Albuquerque citizen., 1908-06-15
DAILY SHORT STORIES
PROOF POSITIVE
by Jane Church Rosenberg.

"I can give you Toms address
now" Mrs. McAllister said, address
ing Joe Bailey, who had stopped at
HIS friends house on his way down
town. "Oh dearl' she added, under
her breath, tearing open the letter the
postman had Just handed to her. Il
wonder if he has missed It,"
Anything wrong with Tom?"
asked the man. anxiously, as he saw
the letter fall, half read, from her
iland.
Joe" she said, Tom has written
as If he had my picture with him
and he left it at home. Here it is
she added, picking up a heavy brown
envelope--"all ready to send to him.
Taking out the photograph she
looked earnestly at the pictured face
which bore no trace of doubt or sor-
row.
Joe" Mrs. McAllister said, turning
suddenly to the man, II shall not
send 1t to him now. l can't even write
him-how miserable l shall oe!'
Don't feel so badly-don't doubt
Tom" Joe Bailey pleaded, "he may
have another picture of you"
mo, he hasn't" she returned,
quickly, Il gave the last one l had of
any kind away last week"
Let me see it. Mrs. Tom? oh yes
he said, as she handed the picture to
him, Graves made it, didn't hep
Mrs. McAllister had not heard him.
She had given up to her misery and
sat on the couch, her face buried in
the pillows.
Joe Bailey arose, and looking at his
watch said:
AN engagement at 1O--five min
utCs past now. GoOd-by, little Wo-
man, don't cry any more"
No answer came from the woma
who had received her first jolt. upon
the highway of life.
1t was Tuesday of the same week
and Joe Bailey had spent few hours
playing golf at the Country club links.
Upon entering the smoking compart-
ment of the beated traction car he
found Tom. McAll ster occupying one
of the wicker chairs.
Hello, Mac" he exclaimed, drop
ping into the adjacent seat Il thought
you We're off on two weeks trip"
Your letter Joe, spoiled me for
business and | am going home to sun
day with Alice"
81 was sure joe" he added quick
ly that ! left that picture at the of
flee; | wrote as did because it pleas
es Alice to think that ! am comforted d
by looking at it while l am away. 1t
was sure good of you to send me
another photograph, but I'll tell her
all about it when l get home. The
| little girl Is pretty level-headed and
will take it all right, I know"
Joe Bailey's reply did not carry the
| emphasis of conviction:
"Of course you know best, Mac
Mrs McAlister sat at her desk
endeavoring to compose a dgnifiec
yet sufficient resentful letter to he'
husband, but found it a difficult task
| A step on the porch and a sounC
Of a key in the lock made her rush in
to the hall, every nerve quivering il
glad surprise. The next minute Hsh
was IN her husbands arms and hi
voice was saying:
"You did not write. Alice, and
had to come home"
She released herself but all tn
studied words she had intended t
say We're forgotten.
How could you do IT, Tom; ho'
could you?" her voice was low an
full of tears.
do what, little girl?" he asked.
write as you did about the pictur
when you had left it here"
Tom McAllister gave one quick loo
at his Wifc's pale, sad face and stooE
ing. he quickly opened his suit case.
Alice, dear" he said, Il hav
; another picture of yOu-here 1t is"
Her body relaxed, the rose tir
= came to her cheeks again and deeI
fetched sigh escaped her lips.
II am so glad!" she cried raptui
Ously. as she clasped the piece
e cardboard in her outstretched hand
Then, with sudden decision, she at
ded:
- zoe Is a very loyal friend, Ton
7 He said you might have another pi'
= ture. and you did.