The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-01-15

III tell them, sir but I'm afraid
Never mind that. l know. But
must see them both. Here aretwo card
take one to each without letting tn
other know Of it Tell Mr.. Doncaste
first, and then Mrs. Doncaster. Do yol
understand,s'4
Yes,lsirv
Then be sure you do il correctly
Walston sank into a chair and gazet
quietly upon the elegant surroundings
He did not notice much, however, for h,
was thinking cut something to ssy. 1
was delicate position, very delicate, ane
al his trained diplomacy was necessary
for the work before him.
Steps were heard, and second after
ward tall, handsomely dressed man en-
tered the room. They elasped hands, and
fired questions at each other in rapid
succession. Waiston could see that be
meath Doncaster's cordiaiity was a deep
sorrow, and be observed in his face un.
doubted traces of dissipation.
You've been back a month, YOU
say. Its very queer that / haven't seen
you"
Are you sure you haven't ?" asked
Walston.
. Perfectly. But Why do you ask the
question 27
Because i have seen you"
Where?"
At Why, Margaret. how do you
dor
The woman who entered the room was
fitted TO attract attention. She was beau
tiful no doubt OF that. She carried her.
self perfectly. She was dressed in fault
less taste. Her face had magnetism and
loyeliness- She was older, more stylish,
more womanly, and more selfpossessed
than when Edward had last seen her.
He arose to greet her with bis old-time
cordiality. She gave him a charming
smile of welcome, but suddenly she saw
her husband. The smile partly faded
away she trembled little, but in an
instant her social training had asserted
Its power, and she was herselfacain. Mr..
Doncaster had arisen with the unmis-
taxable purpose of finding an excuse
which would get him out of the room.
Walston saw it, and arose fully to the sit
uation. He quietly but deliberately clos
ed the door.
Now, sit right down, both of you.r
he said, as If he were the,host and they
the visitors, and let US have good. old
time chat"
He looked at each. saw Margaret gag
ing sideways at the window, and Henry
studying the CARPET He took a chair
near the door, and between the husband
and wife, but far enough back to get
view of them.
It's positive pleasure to see you
again. he said, with cordiaIity. Ever
since was best man at the wedding |
have felt as if were a member of the
family, and when / look around vour
beautiful home and think Of nv hotel
life, / feel like putting my household
goods in pushcart, and moving IN
thought you were out west, said
Mrs. Doncaster.
So ! was. You remember that after /
left college, and few months after your
marriage, father died. Ny share of the
property was some s25,000. took itand
went to western city TO fill long felt
want. Halter myself that filed it. /
poured all the $4,000 into it, and then
nsed the rest of the space as grave for
the newspaper. The sheriff officiated.
and my various creditors acted as mourn
ers."
When did you come east ?s
About month ago. fully intended
70 call, but you know | had been away
i've years, and had ouigrown my society
habits. Then it was necessary that /
should bend all energies to work, for
while some of those creditors cheated me
most abominably, l can't rest contented
until all owe is paid"
What are you doing now ?" asked
Doncaster.
l am reporter on TIE Comet. And
hat is why called this evening"
This aroused Doncaster. who until now
lad been politely indifferent. He quit
studying the carpet, glanced rapidly at
Nalston and seemed to suspect the cause
If the visit Margaret took quick view
If her cousin, but he was as matter-of-
act looking as if he had merely made a
emark on the state of the weather.
Explain yourself said Doncaster.
lot without little uneasiness.
Certainly. a report reached our Office
o-night that YOU two we're going TO figure
n divorce sensation. The idea was
'reposterous, but to save you from being |
'othered by a strInger | came to get
our denials. The rumor is false, of
ourse?7
l have nothing to say" said Dancas-
er, after pause
Walston turned to his wife.
Margaret, tell me, is this tfue?n
! prefer to say nothing"
t. Then it is trne?s
A pause and sigh.
:" Who would have thought If? What |
world this is. and what changed Great
res We are To think that you two-the
stand most devoted lovers in the world
hould take snch a step. The horror of
reconciles me to my bachelorhood. but
makes me shudder in spite Of myself"
" | think, said Doncaster, with digni-
:, that it would be in better taste not
, discuss the matter here
Henry, don't agree with you. We
rev up together. I've known you both,
nd been friend to each of you from
bildhood. expect to be the same now.
luch-I may say almost everything
epends upon how this case is presented
} the public In journalism first i'm
ression is worth dozen supplemental
; reports. l want you both to talk this
latter over with me. Margaret, you
ave retained smooies, haven't you 81
She had been gazing with unbroken
eadiness at the window, but this sud-
en question was little too much for
er conposure. She turned TO Walston,
sgan to speak, closed her lips again,
nshed unmistakat,ly. and finally stam