Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-01
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR APRIL /. 1906


was great place with high iron railing all around
it and footman at the door-and began to under
stand why Fanny Montrose had left me for him.
I'D thought long time about giving another
name; but l said to myself: No. I'll give him
chance first to come down and face me like man.
SO l said to the footrnan Go tell Paul Barge that
Larry Moore has come to see him.
Then | went down the hall and into the great
parlor, all hung with draperies, and | looked at
myself in the mirrors and looked at the chairs, and
didn't feel like sitting down. and presently the cur
tains opened and Paul Bargee stepped into the room
l looked at him once, and then looked at the floor,
and nv breath came hard. Then he stepped up to
me and stopped and said:
And though he had wronged me and wrecked my
life couldn't help admring his grit for the boy
no match for me, and he knew it too, though r.
never finched
I've come from New York here to talk with you,
Paul Bargee | said.
80 You've a right to-
''' | have | said, and | want to have under
standing with you now, if you have the time, sir,
l said, and looked at the ground again.
He drew off, and hearing me speak SO low he mis-
took others have done before and he looked at
me hard and said: Well, how much?
My head went up, and | strobe at him; but he
winced-if he had, think I'd have caught
him then and there and served him as did Bill
Coogan. But stopped and said: That's the second
mistake you've made Paul Barge; the first
when you sent dirty little lawyer to pay me for
taking my wife. And your lawyer came to me and
told to you to the last cent. kicked him
out of my sight and what have you to say why |
shouldn't do the same to you Paul Bargee?'
He looked white and hurt in his pride and said:
You're right; and beg your pardon, Mr.. Moore
81 don't want your pardon | said, and won't
sit down in your house, and we won't discuss what
has happened but what is to be. For there's
great wrong you've done, and I've right to say
what you shall do now, Paul Barge
He looked at me and said slowly What is
that?
"'You took my wife, and l gave her chance to
come back to me, | said but she loved you and
what you give better than me. But she's been
my wife, and | m not going to see her go down into
the gutter.
He started to speak; but put up my hand and
I said: I'm not here to discuss with you, Paul
Barge I've come to say what's going to be done;
for | have child, | said, and | don't intend that
the mother of my little girl should go down to the
gutter You've chosen to take my wife, and she's
chosen to stay with you. Now, you've got to marry
her and make her good woman said.
Then Paul Barge stood off, and | saw what
passing through his mind. And | went up to him
and laid my hand on his shoulder and said: You
know what mean and you know what manner of
man | that talks to you like this; for you re
coward | said; but you marry Fanny Montrose
within a week after she gets her freedom, or l
the choice you've got to make Paul Bargee l said.
Then stepped back and watched him, and as
did SO | the curtains move, and knew that
Fanny Montrose had heard me-
80 You're going to give her the divorce?' he said.
al am. l don't intend there shall be stain
on her name, | said for | loved Fanny Montrose,
and she's always the mother of my little girl
Then he went to a chair and sat down and took
his head in his hands, and went out.
Il came back to New York, and went to Mr.. Gilday.
60 VIII he marry herr he said at once.
90 He will marry her. | said. As for her want
you to say; for II not write her myself since she
wouldn't answer me. Say when she's the wife of