Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-04-08
QUIT TIE
BARGAIN
COUNTERS
By HENRY AARONS


n Harry After thought
was giving you such a nice
surprise-and-"
Here the pretty face of the three
months bride buried itself in a hand
kerchief, and was the next instant
transferred to the coat collar of the
remorseful young husband, who after
restoring peace and harmony, gave
one rueful glance at the collection Of
misit underwear, out-of-date neckties,
rainbow-hued socks, and fled
Annabel had really given her hus-
band surprise, but not the mice" one
she expected. She had developed
bad case of the bargain counter mall
ady, and had brought home such de-
lectaby cheap things for her darling
Harry, she believed he would be de-
lighted at her economical foresight,
But the underwear was two sizes too
small, and the kind he never wore.
He Abhorred green socks, and that col
or in ties was frlghtfully unbecoming
to him.
Mrs. Harte put away the offending
purchases, and concluded Harry was
just a bit out of humor.
The next time she struck bargain
counter Of mems furnishings, she
couldn't resist buying something more
for Harry This time she knew he
would be pleased. But he wasn't. He
gently but firmly tried to make her
promise not to do 1t any more.
81 just believe If you had married
Mamie Beck instead Of me, you'd have
liked what she bought for you" pouted
Annabel.
Mamie Beck ~ snorted Harte. II
never thought Of marrying herW
"Oh yes, you did, and you wouldn't
have found fault with any nice little
thing she wanted to do for your
Whereat there had to be more over
lures of reconciliation, and again
Harte fed from the bargain display
including terrible pink shirts with re-
verslble cuffs, and wondered what
could be done to reform Annabel.
He loved his affectionate little wife,
and was unselnsh enough to stand
considerable discomfort rather than
make her unhappy; but his salary was
only a moderate one, and the waste
of money in buying useless articles
was something that must be seriously
considered
Once when he had demonstrated
with her, she had said: But l don't
buy anything for myself, dear" and
he had answered: "Well, l wish you
would" she had taken 1t for his UNI
selfshness instead of the sarcasm he
had meant SO what was to be done
Annabel seemed to be devoid of q
sense of humor, but she was so sweet
and dear in her well-meant expendl-
ture for him, and never extravagant
for herself, he didn't know how to
meet the situation.
on the arrival of the fourth bar
gain counter consignment Harte felt
that the time had come for decided
stand The result was quarrel
which grew to such alarming proper
lions that Annabel insisted he was
still In love with Mamie Beck, and
firmly declared her intention Of get
ting divorce.
IIarte flung out of the house, non
pussed, angry, and thoroughly miser-
able. lie felt he could no longer
stand his wlfe's unreasoning folly, he
could not live with her-and he was
forced to confess he could not live
without her He walked wildly, ire
sponslby down the street.
All at once he found himself face
to face with Mamie Beck. She no
ticed the white, set face, and though
he made an effort to go on, she de-
tanned him.
Harry, what is the matterr she
asked.
why, nothing" was the evaslve an
swer.
"Yes, there is. Can't help your"
The question was so full Of good,
wholesome sympathy 1t began to melt
the barriers he had set up between
them He had not meant anyone
should know; but the desire to be I'M
derstood, when q soul is laundering
In deep water, is often so strong as to
sweep away the bars Of discretion.
Harte let her know something of the
reason for his unhappiness.
"Come home with me. Let US talk
1t over" she said.
The two walked on for several
blocks and entered Mamie Beck's home
together
Meanwhile Annabel, the moment
Harte had left the house, had felt q
sudden pang Of remOrse, and deter
mined to dry her eyes, rush out, and
get something she knew Harry espe-
cially liked for dinner. She meant to
have 1t all ready for him when he
came back, and to try to make amends
for what she had said. She dressed,
and started for the shop to make her
purchases. Thank heaven there was
no bargain counter there Turning
corner she gave a start There was
her husband with Mamie Beck, the two
walking slowly, In earnest CONVERSE
tion They were on the opposite side
Of the street, and they did not see her
She found herself following them. Ii
was not fine thing to do. But was
she not his wife? That seemed to her
to excuse It all
She saw them enter Mamie Beck's
home. This then was the solution !
He did care for this other woman
He was tired Of her so. soon Not
yet married FIVE months, and II was
all over, the happiness, the love upon