The Glenwood post., 1924-03-13

1t was six-fifteen o'clock. In the
kitchen the last touches had been
given a meal which was bit more ex-
travagant than was customary in the
household of Mr.. and Mrs. John Car
rington. 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 sprig of orange blossoms, which
had 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 ofrgivings 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
their tenth anniversary.
Not that there was any doubt as to
the time or manner Of his arrival. Mr..
and Mrs. John Darlington had a repu-
tation-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-
bing of a 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
he 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 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 q perfect wife. The Sc
renity Of the Darlington home was
something which could not be denied.
Everyone knew of 1t, everyone spoke
Of It. John Darlington and his wife
never had even quarreledi
Yet, as Mrs. Darlington watched the
fire, It seemed that an expression. al
most Of utter fear, was In her eyes
the tapping Of a shoe upon the soft
rug gave evidence Of nervousness, the
quick knitting Of her hands en-
phasized IL. Now and then she turned
her head toward the window-as
though fearful Of his coming, yet anx-
lous that he be here. Then she would
resume her former position, her eyes
fraught with presentment, gnzing into
the big fireplace where the driftwood
erackled and the flames leaped and
Rcurtied In vagrant colorings. The min
utes passed.
A car stopped protestingly. step
sounded. The door opened. She turned
with her usual smile.
"FIow are you. Dearest2
Same as usual, Sweetheart" He
was hanging up his hat and overcoat.
A moment more and he came behind
her, 10 lay his hands on her shoulders
for an instant. "How's my Sweetheart
tonight?"
"Happy rs always. John" She
turned and kissed him lightly. "You
were q dear to send me those roses.
You never forget john
He straightened proudly.
"Why should II Pretty fire."