The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-11-30
Her Husbands Secret,

! lung 1nTS hdTulilS hfiSll o-AOfc the
great cedar chest in the linen room She
sang gayly as she laid garment after gar
ment away in its fragrant depths. The
hoor was strewn with piles of winter
| CLOTHING, ard the odor of camphor balls
| mingled with the scent of June roses
which came in through the open window.
Mrs. Harding prudently searched ;he
| pockets OF each suit before laying il away.
and when al was finished she had quite
an array of spoiIs. HandkerchIefs. pen
| els, poker chips. little change, TWO let
! ters, and a telegram.
Having put everything in its place, Nat
allie sat down to examine the letters before
burning them.
The first was of no Importance, bill
unreceipted. She opened the telegram and
read it indifferently, then sire eagerly read
| 1t second and a third time.
The darLngs are doing well; send
money for their board. Maroon" it said.
Natalie glanced at the heading, Dun
ellen" 1t was the same as the post
mark on the envelope which she held in
her hand. Hastily drawing the letter from
Its cover she read:
''Dunellen, April 2, 1S9S.-Dear Tom: I
will be at the train, as you suggest You
must indeed be anxious TO see the little
ones with your own eyes after so long
time. They are large for six months. Dick
both, however. promise to be fully as
clever and far handsomer than their faith
er. Marion Hitchcock"
THE impertinent hussy," exclaimed
Natalie.
April 3" she made quick calculation.
The intrigue must have been going on
simultaneously with her own happy mar
Tied life.
Natalie buried her face in her hands
and burst into tears.
She must rescue Tom, her dear Tom
from this sinful, shameless woman at any
cost. But how? Calming herself. Natalie
tried to think. Then, with sudden resolu-
, ton, she exclaimed: tom will not be
home till tomorrow night. l will go TO
Duneilen and see this Marion for myself.
1t is only two hours ride"
So saying, Natalie FASTENED downstairs
to dress for her journey.
There was a train at II, she knew-how
often she had driven Tom to it-but what
time there was a return train she did
not know. still she could surely get back
before tomorrow evening
The tedious hours on the train, during
which Natalie's Indignation and jealousy
grew apace, but Dunellen was reached at
last.
All went smoothly enough. The first
person she met directed her readily to
Marion Hitchcock's house-she asked for
Marion because she was not sure whether
the hussy went as Miss or Mrs. Evidently
the girl was well known, and Natalie
fancied that the man looked at her rather
curiously, as if he were surprised that
she was going there.
A little old lady opened the door in re-
Spouse to Natalie'S knock. Her plain
black dress. spotless white apron, and
prim gray curls arranged on either side
of her gentle. refined face, all spoke
loudly of responsibility, and Natalie felt
abashed.
rs Marion Hitchcock imp she asked
The woman looked at her curiously, just
s-s the man had done.
mo, Marion is OUT then, as she saw
the look of disappointment and hesita-
ton, she added kindly: Wont you come
in and wait? 1t won't be long
Natalie gladly accepted the invitation.
UsheTing her into the parlor Mrs. Hitch
cock excused herself and Natalie, sitting
in the cool half-light of the best room,
amused herself by studying the chomos
that decorated the walls.
Soon the gate slammed, and, looking out,
Natalie saw a handsome, stalwart man
of % or q coming up the path, followed
by two setter pups.
Mrs. Hitchcock met him at the door
There is a lady in the parlor waiting
to see you, Marion" Natalie heard her
say.
Just then the pups started off after the
chickens.
Dick! Doris! To heel" commanded
the young man, sternly, and as the dogs
sneaked reluctantly back, Natalie under
stood the situation
This then, was Marion" These were
"the darlings' that had caused her such
tWinges of jealousy
Never had an impulsive woman placed
herself in such an embarrassing position
The hot bushes covered her cheeks, but
she had cool head and ready wit; so.
when Mr.. Hitchcock came in she rose
cOmposedly and said: Il am Mrs. Hard
ing, and as 1 was in Dunellen. 1 thought
would come and see the dogs. I have
never seen them, you know
BY Jovei He told you after all. Wei.
a man never can keep a secret from his
wife"
And Natalie smiled an inscrutable smile
Boston Post.