Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-02

first endeavored to quiet her. agitation.
 and then gently to draw from her the other side of a story that was hardly less 1 distressing for the one to hear than for the other to tell. A grewsome tale it 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" 1 "The worst gossip in the city. Did she tell you the girls name?" No; but from her description, just know 1t was that odious actress" jam ] ming satin gown into corner of trunk as she spoke.
 And on the strength of this miser- able gossip you are breaking up your home, running your life and Franks as ], well?'
 But he never denied it."
 Did you give him the opportunity" TT don't know; was so utterly 1 Wretched."
 Did you even ask him the woman's name?"
 Why, no; but"
 Sadie Atherton. 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 at- terward," here utterance became ditti- cult, his companion, say, was myself" "You!"
 "Yes." Having made the plunge. her strokes were bold and strong. "Is there anything strange in that? Could either of us imagine that such 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 justifica- tion, she might have found it in the complete joy of her friend. The. room was soon restored to order, and by the performance of certain mysterious rites, the traces of recent grief were banished from the happy face of Mrs. Atherton.
 It was late in the afternoon before Priscilla reached home. As she ascend ed the steps, an alarming thought turned her giddy for an instant. Frank would not know how she had made peace for him, and unconsciously would betray her. She hurried through the door and telephoned to his office, and was in- formed that he had started uptown. Real lzlng the importance of seeing him, she resolved to intercept him, if possible, at the Fiftieth street station of the elevat- ed, where he generally alighted. r
 After vainly watching the endless pros cession descending the elevated stari- way for a quarter of an hour. she felt bamed, 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 ment. 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 -as-Erank opened the door Sadies gave cry of delight and threw herself in his arms, ex- claiming, "Oh, Frank, I've been such a goose"
 ha mt happy reply.
 But why did you not tell me that Priscilla was with you that day."
 "Pris--" he stammered, his eyes open ing wide.
 Yes" quickly responded that young lady. artfully treading on Franks toe as she approached; she did not know that I was your companion Monday at- ternoon. as that horrid Mrs. Gympton failed to recognize me. As you neglect ed to mention it, how could she have known?"
 Yes" assented he. vaguely; to be sure; how could she?"
 AS Frank escorted Priscilla homo later in the evening few words were ex- changed Franks usually effervescing nature had been subdued by recent events. while Priscilla was absorbed in her own rioting thoughts. Reaching the door of her Riverside home, she turned and silently held out her hand. A tear in her eye reflected the electric light at the corner.
 Priscilla exclaimed Frank. sudden ly appreciating the extent of her sacri- flee. really. Priscilla. I'm not worth it."
 "Yes. you are" she returned, brok- enly; II believe would do it again for you and Sadie. but it seems strange to find ones self liar"
 He reverently raised her hand to his lips.
 Early the next morning Priscilla burst into the abode of the Athertons. her eyes telling the tale of sleepless night and a conscience i'll at ease.
 "Oh. Sadie" she cried; ''I know you never will forgive me, but have been such a. ..
 You are a perfect dear responded Sadie; Frank told me all about it"
 And then. womanlike. in order to demonstrate their complete happiness, each clasped the other to her breast and burst into tears.
 A Cleveland man has started busi- |, ass which nrOmiseS fo be a great sJl1-