The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1906-08-23
His Friend Jessie
By BELLE MANDATES

Sceooseeeoeoeeoceeeeeoecs
The house seemed strangely big and
empty to Edna as she sat in her bou-
doir. her head buried in her hands,
trying to grasp the conditions of her
position-a young society woman who
had just instigated proceedings for a
divorce. There had been no scene or
scandal. The trouble had come very
suddenly and quietly. Her husband,
Walter Landon, had confronted her
one evening with a serious face and
the astonishing declaration that her
cousin, Billy Jerome, was on alto
gether too familiar footing in their
household, and that she was to bestow
less time and attention upon him.
why, Walter" protested Edna, half
amused and wholly amazed, Billy and
| have been brought up like brother
and sister, and had never been sepa-
rated until he went west few years
ago. | couldn't get up the least senti-
ment for him even if | didn't care for
you"
But you are not brother and sister,
and | tell you frankly it maddens me
to see him appropriate you as a matter
of course, and will not permit you to
drive with him as frequently as you
do"
Further argument followed, but
Walter was peremptory in reiterating
his commands. He left the city that
night on a business trip, and in his
absence Edna made her plans quietly
and unalterably.
Walter" she said coldly on his re-
turn, 81 think it advisable that we sep
arate. Not on Billy's account, not be-
cause he is anything to me, but be-
cause of your stand in this matter. My
eyes are suddenly opened to the fact
that you are unreasonably jealous and
narrow minded. tell you frankly that
| will not accede to any request OF
command as absurd and uncalled fol
as the one you made in regard to my
seeing Billy. l desire a separation al
once. A divorce can follow in due
time"
He was as astounded as she hac
been at his first move. He remained
stunned for moment. Then it dawnet
upon him that she was indeed infatu
ated with Billy, and taken this means
| to be free.
'If you desire a separation" he sale
in low, strange voice, you shall
| have one"
She was little startled and piqueC
by his ready acquiescence.
81 have thought it all over" she re
piled. LILLIAN and can live here
and you can take apartments for your
self. We can quietly begin proceeding
for a divorce on the ground Of incom
patibility. | have my own property
and you can make suitable provision
for Lillian"
There is one point" he said, "yo'
have overlooked cannot be sepa
rated altogether from Lillian"
Walter! AS if would put feathe
between you two She shall come t
you as often as you desire
| But ne neSlJdleu. III INC even
OF your remarrying-"
She flushed and averted her face.
"In the event of my remarrying,
she said haughtily, 81 will give Lillia
up to you entirely"
"She is indeed infatuated h
thought with pang, "to be willing t
part with her child"
The next day he moved into apart
ments. and Edna's aunt came to hel
II was the time of year when nearl
every ore was out Of town, and tn
few who came to the house suppose
Walter to be absent on one OF his FIRE
ouent business trips.
Two weeks, the longest ones
Edna's existence, had dragged through
and she was more wretched than sh
cared to acknowledge. Even the me
ment of triumph when Billy had an
nounced publicly the fact of his al
nroaching marriage 10 a girl out ives
and had gone to the home OF his futur
bride did not bring her the enjoymer
she had expected TO feel in witnessin
Walters chagrin.
AS she sat alone IN her boudo
Wondering over the arrangement sh
be,rd the patter OF little steps In tn
4 eg.Wa