New Britain herald., 1925-06-09
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him, but there wasn't so much as a crumb of bread In the house, I'll stock up today"
 She tried 10 drink q cup of her coffee. But sho had to admit to her self that 1t VI too bitter to drink. She didn't dare to offer Dick a sec- ond cup of It.
 "Will you be home tonight for dinner?" she asked as he got up from the table.
 She hoped that he would at least offer to kiss her goodby. But he didn't.
 "Yes, IT be home" he said color essly. "I think I'll take your car today. You don't seem to drive it my more -. do you mind if l do"
 Gloria shook hor head. There was lump in her throat. She watched Dick drive down the street. her vision blurred with tears, She wiped them away. angrily.
 Whats the matter with me?" she asked herself. Am I falling in love with the poor simp?"
 Was she? Or had she always been in love with hlm2 And had 1t taken her jealousy of Miss Briggs 10 unyeil the fact to her? -.
 The thought Of Miss Briggs down in Dicks office with him all day was a torment 10 her. She stopped in the middle of her work a dozen times that morning to wish that Dick had a man secretary instead of Susan Briggs.
 Hes just got to fro her!" she kept telling herself. 1T just won't have her down in that office with him. That's all there-is 10 it!"
 Soothing and sympathetic, was she? Well, Gloria would show Dick that she, herself, could be soothing and sympathetic. If that vas Miss Briggs method Of ''vamping" Dick. that would be Gloria's game. Two could play at any old game. -.
 The sight of Dicks shabby old house coat hanging in his closet was an inspiration to Gloria. She would buy him a new one. Goodness | knew he needed it.
 And 1t wouldn't be a dull gray one like this. .. It would have some pep and dash about 1t. . ..
 When Dick came home that night, the table was neatly set. There was an appetizing odor of frying steak in the house. And Glo- ria, in clean white dress, came out of the kitchen 10 meet him.
 "Dinner will be ready in two min utes," she greeted him cheerfully. And when you go upstairs to wash your hands, take a peek at the sur prise I have for you up there"
 On the bed in Dicks room was spread Gloria's Surprise" purple silk house-coat lined with scarlet.
 Holy suffering cats!" Dick said to himself. Docs she think I'd wear a thing like that!'
 He went down 10 dinner in his suit. Gloria's face fell when she saw him.
 Aren't you going to put on your new housecoat?" she asked. . ~ Dick shook his head. You know I never wear bright colors like that, Gloria" he said. although 1t is a doggoned nice coat. Thanks"
 "What'll I do with it?" Gloria asked pathetically. She looked as if she were going to cry. Take it l back?'
 You didn't pay cash for 1t, did you?" Dick asked.
 "N-no," Gloria faltered. "1 charged 1t to you"
 And how much was it?" Dicks voice had grown stern.
 Not very much .. . only s5o." Gloria replied. "It really was a bar gain. It had been s75 -. awfully good silk In H."
 Dick sat down at the dining room table.
 Now look here, Gloria" he said. i've told you a dozen times that you're not to go downtown and run up bills without asking me about it. first. And in spite if it, you charge a $50 house coat to me iu a store where l owe money as 1t is"
 Gloria felt a frown growing be- tween her eyebrows.
 "Wen, what do you want me to do take the thing back?" she asked. 'I'm going to be terribly ashamed If have to, let me tell you!" .....
 "Tll take it back" Dick answered Just do it up in a bundle. and IT take it with me in the car tomor' row morning. . hate to seen ; ungrateful, Glory, but a $50 presen that isn't paid for wouldn't give m' , any satisfaction, at all. I'd have thu blues every time put 1t on" Gloria shook her head. "I can understand you at all, Dick" sh' said. Suppose you do owe a few bills? Everybody does. Nobody eve ? has every dollar paid right up ol the first of the month"
 Dick was silent. He made littl' dots on the tablecloth with the tine of his fork.
 "I .. suppose you'll have fit if I mention tho word clothes l 10 you" Gloria went on, after | . minute. but haven't a singl, l summer dress. You know you prom ised me could have some. befor'
 you went away on your trip. Re
 member?"
 l Yes" Dick answered quietly t But don't you think It's more i'm |, portant for us to get some of ou 9 old bills paid of, first?" s "No!" Gloria cried, angrily. "Fn [ just about at the point where