Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1905-04-22
SYI.VIA'S VISIT
TO THE OFFICE.
BY w. H. KoEBEL.

was willing to propitiate his good for
tune by an oblation, however heavy.
The opportunity was afforded to him by
his father-in-law elect. A hint as to the
disadvantages attaching to idle hus-
bands fell upon ready ears. Jerry In
vested a portion of his ample capital
In the purchase of an old-established
wine business Of the semi-shipping,
semi-family order. Fortunately for the
welfare of the concern it possessed a ca
pable manager. 1t was, perhaps, equally
fortunate, In view of Jerry's unortho-
dox views upon the furtherance of busl-
ness, that the new proprietors visits to
the Office never occurred at less than
weekly intervals.
1t was In March, a month before the
date of their wedding, that Sylvia paid
first visit to his Office.
AS the dazzled clerk showed her into
his private Office Jerry's eyes lit up In
honest admiration.
$50, Jerry, this is your den--your
spiders web" she cried. But how
dingy. Poor boy!"
1T was dingy," admitted Jerry, thirty
seconds later. But now, If this is
spiders web. good heavens! can see
no trace Of it--only YOU"
II seated her in a leather-covered
chair. "And does it repay you, Jerry?"
she asked. This gloomy place, these
dull hours here?"
IF you mean in financial sense" he
tod ~.
a bottle of champagne from recess and
invited her to join him.
Sylvia declined and passed to table
which held three or four filled glasses.
This shall be my mornings refresh
ment in defiance of your Office. drink
to you in water"
She raised the glass to her lips. Jerry
looked up from the bottle he held and
shouted.
1t was too late; she had drunk. She
spluttered supposedly Jerry sprang
hastily to her side
Sylvia" he cried, aghast, sit was
sample of gin"
She was choking gently; he led her to
a chair and she asked for water.
He was gone in an instant A few
moments later he was back, a glass of
water in his hand. He came to an abb
rupt halt before her. Her eyes were
glowing; she was laughing shortly, but
it was not Sylvia's laugh
Her eyes turned slowly upon him. 1t
may have been the sight of his horror
struck countenance that added to her
emotion. A movement sounded from the
outer Office. The danger of intrusion
brought him to his senses. He fastened
through the door and at his call the
white whiskered manager came to his
side. She was sleeping. He told him all.
1t was at that moment voice sounded
behind him. A man, open-mouthed.
stood within the doorway. Almost ere
the ejaculation had passed his lips Jerry
and Soames were upon him. Jerry still
had hold of his arm and hustled him out.
Soames flung toward his employer a
look of genuine compassion.
Il understand, sir. When the lady
wakes up she must not know that she's
lin fact, she must remain in ignorance
of what has happened"
Sylvia's eyelids fiuttered. Her eyes
opened; she sat erect. Soames departed
in haste. Jerry turned to pore over the
pages of an open ledger that lay at hand.
What happened, Jerry? | remem-
Der drinking some horrible stuff, and
then l must have fallen asleep"
Were you asleep, darling? And
Coz IL,
Just then and we were absorbed in dry
business details"
1t was in the September following
their marriage that Mr.. and Mrs. Maude
were seated in the second row of chairs
upon the crowded Eastbourne parade.
Upon the corresponding front seats
were two men. One was scanning the
visitors list; he turned to his neighbor.
"Maude," he remarked; MIR. and Mrs.
Geoffery Maude. Curiously enough, 1t
was in connection with this fellow that
underwent one of the most extraordi-
nary experiences of my lifetime. He
played about with wine business for
| awhile One day | went there to get
some cheap claret. shall never forget
It, In the first place, the outer Office was
deserted.
80 went into the private room. The
| scene there nearly stunned me. Maude
and his manager, jaws dropped eyes
starting from their heads, were staring
at the figure of a girl unconscious in an
armchair. She was a beautiful girl.
| They caught sight of me and hustled me
out Maude gave up the business short
| ly after that and, mark this, Soames,
fellow who was without a penny, has
it now. How do you explain that?"
at is we'll for some husbands that
wives have not the gift of looking back
ward" unused his neighbor, cynically.
Jerry's eyes in guilty confusion turned
| to seek those of his wife.
The 10th of March" she cried. MY
day-at your office o Jerryl"
| He told her all-of necessity. She lift
ed burning face.
| "And-did | look horrible?"
'If any other woman could look as