The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-31

duu StIFdDtS OF your OWL DlQ your nus
band lose his money!
He got up and walked angrily away from
her. Her presence in the College. her kind
manner, all seemed part of a plan to trick
him; to tear open the deep wound which
he had hoped the peace of this quiet refuge
might heal.
t"Go!" he said, hoarsely. whether you
are wife or widow. you have no right to
come here. Co..
He turned resolutely away. She rose,
and stood quietly by the table, tears
streaming down her face. Presently she
said:
Il will go. Philip. and IL you require IL I
will quit the College. 1 am here because
am a poor widow; I am not an impostor.
Please iisten," she said. pleadingly, for his
shoulders shrugged with impatience. IT
suppose I was not a loving wife: how could
L Beg He turned his face a little, and she
saw he listened eagerly. MY husband be-
heved | cared more for some one else than
l did for him." Philip turned away again.
She went on passionately: God knows
do not blame my husband; 1 had done him
the worst harm a woman can do a man.
l married him when 1 had no love to give
him."
S"o "diteu, out ne STOOD silent. Pres
emily he said. very slowly: "You have not
explained how you com to be in an aims
house"
do you think 1 could have lived on his
money when had no love for him?" He
turned to her again, as she stretched out
her hands in protest. Don't think me bet
ter than L am. L am not sure that 1 could
pave willingly given up my means OF
living. Perhaps Dennis knew me better
IMAM L know myself. His will left me
everything he possessed, but on one condi-
uon; L must solemnly swear in the pres
ehce OF two witnesses that L would not
marry again; if 1 refused this condition |
was TO have my clothes, my few trinkets.
sufficient furniture for one living and one
sleeping room and the meager pension
which enabled me to apply for election TO
the College. For years L had been able to
earn, till my health gave way; then [
this refuge, and that / was a
native of Wynstone.'
who had your husbands monev?"
"A cousin, who dislikes me; his only
living relation"
Philip stood thinking. The woman held
her breath with suspense.
II thank you for telling me this. 7 am
NNDNNN SOdA PONOAb II paused
then he added. lit is very dark. Mrs.
Smith, shall 1 show you the way to your
rooms?'
NO" she said proudly. II will not trou-
BILE you"
She was gone before he could speak again.
w.
The warden had finished breakfast. The
grave, grayheaded servant who, besides
the other duties, kept the grass in the quad
smoothly shaver, was both bell ringer and
sacristan of the chapel, and who may be
said to have performed the duties of
deputy warden in his masters absence,
waited till the warden rose from the table,
and then gave a little deprecating cough.
The warden knew the signs, he smiled.
well, Scrubs, there's a complaint from
someone, is there?"
Scrubs looked stolidly Indifferent. Its
Mistress Griggs, sir; she seems in a hurry
to see you
Let her come to the study"
Betty Griggs was not a frequent COM
p%lainant; she had a sharp tongue. and
was therefore able TO right herself with
her neighbors. not being gagged by any
extra modesty. Her severe frown and
puckered lips, this morning, surprised the
warden.
He said. in answer to her deep curtsey.
What can L do for you this morning.
Mrs GrigSs?"
Betty came up TO his desk and spoke in
a solemn whisper: "'Tis not me, sir. as
is in question, tbs the good name Of the
College"
"Eh? What? What is it you mean?'
He spoke sharply; he had a horror of
scandalous gossip, and so far, under his
rule, the College had kept pretty free
from il.
"'Tis a scandal, sir, for sure, though
maybe twas to be expected. I've not trust
ed her from the first, but, Lord, sir, It's
the outside as most folks takes warrant
by
Twill you say at once what you've come
to say, Mrs. Griggs? I'm busy this morn
ing
He knew now as we'll as possible that
the complaint was against Mrs. Smith; this
was not the first hint about outward SEEM
ings he had received from Betty Griggs.
Betty cooked up her chin and did her
best TO look dignifed.
We'll. sir. I'll speak as quick as 1 can.
/ happened TO be walking around in the
%cool-last night. it was. strand who should
/ see coming out of the new colleger's
lodging but Mrs. SMITH"
'Go on"
Betty's face was very red.
'WeIl, sir. I'm an old-fashioned body,
and 1 thought that was a strange sight. ]
SEE to her. You're out late, Mrs. Smith,
seq. You, who's such a housekeeping body
as never has time to drink a cup Of tea,
neighborlike, when i ask you"
"She nodded and went on, l suppose?'
Betty stared.
Lord, sir, how could you guess? She die
that. but there was something wrong with
her-she was sobbin' fit TO break her heart
There's som'at atwixt those two as
shouldn't be; III lay my life there is. sir. ="
She afterwards told Benjamin Shrubsole
| in confidence. that she could have took the
warden by his two shoulders and given him
a good shake, ''he looked that cool an
placid"
81 advise you not to worry about youl
, neighbors, Mrs. Griggs. We can always
I help them by praying for them and by oul
kind words and deeds. 1 doubt whether
in a small community like the College, WI
: neal n watchdog"