The Monticellonian., 1905-01-05

pareatIy heart-bFoken woman, Priscilla first endeayored 10 quiet her agitation. and then gently to draw from her the other side of story that was hardly less distressing for the one to hear than for the other to tell. A erewsome tale 1t was, indeed and the girl was glad that Frank had told his story first. That his was the truth. and all the truth, she doubted not an instant.
 Who told you this?" finally inquired Priscilla
 Mrs. Gympton."
 The worst gossip in the city Did she tell you the girls name?"
 No; but from her description, just know il was that odieps actress jam ming satin gown into a corner Of a trunk as she spoke.
 And on the strength of this miser- able gossip you are breaking Up your home, ruining your life and Franks as well?"
 Bat he never denied it."
 Did you give him the opportunity"
 II don't know; l was so utterly wretehed.
 Did you even ask him the woman's name?'
 Why, no: but
 Sadie Atherton. I am surprised at you! Frank simply had to make that trip to the Beach. Business, and noth- ing else. was the cause of his going. And as for his companion. at lunch and af- terward, here utteranee became ditfi- cult. his ompanion,I say, WAS myself"
 You
 Yes Having mace tho plunge. her strokes were bold and strong sfs tkeTe anything strange in that? Could either of Us imagine that such a spiteful slan- der would reach you before you would be informed of it in an ordinary man. ner? No doubt Frank was too surprised at your outburst to remember who was with him. even had you asked him"
 Mrs. Atherton again resorted to tears welcome tears of relief.
 Had Priscilla searched for justifca- tion. she might have found it in the complete joy of her friend The room was soon restored 10 order and by the performance Of certain mysterious rites, the traces of recent grief were banished from the happy face of Mrs. Atherton.
 1t was late in the afternoon betors Priscilla reached home. As she aseend- ed the steps, an alarming thought turned her giddy for an instant Frank would not know how she had made peace for him, and uneonseiously would betray her. She hurried through the door and telephoned to his office. and was in formed that he had started uptown. Real iziHP the importance of seeing him, she resolved to intercept him, if possible. at the Fiftieth street station Of the eleyat- ed where he generally alighted.
 After Vainly watching the endless pro- eession descending the elevated stari | way for quarter of an hour, she felt I batlied knowing that she had lost the [ race. Grimly resolving to learn the worst at once. three minutes later found [ her again entering the Atherton apart meut. Despair gave place to hope Frank was not there Having no pre- | text for calling. she was somewhat em- barrassed Mentally searching for something she had not forgotten, she E was greatly relieved as Frank opened E the door Sadies gave cry of delight and threw herself in his arms, ex- claiming, "Oh, Frank. I've been such a goose.
 You're duck. was the prompt and E happy reply.
 But why did you not tell me that Priscilla was with you that day.
 "Pris-9 he stammered. his eyes open ing wide
 a4es, quickly responded that young lady, artfully treading on Franks toe : as she approached; she did not know that l was your companion Monday af- ternooa, as that horrtd Mrs Gympton failed 10 recognize me. As you neglect cd 10 mention il. how could she have { EnoWn2"
 Yes, assented he. vaguely; to be sure; how could she22
 As Frank escorted Priscilla home later il the evening. few words Were ex- changed. Franks usually efferyescing nature had been suhdued hy recent { events, while Priscilla was absorbed in E her own rioting thoughts Reaching the . door ef her Riverside home she turned and silently held out her hand A tear in her eye reflected Che electric light at r the corner
 Priscilla, exclaimed Frank. sudden ly apprecating the extent of her sacri- f flee. really, Priscilla I'm not worth it."
 Yes. you are, she returned, brok- enly; II believe would to it again for you and Sadie, but it seems strange to find ones self liar"
 He reyerenuy raised her hand to his lips.
 Early the next morning Priscilla burst into the abode of the Athertons. her f eyes telling the tale of a sleepless night i and conscience ill at ease.
 s0h, Sadie, she cried; T know you never will forgive me, but have been such a-''
 You are perfect dear. responded Sadie; Frank told me all about it."
 And then, Womanike. in order to demonstrate their complete happiness, each clasped the other to her breast and burst into tears.