Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1898-01-07
SHE PAID THE BET.

friends all wondered at this sudden
move and into the country at this un-
cody season. No one knew why, but
all had their theories.
She gave a luncheon tho day before
and received a telegram at the table, SC
the girls said, and as she opened it a
very peculiar, half mirthful. half sad
expression came into her face.
well. girls, l am going away to-
night for three or four weeks"
"Why, for goodness sake, you're to
lead the german tonight at Kings"
"No. Tonight I'll DO away from here.
l don't quite know where, but I'm CO.
ing anyhow. Won't you have some more
Of this ice, Lucillo?'
This was the source whence oriri-
mated their numerous and varied con-
illusions. That Night ut the german it
was the theme Of conversation. Tho
pretty girls were glad because young
Mrs. Page was popular; the stupid
ones were glad because j. actually gave
them something to taik about, and be-
fore the festivities were over tho ears
of the poor departed must have burned
like fire. In the meantime she tele-
pboned down to Jacks Office: "Hollol
Is that ycu, Jack?'
Eyes, dear"
"Well, you'll be surprised, but I'm
going away"
"Going? WHEREOF
Down TIE river somewhere, / guess.
I'll take Marie. Why? oh, it's just u
whim, Jack, but l know you'll lot me
go.f'
81 don't suppose it would make much
difference what l wanted"
"How, Jack-well, tho train leaves
at 1904. You needn't como up here. Be
down at the depot and have omomoney
for me. Gcodby. SEQ you later. Got to
get my things rendy."
She didn't go to get her things ready,
but she told Marie TO. She sat down il
u big chair and thought it all over.
81 suppose they'll all think I'm
crazy, and what on earth Shall / tell
Jack? Oh Ill get to the staten late;
then there won't be time to say ary-
thing. Great heavens, only a year ago
and how different things werel That
whole day comes Lack to me now like
a dream, and I'd actually almost forgot
about it. But somehow when | made
that bet / felt as though 1 would lose it.
I'm married; so I've lost. Cut my eye
brow of and send him the picture!
How sillyl But I'm game. I'll do it.
oh, dear, WON'T be ugly without an
eyebrow? l wonder whore he is now.
Poor boyl Ho really did love me and
p
MADAME had better DO dressing.
The trunk is packed, and it is half
past a."
Have you ordered the carriago?"
tits ready, madame"
Hello, JackI Nearly missed it,
didn't II"
"For heavens sake, Edith, where are
you going?"
"Oh, my, there goes the whistlel I'll
write you all about it, Jack. Gocdby.
Be good" And the astonished Jack
stood just where Edith left him till
the train was out of sight.
Marie, look in my coat pocket and
get Inc that telegram. Thanks. Let's
see. Why, he isn't in California at ALL
Chicagol What on earth is he doing
there do You suppose?"
Ibid madame speaki"
No. Go and read"
After all, this is very foolish, but
It's sort Of fun to be foolish, anyhow.
Poor Jack! / really ought to love him
more; he Is 50 good TO me. Oh. pshaw
Why can't people have money and
brains and all things that / like com
bined? Now, Boardsley would have been
so nice If he hadn't been poor. l nearly
thought he was nice. anyhow. Who's
whistling that tune? / haven't heard it
for-dear me, I'm getting sentimental
But here W. arel
II want a hotel out Of town where I
can be very quiet"
"Chateau Rouge, ma'am, jist tho
place. Only one man in the whole ho-
tel, an he don't bother no one. He goes
moonin round all day. We're art
afraid hos a-goin ter do suthin desperit.
He'-
''Well, never mind. Get my bags. I'm
anxious to see the place.. y
is this IL? Oh, Marie, isn't it love
ly? We can be so nice and quiet hercl
No, I won't come down to dinner. You
needn't either, Marie. Both meals sent
up. please. Yes"
That night, after long and loving
looks at that fatal eyebrow, she seized
jacks razor. which she had deliberately
Aronght with her for the purpose, and,
a gasp Of resolution, It was on.
you beauty, you fool Suppose
row again Suppose it grows
what's tho good Of caring?
bed. I'm dead. Then / can
The morning and worry ali
though, before tho
the middle Of tbs