The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-08-21

room. In chair near the center of the
room Mrs. Greene was seated, looking
very pale and worn. She rose when hel
husband entered and gazed ut him and
Miss Briar in startled, half frightened
way.
$50 you're back" said Mr.. Greene in
harsh voice.
Mrs. Greene cast her eyes down and
made no reply.
"Where have you been these last three
daysT demanded her husband, sternly.
''rll-Tll explain, Harry" said Mrs
Greene, in weak and hesitating way,
'as soon as we're alone"
"She's ashamed to confess before me,
put in Miss Briar, in an exultant tone.
Mrs. Greene was q woman of spirit,
and this taunt reused her blood.
I'm ashamed to confess where was
before nobody" she answered hotly,
land least of all before you, whom de-
spise. But you know too much about
our private affairs already. and I'm re-
solved that you shall not have another
opportunity of gossiping about them, as
far as can help it.
''But in this case you can't help it,
sneered Miss Briar. 81 happen to know
where you were. It was who told your
husband. Yes, you have me to thank
for that"
Mrs. Green gazed fiercely at Miss Brian
for a moment. Then, turning to her
husband, she said, Harry, will you pro
tect me against this woman?"
"Where have you been these last three
days?" demanded Mr.. Green again, with
out attending to his wife's request.
81 refuse to answer you while she il
present." replied Mrs. Greene.
"You needn't be so particular, my
dear" cried Miss Briar. 81 know al
ready where you were. You were at
Rottenboro."
sits false~ exclaimed Mrs. Greene,
absolutely false. Is this her last slam
der, Harry"
Where were you Them asked Mr..
Greene.
"If must speak, must, Mrs. Greene
answered. II was at Braxby, attending
on poor Joe. He wrote to me last week
that he was i'll, and when you went to
town ran over to see him. He was so
Ill 1 stayed to nurse him, but he grew
worse and worse until-until last night
the poor boy diedp And here Mrs.
Greene flung herself back into her chair,
and covering her face burst into food
of tears.
The husband stood silent, lost in be-
wilderment and shame. But Miss Briar
retained at once her GOODNESS and her
boldness.
'Ah, aha very nice taleI" she said,
with smile. But how did it happen,
Mrs. Greene. if you were at Braxby, that
your letters came from Rottenboro?"
"They did not" cried Mrs. Greene. fir
ing up again at the sound of Miss Briar 8
voice.
Just look at thatl" and Miss Briar
handed Mrs. Greene the letter with the
Rottenboro postmark on it.
"That-that" cried Mrs. Greene, look
ing startled and confused.
eyes, pray explain thatP' said Miss
Briar, smiling in triumph.
"Why, that" exclaimed Mrs. Greene,
while fash of intelligence passed over
her face. why, that is one of the let
tiers gave you to post, Harry"
Mr.. Greene was in turn startled. He
took the letter from his wife and looked
at the postmark again. True enough, it
was posted on the I'd inst.-the day he left
for London. 1t must be one of the let
tiers which he gave the porter to post at
ROttenboro station.
"How it got posted at Rottenboro l
don't know" said Mrs. Greene. "All |
know is that gave it to you to post
about week ago"
IL forgot to post those letters" fall
tered Mr. Greene, until found them in
my pocket when was going to town.
gave them to porter at Rottenboro sta
ton 10 post for me-" AS he said this,
Mr.. Greene felt very like fool, and also
very mad at himself for being one.
"Ah," calculated Miss Briar contemp-
tuously, you are always trying to screen
your wife. You should be ashamed of
yourself"
Look here, Rose Briar!" cried Mr..
Greene, delighted TO find some one to
vent his vexation on, you have been the
curse of my life since | married, and
intend to have no more of you. But for
your snakehke interference and insidious
meddliug all this folly would not have
happened. Leave me-leave us-and
never let us see your face again"
Turning to his wife, Mr.. Greene said
in broken voice, Can you forgive me,
Maggie:'
Il can forgive anything" was the re-
ply. now she is gone. True Flag.
~ all fpfa