The Washington times., 1903-02-15
2AL CRISIS IN THE LIFE OF A BRIDEGROOMFLECT D. D.


Oh. il this were only true. then his
course would be clear. and all would be
well. For. after all. was there any ne
cessity for telling Edith what would only
make her unhappy? Edith loved him
how sweet and tender and trusting she
was, Why, then, should he grieve her
with the tale Of his foolish infatuation?
Besides, it was over; IL was a mere mad
ness, and It had passed. and he was sure
now that he had loved Edith all the time,
even when he had planned TO leave her
forever He knew now that his heart had
never swerved from her-never-only bis
fancy had been led astray. But il might
not be possible to make her understand
this. so it was easier to say nothing.
Edith had discontinued her visits be-
fore this climax was reached. but Mr.
Forrest sent his carriage daily. and Hal
sey spent all his afternoons with them
As the days passed and brought him no
tidings his hopes grew aDace. and his
HstIessness and taciturnity disappeared
, altogether.
To Edith he was once more the ardent,
devoted lover, and apparently tho sky
was cloudless above them.
A day came when Halsey declared
himself we'll, and with his arm still in
a sling he turned his steps toward his
club. Cordial greetings met him on every
side; all the gay functions he had missed
were described to him by one OF the most
accomplished gossips of the club. all the
new jokes and witticisms retailed for his
benefit. until he felt himself once more
in touch with his world-the world he
had almost forsworn,
It was then that some one mentioned
the name ne had been so anxious, yet
half afraid TO hear.
''Oh. yes said one Of a group near
him. Yes. I've heard all about it. Was
there ever such an Internally lucky dog
as Fred MalIock2 No sooner does that
fellow get to the end OF his fortune than
an old uncle dies most conveniently and
leaves him half a million more!''
It's too much luck for one man; just
a beastly way OF fortune. TO pile all her
favors on one fellow Wonder what
good it'll do him" said another. Hen
only throw it away. Of course
''Oh. no. not this time. answered a
third. Fred has sold his racingN stud.
forsworn poker. and gone abroad with
his wife and boy. They sailed today. TO
be gone a year
why. 1 understand that his wife was
awfulIy down on him. even threatened
to leave him. said a fourth man. look
ing up from his paper.
| One OF the listeners laughed. so she
was. after he lost all his money. but the
situation has changed now. fancy
Laura MaIlock couldn't be very unfor-
giving to a husband with half mill
lion"
mo. indeed said the first speaker;
besides. the role OF the injured wife
was a favorite one with Mrs MaIloek-
I've admired her in it more than once
When Halsey left the club he felt at
once intensely relieved and very much
Inundated. He had been saved from
the folly and ruin he had planned. nut
what vain fool he had been He had
believed that this woman had loved
him-he had absolutely believed that he
vas necessary 10 her happiness-and all
the time she had led him captive for her
own ends,
The afternoon was so nearly gone
that he decided not to go to Edith until
after dinner.
AS he entered the house Mr. Forrest
met him and drew him into his study,
explaining that Edith was engaged a.
the moment but would make her appear
| ance presently.
Halsey saw at once that his companion
was agitated. Several times he began
TO speak. and then paused. as IL uncer-
tain. Once or twice he opened a drawer
in his desk. hesitated. and then closed
it again with an impatient sigh. tie
/ started from his seat at last and walk
ed nervously up and down the room
Then stopping in front OF Halsey. he
said abruptly:
Il know all about il; know the rea-
son of poor Edgar's last journey. and
it has almost broken my heart, Did
you think you could keep il from me.
Halsey?"
Halsey could not move or speak: he
could only listen. He bent his head 20
avoid meeting Mr.. Forests eyes. and
1 endeavoreG to steady himself TO gain
control Of his voice before answering.
for he knew he must answer. though he
I knew not what 70 say.
The elder man meanwhile kept up his