Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-13
The Budget.

THEY smiled little shyly into
each others eyes.
Been a beautiful day, hasn't
i it," remarked the girl.
Beautiful" he agreed, his adj
miring gaze on her.
She blushed and looked out into the
mellow twilight. Street cars were fash
ing back and forth, like beads on an in
visible wire, and along the sidewalk a
thousand people were drifting home
ward.
They ate their dinner quickly, but
they liked to loiter over their coffee,
and usually there were many jestS be-
tween them and low laughter. Tonight
however, Jim Reyburn sat staring into
space.
The girl regarded him solicitously.
Worried about something's"
Her gentle eyes. fixed on him, were ir-
resistibly compelling.
Its only" he began. you've
heard me speak of my widowed sister.
Irene. She's written that she and her
two children are coming to live with
me. She was going to marry again--a
rich fellow back home-but that's off
it seems. II was just thinking. I'll
be mighty glad to have them, of course. .
The shadow in his eyes deepened.
oh" jeans eyes opened wide. He
thought great deal of this fine lady
sister of his, formerly rich. but now
penniless. Jean needed no hint as to
where his difficulty lay. She knew. to a
penny, the amount of his salary-didn t
they often joke over its meagerness!
oh" she repeated. aghast.
There was protectiveneSs in the glance
she gave him. It took in his clothes,
spotless and beautifully pressed, by him.
self, but SO worn. She could have Wept.
Hes just a boy" she said to herself
resentfully. "Out of college only last
year. and had to work his way through.
He'll earn enough in time. but our firm
Is slow about promotions and he's SO
inexperienced yet"
Delicately she probed!
"Your sister may find 1t little lone
ly here. I imagine she'd enjoy taking
up some kind of work that's interest
ing and nice and er--remunerative be-
Sides
No" He shook his head firmly. But
his eyes were bleak. I'm another year
or so but right now" He checked
himself and drew back In proud reserve.
Determination was beginning to flame
up within the girl. Jim Reyburn should
not feel badly about anything; not If
she could help 1t. They were too good
friends!
With studied caSualneSs she remarked:
''They say the prices of things are COM
ing down now. for rent, food every
thing"
"A man-any man-on even the
smallest salary" her tone was airy
could support family easily now. OF
course, one would have to--what d'yoll
call it?-make a budget, you know.
Here, let's figure it out, just for fun!"
She picked up the soiled bill of fare
on the table and turned it over.
Now" giving him bright look. "a
very tiny fiat would be-" She put
down some figures after moments
study.
Jim Rayburn flushed little, but
tried to appear only amused.
Light" More figures.
"Furniture!" She pressed the end of
the pencil against her red warm lips
thoughtfully, I've lots of things I'm
paying storage on It'd be a favor If
any oned use them
No" CURLY. then checked him
self. He thrust his hands deep into his
pockets and leaned back in his chair.
teasing eyes on her. But in his heart
he was thinking Nice girl-real little
friendp'
Now, food" Jean went on deter
minedly. IT'S cheap when prepared
at home, delicious food. too" Her gaze
swept the dingy restaurant scornfully.
Does your sister know how to cook?"
"No-No-I imagine not"
We'll. she'll learn. It's lots OF fun.
She'll like it."
More figures went down on the pa
per and when at last she added the
list, they stared at the total.
why" she exclaimed, you must
pay nearly that just for yourself.
He nodded. But still incredulous. he
had to verify her figures. triumphant
ly they looked at each other.