The Van Buren press., 1904-11-26
mbrac. He submitted calmly.

Lear, anu sue put nv "a HAS 90
his neck and kissed him again, before
he had a chance to say word.
Its so good to see you looking Ike
yourself again!"
He heard the door open, light step
in the hall, there was breath OF some
thing fresh and sweet, and the vision
entered and removed her hat.
He was beyond feeling astonished at
anything. Gently, but firmly, he with
drew from the woman who held him.
Whatever was the solution to this
situation, he was bound not to lose
another opportunity.
Madam" addressing the newcomer.
Il have returned your precious pack
age safely and will gladly return the
rest of your property" as he boldly
kissed her mouth.
"Oh! OH" a heart-broken shrek
from the other woman, as she ned
into the next room, slamming and bolt
ing the door.
The girl turned upon him hotly.
John, how can you hurt your wife
with such a heartless joker"
Putting his hand TO his head, he
laughed foolshly my wife! my wife!
| didn't know | had one"
She looked frightened and edged to-
ward the room from which came
sounds of weeping.
Annie! Annie," she cried. knock
I ;an ho
he is not himself. You remember what
the doctor said about mental and physi-
cal rest and danger Of nervous prostra-
ton. If you won't let me in, telephone
yourself for the doctor. Do-do some
| thing"
Look here, madam" shaking the
door impatiently, 81 don't know who
you are or who you think l am, but"
There were ircsh sobs and the ring
Of the telephone as she called up Dr.
Thompson's Office.
"Oh, doctor, DO come quick! John
has come home in a dreadful state
What? No, indeed" Indignantly, "he
was never intoxicated in his life. He
he is or where he is. Not even his
own wife" with a sob "Yes!-No!-
Awfu!-Poor fellow, of course we'll
| humor him Yes, do come right away
What?-Where? Why, here, of course
oh, 1913 Drexel."
mabel" she whispered through the
door, "is that you? The doctor says
he'll be out as soon as possible, Says
to humor him at any cost" Opening
the door crack, John, dear, does
your head ache?"
"No," he snapped, "and my name
isn't John" She hastily shut the door
again.
Look here, there is some sort Of
mistake. The wrong address, sup
pose; want Mr. John Harris"
"He doesn't even know his own
name" she cried tearfully 81 don't
suppose he even knew poor little
Francis"
"My dear woman, that youngster
may belong to you, but | don't, and
I'm going"
| mabel, Mabel" she called in alarm
Hold him. Try to soothe him. He's
taken dislike to me- they often do
that way. Humor him. Hold him at
any cost TIL the doctor comes"
He was bewildered, and somewhat
excited, but felt no desire to escape
from lovely Mabel He was will
ing to be soothed and held indefinitely
1t was a queer situation, but he de-
cided to make the best OF it,
Eyes, hold me" She neryously took
his outstretched hand.
"Ah, feel better" as he led her over
to a couch and blessed the doctor for
his order to humor him, hoping he
wouldn't come too soon.
| No matter who the woman was, bent
upon being his wife, he was sure that
| this was the one he wanted.
Little girl" he said, tenderly, rats
ing her hand to his lips. 81 love you"
My heart went out to you the moment
saw you when you reached up and
kissed me so sTeetly"
She bushed and trembled as he
kissed each slender finger. "You 10
love me-" He heard steps in the hall
SAY you love me, dear" She hest
tated, but, remembering that he must
be humored, whispered 81 love you"
The door opened to admit the doctor,
tlmIdly followed by the other woman
"Ahem!" he said, adjusting his
! glasses,
OR Thompson, presume" replied
the infatuated bachelor, politely, still
retaining one little hand tight In his
own, wishing heartily he were a minis
ter instead.
Feeling his pulse the doctor shook
his head 'solcmnly; "Ahem! see -
The door burst open and thinner,
older.looking man rushed in and gath
cred the other woman in his arms
"Hello Mabel! Looked everywhere
Tor you and the kid, Why, Ned, old
mani"
jack"
Johns twin brother" cried Annie
with glad little sob, and everyone
laughed
"Well, wolf" and the doctl,r s eyes
twInklcd, "No wonder you were
mixed" as no took up his medicine
case and left
Ned turned In time to see charm
Ing figure, with face aYorted, vanishing
up tho stairway,
| saaaHaaaHHaaaaaaaaaaaza-=--
"ouR FATHERS FRIENDS"