The Washington times., 1937-11-17
said nothing about it to Joe whom
she now thoroughly understood.
CTJCCECTTnN

A SUGGESTION
Instead, she suggested getting a
job for herself, to help tide them
over and was only prevented by
his real dismay.
Also, Mary knew her father
would willingly come across with
loan. IF you ask your father
for money" declared Joe vehe-
mently, I'll walk out on you"
He would, too. Mary realized
that one false step on her part in
JoeS present state of mind and
there might easily be a bust up.
Very shortly after this, the next
installment on their house fell due
and for the first time Joe couldn't
meet it-like a specter at the feast
this dreadful fact lowered con-
Stantly about them. The time has
come, said Mary to herself, for her
to do her stuff.
She knew what she must do. It
wasn't easy, in fact it just about
broke her heart, but she cared
more for her husband than for any
thing else in life-certainly more
than she did for her emerald ring.
This ring, left her by an aunt,
was the one thing of real value
that Mary had ever owned. If she
sold it outright, Joe was sure to
know and the worst might easily
happen.
But she had no intention of do
ing this, so quietly going to the
jewelers. one day she emerged
somewhat later with seven hun.
dred dollars in her pocket and
apparently the same ring upon her
finger.
But, there was one trifling diff
ference-instead of the emerald in
the setting now was nice piece
of dark green glass.
Mary regarded it calmly-per-
haps, worth ten cents. However, it
didn't look cheap to her, for Mary
knew real value when she saw it.
PAYS BILLS
She paid up every bill, she put
by something in the bank against
the next downpour, and then she
did something she considered
really foxy. Stepping into a shop
she bought new dress, the first
since J. G. Grimes had moved to
town.
After which she went home and
concentrated on the best and most
expensive dinner she had ever
cooked-thinks like steak, aSpar-
agus out of season and chocolate
pudding with great gobS of
whipped cream on it.
When Joe came in he looked so
absolutely sunk that Mary was
frightened and decided to put on
her act Immediately instead of
over coffee, as planned.
Il have a simply swell surprise
for you," she began, "I've got the
money for the installment on the
house" Joe'S face lighted, so with
out batting an eye Mary con-
tinued quickly, Il saved it out of
the house money"
You're the most wonderful
manager in the world" said Joe,
I don't see how you ever did it,"
Don't forget I've been saving
ever since We were married" But,
Mary hadn't finished; this job
was going to be good. Joe hadn't
yet said he would take the money
and Mary'S mind flashed back to
the scene over the plumbers bill.
Therefore she added amiably.
I'm only lending you this money.
When you're flush you can pay me
back" 1t was obvious that this
clicked at once with Joe.
you bet will" he said eagerly,
lat S per cent interest, too"
-Four will be enough" replied
his wife, because after all. it's
your money" This was true all
right-fifty-fifty in the Carlisle
family.
TURNING POINT
This seemed the turning point
in Joe'S bad luck. The moment
he was able to meet his obliga-
tons on the house, his spirits
lifted, his hangdog manner disap-
peared.
He took the offensive with ]. G..
Grimes and fought him to a stand
} still on some new orders. On the
night after the police parade, he
came rushing in and before he
spoke word Mary knew he had
good news.
I know I shouldn't laugh he
said, because the mayor broke his
leg, but the grandstand collapsed
owing to rotten lumber.
Its all over town and I've got
ten four contracts away from
Grimes since 2 o'clock. Put on
your glad rags, kid, and we'll step
out"
Mary flew upstairs and got into
her new dress. When she came
down Joe, his old cocky self again,
put his hands on her shoulders
and slowly turned her around.
Pretty cute little number" he
said approVingly. IT sure do dress
my WIFE we'll" Then he picked up
Mary's hand and kissed it.
For some reason he noticed her
ring, familiar though it was, and
which to his unframed eye looked
rust the same as ever.
: some day." he added, I'm 60.
ing 10 buy you ring to match
TINS one. Not quite yet though,
: because have bunch it's pretty
valuable"
For Just one instant Mary re.
garded her lo-cent piece of green
glass.