The Washington times., 1909-03-17
MARIE B. SCHRADER
written Expressly Serial for The Evening Times.
Dramatic, Translation and All Other Rights Reserved)

nelson II s the only word tnaL MS
you. Any man who would refer TO sucr
g brave, plucky little woman in such d
fashion as you employed just now is
rot worthy Of any other title
But she-she brought all this about,
said Wharton, hesitatingly. in an effort
TO find words with which TO excuse his
TRADE against mis- wife.
And she had good reason to do so, -
replied Nelson. You cannot blame her
because she took upon herself something
which you were too weak to do"
What cried Wharton. You don;
blame her for getting you into ali this
trouble?"
He couldn't understand Nelson at all.
why should 1? She was merely do
ing what she thought right. OF course,
If You did not take her completely into
your confidence you could not expect
her 10 act on motives which were
known TO yourself alone"
There. Wiur' exclaimed Betty, tri-
umphantly. That's what L told you.
You wouldn't take me into your con
fidence. You refused to tell me your
reasons for not informing the police.
so 1 did the best l could under the cir
Cumstances.'
You should be proud 10 possess a
wife who is capable of doing what she
did today continued Nelson. why
didn't you tell her the cause of your not
wanting the police to learn about the
theft of the money!
Nelson looked steadily at Wharton
and waited for an answer, but none
was forthcoming.
Betty's husband was evidently grow
ing tired OF the affair.
There was a moments cilence, then
Wharton turned to Betty With:
1T was all your doing. no matter
what reasons I had. A man doesn't
have to tell all his affairs to a woman -
ITO a wcman?" repeated Betty.
But surely sou wouldn't class your
wife with all other women.
Certainly not" replied Nelson, before
Wharton could find words with which
to answer.
Wharton looked as Nelson and con-
cluded not to say what was evidently
on the tip OF his tongue
Look here said Wharton, sum-
moning UP sufficient courage 10 en-
able him to go over TO Nelson. I'm
tired OF your interference in my at
fairs. It was enough for you to take
my money. 7 intended to ict you off,
for all that"
How thoughtful of you" replied Mel
son. in polite tones.
But when it comes TO advising me
and my family as to what we shall say
and what We are to do, it's too much
Then he turned to Betty.
why you should attach so much i'm
portance to what this man says 1 car
not imagine 1 am the only one who ia
capable OF advising you. But you JJay
no attention to what 1 say. You listen
70 him as if he were a tudge and his
opinions were worth their weight in
gold"
Betty was silent. Surely her emo
tons were more disturbed than they
had ever been in her entire existence,
but she knew better than TO try to
argue with a furious MAJ.
Never MIND" she said 70 Nelson.
Don't pay attention 70 him. He's like
that when he's angry. lie doesn't re-
alize the cruel things he says"
Has he ever spoken like this II you
before2' asked Nelson in tones -,bicn
expressed his contempt for Wharton.
But Betty didrr answer She was
too loyal to retail ner troubles.
Just because this man has whae vow
call a Gibson face" satd Wharton. '.he
needn't imagine that he IS any better
than anyone else
Betty blushed at the reference to a
Gibson face"
You fiatter me" said Nelson with
a pleased smile, as he looked at Mrs.
Wharton. she really said that about
me?' he asked, turning to Wharton.
cts good Of you 10 tell me-"
You are nothing but a common thief.
despite all your fine clothes, your pre-
tended automobile aud the rest o. it."
continued Wharton. ignoring Nelson's
remark.
The chug, chug OF a motor car was
now heard outside. followed by the
sound Of horn in peculiar cadence.
Nelson counted the "toots." then
looked at the clock.
Speaking OF automobiles. that must
be mine now" he remarked, with a
smile. Cant I send you home, Mrs.
Wharton? It's very disagreeable out
side You really shouldn't be allowed
to walk It's dangerous Besides you
might catch a bad cold see you have
no rubbers on. Your poor little feet
must be quite wet
He ignored Wharton altogether. but
Betty's husband didn't propose TO be
dismissed in such a fashion
"Oh, she'll walk TO the cars all right.
he answered. She's done IL MANY times
before and it hasn't hurt her I guess
she won't have anv trouble this once.
AS for your automobile, don't think for
one minute that I swallow that bluff."
Nelson did net reply, but continued
speaking to Mrs. Wharton.
I'm sorry about tire whole business.
But. believe me, thought everything
was for the best.
What do you mean, Mr.. Nelson?"
asked Betty. who, womanlike. could
not refrain from showing her pleasure
at his interest in her welfare.
Your husband will explain" sug-
gested the prisoner.