The story
“On the morning of her silver wedding anniversary, Mrs. Strong writes in her diary: ‘Married 25 years today, and I still love my husband.’ At breakfast there are flowers and gifts from John, and the day opens happily. Later, the daughter of an old friend arrives for a promised visit. She is a very attractive thing, and at the lawn party, given by a neighbor, Miss Ray and John Strong become obviously devoted. Mrs. Strong goes home early. ‘Good husbands are hard to find,’ she says to herself, ‘I am going to keep mine.’ When Strong and the youthful visitor return, their philanderings in the hall are interrupted by the entrance of the wife. The next moment they realized that she does not see them, but is gliding past with eyes fixed, like one walking in her sleep. Strong goes to their room greatly concerned. Caddie pretends to be asleep. He bends over her, chafes her hands, and listens anxiously to her breathing. Then the maid knocks with a note from Miss Ray. Mrs. Strong awakes. The message reads: ‘Thanks for a delightful visit. But I am homesick for the city and am leaving by the first train in the morning.’ Mrs. Strong puts her arms around the husband whom she had loved for 25 years. And, as he buries his face in her shoulder, she kisses the top of his head and smiles wisely.”
Summary from Reel Life · 24 October 1914
