Aug. 20, 1960 –  DEAR ABBY: My husband stays home just long enough to eat, sleep and change his clothes. Our children hardly ever see him. This has been going on for 10 years.

Last month I thought I heard a prowler so I called the police. A police officer came and offered to stay with me until I got over my nervousness. I made coffee and we had a wonderful visit. He's a big, good-looking bachelor, but it isn't what you think. I don't cheat on my husband even though he cheats on me.

This policeman has been dropping in for coffee every night around midnight. Only someone who is as lonely as I was can realize what his visits mean to me. I have heard that my neighbors are beginning to talk. Should I explain that this is an innocent, clean friendship. Or do you think I am doing wrong?

[I wonder if she's related to the woman who gave a house key to the milkman, don't you? lrh]