Making People Happy

tory from the standpoint of Charles Hamilton. As a matter of fact, a crisis had arisen in his business affairs. He was threatened with disaster,

t to his business until the last possible moment, but he could not b

al nightmares. He was polite to his wife, and even loverlike with the set phrases and gestures and caresses of habit. Beyond that, he paid her no attention at all. His consuming interest left no room for tender concerns. He had no time for social recreations, for the theater, or functions, or informal visits to friends in Cicily's company. Hi

e course of procedure that should promise success to her aspirations. Primarily, her desire was to work out some alteration in the status of all concerned by which the domestic ideal might be maintained in all its splendid integrity. But her tentative efforts in this direction, made lightly in order that their purport might not be guessed by the husband, were destined to ignominious failure. Mrs. Delancy, a week after the melancholy anniversary occasion, made mention of the fact that she had cautiously spoken to Charles in reference to his neglect of the young wife. She explained that his manner of reply convinced her that, in reality, the man was merely a bit too

oung man greeted his wife politely enough, and even called her "darling" in a meaningless tone of voice; but the frown did not relax, and constantly his eyes wandered to the bundle of documents. Cicily, however, was not to be daunted

ax a little when you are away from the office, or you'll have-oh,

ad for a little while," was the obedient answe

e, Aunt Emma told me that she had been lecturing you a bit-said

ut I'm pressed to death

idly, as his voice trailed into silence. "Somet

d to a sudden tenderness. He spoke s

downtown, to stop for a second and think of his wife at home waiting for him-that dea

e wife. The limit of time to a "second" was unfortunate. There

he home, the greater th

ceptible; and he was keenl

u? Why, when a man and a woman marry, each ought to

e. It had been made too familiar to her in previous discu

ad a chance to take it lately," she

e had imposed on himself. His nerves were overwrought, and, under the impulse of irritatio

has come over you? You don't want to hold me back,

n sharply. She was grievously hurt by t

contrite. "I'm just nervous-tired. It

herself on the arm of his. He took one of her hands in his, and her free hand stroked his

talk over things, you know. Don't you remember? You s

with a tactlessness th

very well. That was b

mphasis of the repetition. It aroused

y I've been so occupied lately. I hope things will brighten up soon; then, I shall be more

n the arm of her husband's chai

voice. "Of course, business must come first." Her beautiful fa

of certain niceties in expression just now. He sprang up, and went to his wife. With his hands on

-my little girl!... No

other anniversaries-lots more-so many more!" The melancholy note in her voice e

r, when we got engaged, how you said it was so awfully serious, b

h which she had sought this conversation, Cicily, by an effort of w

ell me now all about this

eat himself in the chair by the broad table, on which was spread out the bundle of business papers. He did not look up toward the woman, who followed him with something of timidity, and

that he had meant nothing personal in the question was shown

she heard the end of the impatient question. After a little, she ventured to re

ucceed. They think that I'm only a youngster, and that I sha'n't be able to stand up against their schemes. They are of the opinion that, since Dad is gone, they will have a snap in wiping me off the map. They fancy that I don't know a blessed thing in the world except football." Hamilton paused for a moment, and his jaw shot out a little farther forward; his lips shut tensely for a few seconds. Then, they relaxed again, as he continued his explanation of the situation that confro

her husband. That bête noire business was no longer the thing apart from her. She was made the confidante of her husband's affairs abroad. She was made the recipient of the most vital explanations. She was asked to share his worries, to counsel him. Thus, in her usual impulsivene

s, we'll show 'em

however, the import of her speech began to be made clear to him. "We?" he repeated, doubtfully

th no abatement of her excitement and t

claration, Hamilton

jaculated,

s. Carrington the other day. Next, we'll beat her husba

counseled, tersely. "I'll attend to the real busines

bitterly disappointed by this disillusionment

erfect-c

ing thought. At least, he had talked with her intimately concerning his affairs. With an abrupt change of manner, she

itting!" Her hands clenched tightly as she went forth from the study, but the master of the house was unobservant when it came to su

e dear gir