Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1901-04-05
! AS MANAGED BY ALBERT 8

this CHANGING to meet his old friend
Evans on the street that afternoon,
after warm GREETINGS had been ex-
changed, he invited him to the recep-
tion he and his wife were giving that
night. Evans was murmuring an ex-
cuse when Albert suddenly remem-
bered the quarrel between him and
Mrs. Dreams sister, Alice, and, acting
on the mischievous impulse, said
"Of course, you know Alice is mar
ried," then with "be sure to come, old
man." he hurried ON, chuckling to him
self. Hell come now just to see the
man." he thought gleefully.
AS he let his mind dwell lightly on
this incident, while he assisted his wife
in greeting their guests, he was re-
lieved that fate had permitted his smile
to go unexplained. Mrs. Dreams had
| once reluctantly admitted that at times
Albert could go too far, and he sus-
pected that this was one of the times.
Nevertheless his spirits rose when he
saw Evans enter among the late arriv-
ais. Tall, dark and dignitied, his pale
face was more impassive than ever as
he made his way to his hostand hostess.
Now, who could tell whether he cares
or not?" thought Albert. Glancng
across the room he saw his beautiful
sister-in-law talking with her usual
calm and stately grace to a group of
friends. well, they are two of
kind" he chuckled. Then he began to
speculate what would happen if Evans
went up to speak to her as he was al
most certain to do. by Jove! Sup
pose she won't notice him! If could
get them to talking l am sure they
would hit it off all right" Suddenly
thought struck him. Making ais way
across the room, he said:
"Allie, did you know Harold Evans is
here?'
"WhoT she asked, quietly.
Harold Evans. Just came in. Met
him on the street this afternoon and
asked him up. By the way had you
heard Of his marriageT
Alice's heart gave great throb and
then stood still. Then, as hearts will,
it began to beat furiously. The room
swan around and in the midst of
friends and laughter she was conscious
of an overpowering loneliness. But AL
bert's eyes, keen as they were, were
permitted to see none of this.
mo, l had not heard" she replied,
evenly. II shall be glad to see him
again.
Here he Is now," exclaimed Albert
as Evans came up. Hello, old chap"
he cried, with a cordial handshake
Decided to come, did you? Looking
as fresh as daisy, too. Awfully glad
to see you. Yes, here's Alice. BY the
way, Allie, want Evans to see our fine
orchids. Show him around, will your"
and with a nod and smile, he moved
away.
Alice greeted her lover of former
days with smiling graciousness. AS
they entered the conservatory he
thought bitterly: Evidently she is
happy in her marriage" Would he
have had her unhappy? She thought:
II wonder where his wife isp' His
wife-another woman! How strange it
seemed! They moved among the flow
ers for time. Alice chatted vivacious-
ly Of their beauty. Happening upon
one of those seats with which every
properly-conducted conservatory is sup
piled, they sat down.
when did you arrive In town. she
asked with polite interest.
This afternoon. am only here for
| a few days"
Gle cannot stay away from her long
er, | suppose" she thought, and there
was dull pain at her heart.
"Oh, you like the Westr' she asked,
pleasantly.
"Oh, yes; I like 1t well enough" he
said, signing in spite of himself. "Who
is the manT he wondered, miserably.
How happy she seemsw
How strange he does net speak OF
his wifev thought Alice. zone of us
must" Swallowing the lump In her
throat, she said:
81 have never had an opportunity to
congratulate you"
Congratulate meT he repeated,
wonderingly.
| "Certainly-on your marriage"
"My marrlage!" he echoed. II am
not married. Who could have told you
such thingT
She gave a little gasp. Surely she
had not misunderstood Albert. How
could such mistake have been made?
And In the midst Of her establishment
and confusion her heart grew light.
"How did you get such an impress
sionf" he asked, with a slow smile. IL
was Just about to speak Of your own
marriage"
Alice sat bolt upright, thoroughly
j a.a..ead hax chanlra q aa IIas. aIx.