The Ely miner., 1930-08-01

fng out, not SO much with physical
pain as with hearts agony. Her hands
trem5led as she tried to resume her
stitching on David's pajamas.
Orson flung aside mis- paper and set
tied back in his chair.
81 got a letter from Dick the other
day. he remarked. Hes ready to
quit Margaret. He doesn't seem 10
think she's lived up to her contract.
I'm sorry for Dick"
81 heard from Margaret. She has
her side, think" Alice spoke guard
edly. "He is tired of her. that's ALL
'Yes, he's tired of her-darn tired"
Orson said warmly. He reached into
his pocket. There's the letter. Read
it," lie tossed the envelope into her
lap
Alice read the letter. 1t was brief,
but terribly vital. She was shocked
by what Richard had torn Ou; of his
heart 10 show the one friend he felt
he could speak to. She sighed as she
finished reading.
no you want TO read Margaret's
letter OrSon?"
NO! | have no sympathy with
Margaret. A woman who takes all
and gives nothing! You see what Dick
says there. He's going to throw up
his job and go. That ends him." He
sat silent for moment. 1.-THE firm
has asked me to take over his terri
tory"
THAT means you will leave home
and travel! You have always wanted
10 do that" Alice tried TO smile with
stiff. blush lips.
Orsnn, not looking at her, laughed.
THAT was before | got settled
habit in life. I'd rather take less sal
ary and stay at home. If it's all the
same 20 YOU" He looked at her
keenly.
There are no two ways of thinking
about that" Alice said, suddenly glow
ing with joy. She went over to his
chair. sat down on the arm. and put
her cheek against his. He encrcled
her with his arm and held her close.
You've made me too comfortable,
Alice" Orson said. "When I've come
home nights. tired as dog, you've
had food, love, understanding to give
me. Every morning you've sent ME
forth with renewed spirit. You never
complained when money was tight or
| was too worried over something to
remember your birthday with the Gus
tOmary box of candy"
"rhat only happened twice." Alice
reminded him gently
You've been great booster. And,
I'll admit it. I'm the kind of fellow
who needs Neutrality-suspicious.
don't know what I'd been without you
old girl. That's what poor Dick lacked
his wife's sympathy. For ~ years
she's kept his nose on the grindstone;
she needn't be surprised at what's hap.
pened. I've envied Dick. There's been
times when | hankered after his job
Now | can have it"
Alice waited. Her heart beat East.
"But aside from the fact | like my
own job too well. can't take Dicks.
That's what's been nagging at me,
ever since heard from Dick. I knew
you'd like little more money, that's
natural. Well have TO skimp to put
the boy through college But he's got
big mind: he'll amount to a lot more
than his father ever will-you're sure
you feel about this job business just
the way | do?"
"Sure," said Alice.
"Then you write TO Margaret. And
I'll write TO Dick. Maybe we can do
something for them yet"
There's the dOor-bell! J" exclaimed
Alice.
1t was messenger with a night
telegram. Alice tore it open.
"From Margaret !" she said. "'Dick's
going to stay. My fault Letter to fol-
low" She read the words aloud. hold
ing the paper with one hand while she
wiped tears off her cheek with the
other.
"NOw them" said Orson, gaily, when
you write to Margaret he right on gOur
job every word you say. Boost Dick
for all he's worth. You can do it,"
''Sure. ! can do it." replied Alice as
she hurried across the room toward