The Alaska prospector., 1904-07-07

for he Is % reticent regarding his own affairs. Why, we have been mar ried IS years. though were it not for my son and daughter. both of whom will soon be as tall as am, I could hardly realize 1t had been SO long by half," and again che laughed mer- rily.
 It was with difficulty that Horace restrained his astonishment, and as the scene st the florists two months before flashed across his mind, his i'm digaation knew no bounds. But by an effort he quietly made few more commonplace remarks, bade her good night and returned to the hotel.
 ''The scoundrell" thought he, "to be untrue to such a fine little woman as that, and the mother of his chil- dren, too, just because he has been at, tracted by the pretty face of some young girl. while his wife's hair is gray, like his own! feel like shoot ing him!"
 He sought his room and bed, but it was nearly dawn before sleep visited his eyelids. so wrought up was he over his discovery of the evening. He felt he ought to warn her, the poor little, unsuspccting, wrongcd wife. end yet he dreaded to be the execu- toner of the love and trust with which her face was radiant while speaking of her husband. At length he dropped into a troubled sleep. to dream that Mrs. Mayhew. pale-faced sad wan. stood by his side piteously saying:
 "Oh. why didn't you tell me? If you had it might have been in time for me to have led him back out of t,e snares tlat wicked girl laid for him. And now-he is gone, gone, and my heart is broken!"
 Late in the morning he awokc. more impressed than ever that it was his duty to warn the ~.cnged wife. disagreeable though it might be. So he secured writing material, and atter destroying sheet after sheet of paper. he finally composed note in which he told her. in as gentle n man. ncr as possible. of the episode at the florists, and closed by begging her not to think i'll of him for being the bearer of such news, as he very greatly regretted the necessity he felt he was under to warn her. and expresssing the hope that with her Knowledge of the affair. an influence might i'e brought to bear that would cornteract any evil toi.s into wlich her husband had-probably uncon- ciHusly-fnlien. and that happiness might once again he hers. This note he dispatched by the bell boy. about the time he judged she might have returned from church. A half hour late n white inclosure was handed in at his door. He tore it open and read:
 "Mr. Horace worth-Dear Sir: To say that l was amaztd al the contents Of you; noi- falls far shor; O. cxpress.re my feel. ings. If rot asking too much of you. VII you please can at my home at four o'clock th:s ait rnoon? ! ari'r, cia,e youi ir.t,i.6. q kItre<e I reservr ;,.. -;se to say to you in person. Sincerely yours.
 AGATHA MATHEW"
 The writing showed signs of agi.a- don. an'' it was with q'iiokiy bca :.r heart thnt MT. W"r'h presente' !.i,"- self at Mrs. Mayhcw's door. at t,-e appointed hour. He was admitte, Iy the maid and shown into the prr'or, where l.e was at once joined by Mrs. Mayhew. The pallid face and swollen eyes, for which he was prepared. were absent. Instead she greeted him with smiling countenance.
 "Mr. Worth," said she, ''I sent for you. not-as you probably supposed to question you farther concerning my dear husband, but to free your mind from the unjust charges which l give you the credit of honestli- be, lieving. At first I was angry over your intimation, but believe you to be a gentleman, and that you took the course that you did from a sense of duty. Fifteen years ago the goth of last March we were married. On that never-to-be-forgotten day, I wore a bunch of violets. and the table where the simple luncheon was spread was decorated with the same. Since that day, the goth of March has never failed to bring from my dear, thoughtful husband. a fragrant cluster of violets; and two months ago. as usual, when he is absent at that time. there came by express a box of the sweet flowers, containing this card." and she held out the we'll remembered bit of bristol board, on which was written. "To my darling. with hearts best lOve-Laurence."
 '"The next mail" continued she. brought his usual daily letter. in which he told the joke of your sup posing he was a bachelor. how you asked if he was sending flowers to his best girl, and of his reply. That is just like Laurence. to have a little quiet fun at your expense, by never correcting your erroneous supposi- tion. I hope you will forgive him for it. just as l have forgiven you for your slanderous thoughts of my husband" and she smilingly ex- tended her hand
 Just how Mir. Worth managed to take her hand and bow over 1t, stam- mer out hts sincere apologies, and get out into the street. he never could clearly remember. But it is a