Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-03-10

trsduce my husband, even though
every word were true?"
Mrs. Denham, know that 1 have
offended you" pleaded he. Il forgot
myself. Your lonely life, the indiffer-
ence of your husband, and your Gu.
AMr. Brandon she sternly inter
rupted. You are continuing the insult.
l misunderstood you little-you mis-
understood me great deal more. !
once respected you good deal--now
do not respect you at all. Nay. de-
spise you. 1 am shocked, but hold my
self blameless, for I never by thought.
word or act led you to suppose that
you could humilate me IN this way. i
never complained to you about my h1s-
band; l never admitted to myself that
l had reason to complain. If my life
has been a lonely one wasn't aware OF
1t. 1t certainly has not been loveless
one. You say that you forgot your
self. A gentleman never forgets him
self. You shall never forget yourse.i
again in my presence. You must leave
this house at once, never to return to
it."
@Mrs. Denham-"
@You twitted me, sir, because / had
no protector. It seems that I need to
be protected from you. Go, traitorous
friend!"
Although his lips parted and there
was q movement of the muscles of his
throat, he did not say word. He
stood abashed, disconnected, baffied,
self-condemned. He struggled for q
moment with his passion, then bowed
low, seized his hat and walked out of
the house.
Mrs. Denham sank into the nearest
chair and went off into a hysterical
spell of weeping. She keenly felt her
humiliation; she censured herself be-
cause she had been too unsuspectful;
she mentally admitted that her life had
at times seemed desperately lonely to
her.
Lisle Denham was deeply stirred by
what he had heard and witnessed. The
strongest emotions were those result
ing from determination and admira-
ton for the loyalty exhibited by his
wife.
II have been fool" he muttered to
himself; "a selfish, unappreciative
wretch. Yes, Maggie indeed has been
q neglected wife. It needed something
like this to show me how remiss have
been"
He waited until her grief had largely
spent itself; then he. noiselessly APP
preached her. He stood directly over
her. Her face was buried in her arms,
and her frame shook with sobs that
she could not entirely repress.
Maggie, what is the matter ?" he
softly, tenderly asked.
She sprang quickly to her feet, her
heart almost standing still, the delight
in her eyes blending with CONSERVATION.
ooh, Lisle!" she cried. Il am so
glad you have come"
She flung herself into his arms and
kissed him wildly, her whole form quiz
ering with excitement.
He returned her caresses; he drew
her closer to him; he imprisoned her
hands; he spoke in the softest accents
of love.
"What happened, dear?" he asked.
"I-have = been - frightened" she
"By some tramp, no doubt" Lisle
said. "Poor child! You have been left
too much alone.
There was such hearty sympathy in
his tone that she lifted her sweet, tear
stained face from his shoulder, and
looked at him with an intense yearning
in her eyes,
"Lisle," she cried, in broken, vail
ing voice, you love me, don't you,
Lisle?"
"Love you, darling!" he exclaimed.
1Why, what do you mean, child? Do
[ love you? No man could love his
wife with more devotion. I may not be
very demonstrative. but it is there"
"Oh, thanks, Lisle," she cried in
ecstasy, and clasping her hands. ooh,
bless you for saying that. Don't fan
cy for moment that I doubted you.
Only-Well, don't mind me; We
been frightened, Enthusiastically
tired. am a silly, hysterical little
thing"
"On the contrary, darling, you are a
brave, sensible, ACCOMPLISHING, true
hearted woman" he said, with grave
his dark eyes shining into
lers.
She laughed in a pleased, glad way,
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