Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-12-06


a tall, handsomely dressed man entered the
room. They clasped hands, and fired ques
tions at each other in rapid succession. Wal
ston could see that beneath Doncaster's COR
duality was deep sorrow, and he observed
in his face undoubted traces of dissipation.
you've been back month"; you say.
Queer haven't seen you"
care you sure you haven't? asked Walston
Perfectly. But why do you ask the
question:
because have seen you
"Where!'
cat Why, Margaret, how do YOU do!'
The woman who entered the room was
fitted TO attract attention. She was beauti-
full; no doubt of that. She carried herself
perfectly. She was dressed in faultess tuste.
Her face had magnetism and loveiness She
was older more stylish, more wonanly and
more self possessed than WHOM Edward had
last seen her. He arose to greet her with his
old time cordially She gave him charm
ing smile of welcome, but suddenly she saw
her husband. The smile partly faded away;
she trenbled a little, but in an instant her
social training had asserted its power, and
She was herself again. Mr.. Doncaster had
arisen with the unmistakabe purpose of find
ing an excuse which would get him out Of the
room. Walton saw IT, and arose fully TO the
situation. He quietly but deliberately closed
the door,
Nov, sit right down, both of you," he
said, rs if he were the host and they the Wis
ltors, land let us have "a good old time chat"
He looked at each, saw Margaret gazing
sideways at the window, saw Henry study
ing the carpet. lie took chair near the
door and between the husband and wife, but
far enough back to get Wow of thcm.
Its positive pleasure to see you again"
he said, with cordiality. Ever since | was
best man at the wedding | have fell rs if 1
We're a member Of the family. aud when |
loo; around your beautiful home and think
Of my hotel LIE, feel like putting my house
hold gods in pishcart and moving in"
II Thought you were out west" sad Mrs.
! Doncaster
80 | was. You remember that after |
LETT college, and few months after your
marriage, father died. My share of the
| property was come $4,000. / took it aud
went to western city to till Il long felt want.
| | tatter myself mat ] filled it. | poured all
| the S2J. OOU iuto it, and tnen used the rest of
the space grave for the newspaper. The
sheriff oliicateI, and various creditors acted
as moulueIs.
| "WhCn did you come east.
About IA month ago. | iuliy intended to
call, but you know | had been away five
years, and had outgrown my society habits.
| Then it wa, necessary that ! should bend all
my energies to work. for while some Of those
| creditors cheated me most Ubominably, |
can't rest cOutcnted until all owe is paid.
! "What are You dong!n asked Doucaster.
II am n reporter on The Comet. And that
is why | called this evening
This aroused Doncaster, who until now had
been politely Indifferent. He quit studying
the carpet glanced RAPIDLY at Walston and
! seemed to suspect the cause of the visit
| Margaret took a quick view at her cousin,
but he was as matter of fact looking as if be
Lad merely made Il remark on the state Of
| the weather.
Explain YOURSELF said Doncaster, not
without 4 little uneaalne,S.
certainly \ report reached our Office
tonight that you two We're going to figure III
| a divorce sensation. The IDEA was prepostel-
Gus, but to save You from being bothered by
a stranger came myself TO get your denials.
The rumor is false, of course
81 have nothing to say, said Doncaster,
after pause.
Watson turned 10 the wife.
"Murgarel, tell me, i, tni, truef'
81 prefer to say nothing.
Then it is true
y pause and u 81 IA.
who would have thought Of it, What u
world this is and what changed creatures we
are To think that you two-the best and
most devoted lovers i'll the world-should
take such step The horror OF it reconciles
me 10 my bachelurhoOd. but ii makes me
sAudder la spite OF myself.
II think,o said Doucaa,er, with dignity,
that it would be in better taste not to dis
Gus, tine matter here
"Henry, don't agree with you. We grew
up together I've known you both, and been
a friend 10 each Of you since childhood.
expect 10 be the same now Such-l may say
almost eycrytning-depellda upon how tins
case is presented to the pubhc in journalism
Il first impression is worth dozen suppleneu
tary reports. | want you both TO talk thi,
matter over with me. Margaret, you have
retained SmOutes, haven't you"
She had been gazing with unbroken stoadi
ness at the window, nut this sudden question
was little TOO much for her compo5ure. She
turned 10 Watson, began to speak, CLOSED
her lips again, bushed Enthusiastically, ant
finally stanlmere,i, Not yet but | may
"A capital selection. He is so unscru
pulous, yet SO ingenious. In one sentence h,
will prove you paragon Of sweetness anC
light; in the next lie will picture you as N
abused, degraded wife
sue moves again, puJ the Dlusnes ulu no
increase. A trmness OF the lips showed tina
she was conquering her feelings The colo
left her cheeks, and she looked at WalstoI
full face, and raised her eyebrows as if il
doubtful surprise. Henry resumed his study
III carpets.
J 1T Will be very cheerful scene" pursued
Walston. you will DO the heroine 1t i
always 50 in Il divorce case. sympathy zoe
with the wife. Sine can SIT dumby, and tn
spectators viii swear that she is en- angel
The jurymen feed on her smiles and he
signs, softening with pity and glowing witt
admiration. Yes, Margaret, the city vii
: talk about you; your portrait will adorI
sensational papers, aud you will be able L
join i'll the great work Of elevating the stage
But Henry All! Henry, old fellow, you ar
in for it sure enough In divorce case
husband is always guilty until proven limo
cent The guilt clings no matter how yo
act. If you smile, the people will call you
, hardened villain. II you frown, they vii
. pronounce you dangerous brute. If yo
} preserve an air Of gentlsmanly indifference
, they will consider you cold souled scouu
drel. Every change of countenance will b