The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-01
My Husbarod---1he BOOtJegger
By Caroline BeecIser

roll, but when I spoke of it he told me it didn't all belong to him. I had taken it for granted it was for the business and questioned him no fur ther.
 The very next day he gave me a hundred dollars for Lucille. But some way could feel no joy in it. His manner had been so peculiar and his eyes refused to meet mine when showed astonishment.
 "Tll soon be on my feet again." he said I am making a new connection that won't interfere with my factory duties. It will help us out"
 What sort of connection, MOrt?" I asked.
 Dealing in imports" he replied. This did not strike me as unlikely. He had spent much time abroad, had good taste, and so it was wholly plaus- ible. The sinister sarcasm of it realized later.
 Lucille had her dress and went off to the party in gay spirits. Dorian came in to spend the evening with me and told her of Mort's connec- tion with an importing firm. She looked curiously at me, started to say something, caught herself. I thought she disapproved of Mort doing any thing to take his interest from his own business and felt a little hurt. She didn't understand how hard things had been for all of us.
 Now Mort was out more than ever, often not coming home until late, and occasionally taking short trips. He would be gone a day, two or three days. But we were no longer so cramped for money, not that we had very much more all at once, but the increase was enough to take the edge from the economies l had been prac. ticing.
 1 No one who has not been absolutely cramped for money can realize what a difference a few dollars make. Had Mort been at home with us more, had he not seemed so engrossed when there should have been quite joyful. As it was was relieved, happy to do more for the children.
 "Fix yourself up, Stella. You haven't had any new clothes in an age" He threw $200 in my lap. Spend every cent of that for yourself. shouldn't like to have my wife cause remark by her shabbiness."
 But, Mort-can you really afford all this?
 "Yes, or wouldn't give it to you. l am gradually getting on, and prefer that you change your mode of dress ing and living as things improve, in- stead of startling the natives by com ing out suddenly. We will go to the theatre now occasionally and 1 want you to look right"
 I was woman and loved nice hn hn told me, and couldn't help a little thrill of delight when I saw myself dressed in a new gown, hat, shoes, etc. The children were delighted.
 You look like you used to now, Lucille said. II was always so proud to have my friends know you, you were so smart and so young looking"
 You're some swell looker," Donald declared slangily. Clothes make some difference in a woman, don't they?"
 l laughed with them, enjoying their flattery.
 Mort now began to talk of moving into a better apartment, of returning Mona to Miss Bradley's school. But for a time he made no move, although he kept me in money and insisted have a maid.
 I had worked very hard, was pretty well worn out, and the help of good maid was very welcome. Lucille re- joiced, and now occasionally would bring one of the girls home to dinner with her or have a few of her old friends in for the evening.
 Had Mort been his old frank self l should have been very happy. But he had an air that in anyone else should have thought secretive, and added to that he seemed at times almost afraid of something. A ring of the bell, a strange voice would startle him and he would grow suddenly alert as if bracing himself for something dis agreeable.