The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-09-03
FOR LOVES SAKE.

He had staked and lost With his head
whirling and brain on fire, Dick Wellby
stepped out of the brilliantly lighted prem.
isea of the Anensmone club into the dark.
ness Of the deserted street, dazed and be-.
wildersd 1t was only few hours, but II
seemed m ago, since he entered the build.
ing with high hopes Of emerging free
man, for the big stake which he was going
to play was to be the grand coup which
would set him on his legs again. But, In
stead, Dame Fortune, with her aooustom.
ed fokleness, had laughed In his face, the
hard cash which he had taken with him
had disappeared, and he was indebted to
Grayson, the we'll known habitue Of the
Ansnemone, to the tune of hundred odd
pounds.
Richard Wellby turned up bis COLLAR
and then groped in his pocket for the price
Of cab fare. Not penny All bis silver
had gone In inviting his friends TO drink
to his success. Giving an artioulate groan,
but to walk home.
Presently, as he passed the houses Of
parliament on to Westminster bridge, Big
Ben struck the hour of 1, and like fash
thought passed through his brain. THIS
was the anniversary of their wedding day
1t was three years since he had knelt be-
fore the altar and sworn to love and cher
ish his wife, and no man had ever meant
1t more than he had at the time.
Tho young fellow quickened his pace In
his agitation. Their wedding day and he
had forgotten all about 1t. Good Godl
And bis poor little darling, his Mabel,
was waiting for him at home, looking at
the clock as every hour passed by, perhaps.
and wondering and wondering.
He said he would not be late II was
cruel not to have kept his word, and how
could be tell her, what was only too true,
that he was ruined manP
1t was early morning when he opened
the street door of his modest Chaplain
abode. A pretty, petite figure came run
ming up the hall.
ooh. Dickl I'm so glad you're home
at last"
"Were you frightened, dearP" and he
gave her an affeotioDate hug.
"Just wee bit. that's all. That horrid
city, there's always accidents Of some sort
happening. Como and look at Tiny"
She led the way into the bedroom, and
he stopped down and kissed the sleeping
form of their little one.
ANY lettersp" he asked presently, whom
they were having supper. which she had
waited for him.
"No. WhyP"
II expected johnson would be wanting
his rent that's all. He said no wouldn't
wait after this week, and the deuce Of Ii
is," stretching out his legs before the fire,
II can't pay him."
"As bad as that, Diok' I thought we
had plenty"
80 we should have, only I've been
peoulating-investing- lost heap Of
money. A fellow at the office put mo on
to a good thing In gold mines which hasn't
turned up trumps, and there's at least ESQ
gone"
His wife's face grew serious, but she did
not tell him that the landlord had called
that morning for the last time.
Mabel Wellby was woman in thou
sand. She loved her husband with the in
tensity Of affection which woman oan
and will bestow upon q man, however
worthless The next morning after Dick
had left for the office with splitting
headache the little housewife was In sore
distress. What was she TO dor Unless
she could find the quarters rent that day
their little home would disappear. Dick
was without money and deeply In debt,
and as to jewelry she had none. Her every
thought-like tho good woman that she
was-was for her husband. She would do
anything to save him from worry.
At last she resolved to take bold STEP
Years ago, before she became engaged to
Richard Wellby, she was acquainted with
a gentleman who had been rejected, but
who had told her more In sorrow than an
ger that II ever she wanted help he would
never refuse.
The recollection of that promise flashed
across her. Why should she not avail her.
self of 1t now, although 1t seemed rather
mean on her part, but it was for Dicks
sake, and what would she not do for Diokp
II wonder whether he Is altered" she
thought. "Six years has no doubt made
a difference" And she searched an old
drawer for the card with his address In
tho city, which he had given her. Yes,
here 1t was-20 Basingshall street. e. G.
She would take bus at once.
A few minutes found Mabel, who had
left little Tiny In charge Of their servant,
speeding on to the great metropolis.
She reached tho building at last, and,
discovering the name among 30 more or
SO on the brass plates outside, went boldly
up to the Office
A clerk inquired her NAME She hesi-
tated. Her old admirer would not recognize
in Mrs. Wollby the girl Of six years ago
So, taking piece Of paper, she soribbled
across 1t Mabel"
She was ushered into tho presence of
man about So. tall, strongly built and
with keenly cut features
"Mabelp' he cried.
She sat down and tried bravely to speak,
but her lips refused her.
"Have you come to redeem my promiseP"
"Yes, want your help. Oh, George"
forgetting for the moment the time that
had elapsed since they last met, youth
help us, won't youP"
The man looked up.
"Mabel, let us be frank with each other.
You are married, perhapsP"
"Yos."
"AhW
He leaned back in his chair and nursed
his chin musingly.
"Well, one can't have all his desires in
this world, and now" speaking in more
businesslike tone "the nature of tho as
sistance you requiref"
f.,