Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-07-30

II Am Miss Drum nond."
was confronted, burt there are limits
to every mans possibilities, and Phil
brick had come 10 his. Whatever his
game might be. IL was up, beyond the
power Of anybody TO ave il, and he
was the first 10 recognize il. There
was nothing for him but retreat. Hay-
ing delivered, so 10 speak, his hrazen
Introduction OF his wife, he turnbd to
her, his lips forced into his smile Of
assurance, With the words:
Shall we return TO the hotel, my
dear?'
Not so fast" she retorted, and made
as if she would address Prot. Drum
mond, but Louise interposed.
MIR. Philbrick," she said, going for
ward with extended hand, had not
Warne1 US Of y0GT cc-tng and has for
gotten TO introduce me. l am Miss
Drummond. Your husband is a great
friend Of ours, and / am charmed 10
meet you"
All three looked at Louise in amaze
ment. Her face was highly flushed
and her voice was a bit unsteady, but
otherwise she seemed TO be perfectly
composed She was so eagerly insist
SAb Al PNNGNhllhS hNA "NANOAblbS hhiu
upon Mrs. Philbrick that that lady was
forced to take it, and having grasped
it she held il while she looked into
Louise's eyes and said:
'"rell me the truth, Miss nrummond!
Nothing is to be gained by playing a
part with me, though you begin won
derfully. I have only sympathy for
you. My husband never told you Of
my existence"
Her glance was keen and searching,
and Louise quailed before il. The part
she had assumed was too much for her.
Tears showed in her eyes, the flush IN
her cheeks gave way to palor and she
| turned to Philbrick.
"Where is your a~SSurance? she cried
bitterly, that you compel me to suffer
thisl"
Louise found herself addressing
Philbrick's back. When she had gone
to his wife and attempted an ifnpoSsi-
| BILE smoothing over OF the situation he
had shrugged his shoulders and faced
away. as a silent acknowledgment OF
his utter defeat.
Prof. Drummond, meantime. had
been standing a II paralyzed by the
unexpected disclosure. His lips were
IhlNfb dAAi hLS hAhu III lD1 dkStus
Anger ragged within, but found no ex-
preston because his fear was greater.
What ought he to do? He knew that
he ought to feel and express indigna-
ton for the imposture practiced b,
Philbrick, but he dared say nothing
lest he arouse the man to active hostil-
ity, and his feelings were more con
cerned with his own safety than with
Cxmynfhu for II ntrfcn Hold ~ haan ySoc
sible for the professor 20 learn that
there was a Mrs. Philbrick in exist
n C he might have held the threat OF
exposure over Philbrick's head; but
there she was, the exposure was made
and all hold upon u possible enemy
was lost.
Louise's prompt attempt 10 save her
pride gave the professor a cue to
which he tried to speak.
There is evidently some misunder-
standing here" he said feebly; IF there
was any fault in the matter it was
mine, l assure you, Mrs. PhiIbrick. |
yielded to an impulse for fun, and was
just playing a practical joke on your
husband, whom l regard very highly
as a friend"
1t was a cruel joke to me, papa."
said Louise, TREMENDOUSLY; "you see
what a false position you've placed me
in"
These were valiant efforts to bring
about peace, and while Prof. Drum
mond for the first time in his life felt
a positive admiration for his daughter.
Philbrick felt perhaps for the first
time, a sense of shame. He TUNED
slowly around, and, without any trace
Of his Characteristic confidence, said:
II am exceedingly sorry, Miss Drum
mond. that l had a share in the practi-
cal joke. l might have stopped it"
mo, no." interrupted the professor.
seeing his vantage clearly now; lit was
all my fault. 1t was bad taste on my
part, and the end would have had no
fun In 1t. Provided only we under.
stand each other now, and proceed
without acrimony, / shall be very glad
that Mrs. Philbrick came in upon
us as she did. Won't you come In,
madam, and make yourself as much at
home as yeur husband doesy"
There" thought the professor. "if
he doesn't feel grateful to me for get
ting him out Of a scrape, I'm mista-
KEEP"
Mrs. Philbrik had dropped kouiseA
hand, and now stood looking fsom one
to another In embarrassment and
doubt.
II arrived In Belmont about an hour
ago." she said slowly, as II talking to
herself, "and went to the hotel. Mr..
Pbilbrick was nut IN, and I learned
that probably I would find him here.
SO / came down without the least
thought Of making a sceae. I think
we'd better &c to the hotel, Amasa."
Certainly. my dear" responded Mr..
Philbrick humbly.