment more and he came behind
her, to lay his hands on her shoulders
for an instant. "HoW's my Sweetheart
tOnightT'
Happy as always, John" She
turned and kissed him lightly. You
were dear to send me those roEes.
You never forget, John"
He Strengthened proudly.
"Why should I? Pretty fire.
"Yes-driftwood rye been sitting
here watching it, while waited for
you.2A
Fs moment he, too, looked into
the E.aZe.
Beautiful. Driftwood, Ell? Rather
bard to get isn't lit"
she smiled.
"Yes-but then, this is our anniver-
sary"
THAT'S right. That's right l sup
pese the dinners waiting?"
it was useless question-asked
I. bDrely for the sound of it. John knew
THAT dnne< was ready. 1t always was