The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1908-06-01
THE SECRET
OF THE DESK
By ETHEL JAMESON MeCAlLUM

/
position of careless repose A smil
! played about the corners of he
| mouth, and the whole expression o
| her face showed that she was a trul,
! happy and contented wife. The mer
| ry crackle Of the logs In the fireplac,
was fitting accompaniment to he
day-dreams. This harmony, how
ever, was soon interrupted by a pro
longed sound, as of loosening boards
Quickly turning on the light, anC
following with her eye the direction
or the noise, she discovered that hel
husbands writing desk, which
stood close TO the fireplace, was
becoming disjointed. Fully under
standing in this incident the phioso.
ply of heat. she was not frightened
or surprised, when moment later
the side or the desk nearest the fire
fell to the floor.
one article only dropped from the
desk--a photograph. Picking it up.
much to her surprise she recognized
the features OF her old school chum.
Nellie Vincent. an orphan, residing
with her aunt in a distant State.
How came Nellies photograph
in my husbands possession" she
thought. Can there be a secret at
tachment between them"
Just then well-known steps were
heard In the hall. and the troubled
woman had only time to put the
photograph back into the desk and
smooth her rutfled hair when her
husband entered the room.
Il have an appointment down
town this evening" he presently
said. Il am very sorry, dear, but we
shall have tomorrow evening to-
gether."
Very well, Richard | will tell
Jennie to prepare supper Immediate
ly," said Mrs. Cameron as she left
the room.
Mr. Cameron in the library, soon
discovered his broken desk, and at
once set about repairing the damage.
His movements caused the photo
graph 10 drop from It's insecure posi-
ton, and, glancing at 1t. his face
flushed with annoyance.
"Nellie's picture! What II Isabel
has seen it,"
Just then his wife's footsteps were
heard and he hastily slipped the
into his pocket.
A month later she had decided
upon her course OF action, and at the
table, one evening, she disclosed her
plans to her husband.
You see. Richard, have not seen
my sister KATE since just before we
were married. That was two years
now. and | should like very much to
visit her. Do you think | might go
well, say by the first OF next
week ."
Certainly; go by all means, dear.
1t will do both you and Kate a world
Of good to see each other again.
Now, Isabel dear. OF course
shall be a little lonely at first, but |
shall soon become reconciled to my
bachelor life; so make long visit.
Enjoy yourself to the fullest extent,
and get little color into that pale
face of yours"
One day, after she had been away
about five weeks, her husbands
usual letter came. She eagerly read
It. and finished with a sigh.
Well, Isabel" said her sister,
entering the room and noticing the
open letter, Richard hasn't coll
lapsed under the maids culinary eff
forts, l hope?"
'No-but, Kate dear, | must go
home Some of our well meaning
but rather hasty club friends have
planned for celebration OF our
anniversary one week from
to-day, 80 of course ! must return
home not later than the day after to-
That is quite long time"
One evening week later, the
pretty parlor Of the Camerons was
.hronged with guests. Among them
moved the hostess, cordial, ANNA
ted, beautiful, with a smile not less
than that which had
lighted her lovely face as happy
bride Just two short years before
How could any one guess of the
aching heart beneath the mask?
On a table in a corner OF the IL
0rary were arrayed host OF gifts Of
which Mrs. Cameron had seemed OBJ
ivious.
Her eye caught sight of a framed
picture, which she curiously lifted to
The light. She uttered a low ex-
for again she was looking
INTO the eyes of the girl who had
ruined her home.
Don't you like the crayon, Isa-
bel? | thought 1t was a very good
copy of Nellie's photograph taken
'or you especially. She will be dis
appointed II 1t fails to please you,
Tor she sent 1t to me with the ex-
press wish that none but the best ar
list In the city should copy It,"
The guests, the presents. even
Nellie Vincent's picture. were forgot
.en for the moment. Two great tears
,hone in Isabels eyes. and throwing
her arms about her husbands neck
the kissed him impulsively. much to
lis surprise and rather to his confu-
ZION, for his proud wife was not apt
% be demonstrative before the pub
lie.