The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-15
MY WIFE
 and n'. Story r. 0N Carolyn Beecher
CHAPTER xxx ' ITS WORKING! Diana whispered


 A gleefully. Do your part now and we'll see results"
 Natalie had flushed. then turned to Ned and devoted her attention to him more noticeably than before So did my best to follow Diana's lead and flat tered myself that I was succeeding Jessie's eyes twinkled; she, at least had not been fooled.
 |. After dinner we took up the rugs and danced. claimed most of the dances with Diana, laughingly saying a man wasn't supposed to dance with his own wife. although previously I had insisted upon as many as Natalie would give me. Garth scowled at us at first, but after he had danced with Jessie his eyes twinkled too when he looked at us It had been Jessie. not he, who had discovered our ruse.
 Mrs. Brooks looked on frowningly- I knew was in for a curtain lecture upon my duties as a husband. but this knowledge deterred me not c whit. And to be truthful I was enjoying myself immensely. Diana in her vamp role was screamingly funny. She carried it off delightfully."-.
 What she had told me of the con- versation between Natalie and Ned had banished my jealousy-at least for "a time. had not really believed Natalie foolish enough to encourage Ned too far, but the certainty that she had not brought me comfort nevertheless. "I do so love such impromptu af- fairs," Diana said when they left. T never had better time in my life"
 That means that you will come .,,y I knew how.
 ''Surest thing you know !'' she replied. returning my glance.
 had enjoyed the play with her. but was glad when the good nights were said and I could relax. I was out of practice. had been married three years, and Natalie's coldness had prohibited show of feeling.
 Mrs. Brooks didn't wait until morn ing to censure me. Natalie left us for moment and she commenced: Don't you think you showed bad taste in devoting yourself so constantly to that Miss Lowell, Bruce: Of course. I know you didn't mean anything, but other people aren't so charitable. Natalie's entrance gave me an ex- cuse not to answer.
 Good night" she said quietly. I'm going to bed. I have a busy day to- morrow, mother if you want to go with me you had better follow my example.
 With a reproving glance at me. Mrs Brooks followed her.
 I paid Natalie's bills. then drew her check for her monthly allowance That she intended in some way to cir cumvent me. I feared: she had shown her hand by inviting guests immediately after I had said we must econcmize Not that I resented her having guests whenever she choose-I had purposely refrained in my talk from mentioning entertainments at home. I had no de sire to shut her off from that plea sure. But l felt it had been done de fiantly.
 For the first time I talked to Uncle Robert of my private affairs. Some thing he had said started it, then told him had put Natalie on an allowance and had refused to let her have charge accounts any longer.
 "A step in the right direction. my boy" he replied. Tt is very easy to say charge it and when women love beautiful things, as Natalie does. they don't stop to reckon the cost. Having to put their hands in their pockets and pay real money is. bound to be a de terent. How did Natalie like the ideaT
 ''She took it quietly. I don't think she was wholly pleased"
 You gave her a generous aIlowance:"
 "All I could afford"
 Then you have done your duty. I hate to see you 30 bothered. Have you decided where to spend your vacation:" "Yes. I shall rough it for two weeks
 Good, Will Natalie go with youy
 I'm afraid not. She wants to go to Newport, but cant see my way to let ting her go there. Perhaps she and her