New-York tribune., 1906-10-28
By
JACQUES FUTRELLE

laughter. He drew a long breath and set his teeth
'You poor, deserted dear!" she sympathized
laughingy.
He started to say something but two soft, cling
ing arms about his neck, and velvety cheek
rested against his own; $3.50 he kissed her instead.
She sighed happily. and laid aside her wraps
Il simply couldn't get here any sooner she
explained poutingy as she glanced into his accusing
eyes Il was out with Nell Blakesley in her big
new touring car and it broke down and we had to
send for a to repair 1t; So
He didn't hear the rest he was staring into her
eyes, steadily inquiringly. Truth shone triumphant
there; he could only believe her. Yet--yet that
other thingl She hadn't told him the TRUTH In her
face at last, he read uneasness he continued to
stare and for a moment there was silence.
Whats the matter, Van?" she inquired sollc1-
tOuslY. Don't YOU feel well"
He pulled himself together with a start, and for
time they chatted of lnConsequental things as she
ate. He watched her until she pushed her dessert
plate aside; then casually, Il believe you said YOU
We're going to call on Mrs. Blackjack Tomorrow"
She looked up quickly. "Oh, no" she replied;
81 with her all day yesterday, shopping. L
said | had called on her"
Van Stafford rose suddenly stood garing down at
her for an instant then turning abruptly LETT the
house. Involuntarily she had started up then she
sat down again and wept softly over her coffee.
Van Stafford seemed to have very definite purpose,
for when he reached the club he went straight to
telephone and called Miss Blakesey over the wire.
MY wife said something about-sOmethlng
about" he stammered lamely-" something about
calling on you tomorrow. viii you be i'm"
Yes and I'll be glad to see her." came the
reply. I'm dreadfully tired of staying cooped up
here in the house, and really was beginning to
think all my friends had deserted me-"
"Cooped up in the house!' Mr.. van Stafford re-
peated " Are you i'll :"
Il have been" came the reply, I'm better now,
but haven't been out of the house in a week.
"Indeed, remarked van Stafford sympathetlcally.
"Im awfuly sorry, assure you. Then you haven t
tried your-your big new touring carr"
Why, haven't any new touring car" said Miss
Blakesey. L haven't any sort of car. Where did
you get that idea?"
Van Stafford didn't answer her. Rudely enough he
hung up the telephone and left the club with face
like marble. When finally he stopped walking he
was opposite his house For a minute he stood
looking at it much he had never seen it before,
then turned and went back to the club There
was something of fright, of horror in his white
face when he entered
As van Stafford did not 60 to bed that night it
was not surprising that his wife should find him in
the breakfast room when she came down about
eight o'clock. She smiled. He stared at her after
a curt Good morning." Then came Ominous
silence She finished her breakfast rose, and left
the house without a word He watched her from
a window until she disappeared around the corner
just four doors below then, overcome by fears sus-
picions, hideous possibilities, he ran after her.
She had not been out of his sight more than halt
a minute when he reached the corner; yet now-now