Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1909-12-10
PLANTATION or defend myself, and so
Jim accused me of-of having a over

Jim accused me Of-Of having a rover
and"
Here Betty broke down and, hiding
her face in the cushions. soobed as
though her heart would break.
In a few seconds, however, she mad
recovered, and, rising from the couch,
held out a shaking hand to Joan.
Never mind, dear, no doubt 1t VIII
come out all right, and some day l
shall be able to explain to jim
mot some day, Betty, but to-day
this very evening when Jim comes
home to dinner. How could you think
I would purchase my happiness at the
price of yours?" And Joan bent over
her friend, giving her a loving kiss.
II don't suppos Jim will be home
to dinner, JOAN
"Then shall / stay with you, dear?'
Thanks very much. Joan, but 1T,
you don't mind I'd rather be alone.
You see,' with a brave attempt al a
smile, Jim might come home n
then. you dear impulsive child, you
would simply go for him"
"Of course l should, Betty, and why
not?'
mo, dear, not yet. First get your
people to like Arthur and then things
will be easier. You know Jim thinks
him too frivolous and hardly the sort
of husband for his sister, but l feel
sure when they once know him they
will alter their opinion"
"What a staunch friend you are,
Betty, and how Jim must love you"
II used to think he did, but now
I'm afraid he will find 1t hard to love
and trust me again."
mo he won't, dear, for I give you
full leave to tell him everything.
How good you've been both to Arthur
and myself, and that it was only your
love for me hat made you take him
up" :
But, dear, do you think It's wise
inst at this time when things are shap.
ing themselves?"
"Wise or not, my sweetest of Bettys,
YOU are to do 1t. So before 1 go
give me your promise that everything
shall be explained
Reluctantly Betty promised and Joan
rose to take her leave.
Left alone Betty's thoughts turned
again to Jim and to wondering wheth-
err he really intended her to spend the
evening alone. the first, by the way,
she had spent by herself since her
marriage.
Presently a soft little smile fitted
across her face and her Eyes shone.
IL know. l will put on his favorite
gown and wear his favorite flowers
just to show him how much I wish to
be friends" and Betty, with a pleas
urable excitement taking possession
of her, commenced her toilette. When
everything was complete the reflection
in her mirror CAV forth a dainty fig
ure clad in the softest gray with a
bunch Of roses at her waist. With a
little sigh Betty turned to go down
stairs when she ran right into her
husbands arms.
Jim, how-how you startled mel"
"Betty!" was all Jim could say as
he glanced at the pretty face in front
OF him.
Betty Jim repeated, come into
my den. I want to speak to you"
With heart beating almost to suffo-
cation, Betty followed Jim into his
den and hen closed the door.
Seating himself in a big armchair,
he drew Betty into his arms and kiss
ed her passionately on the mouth.
But. Jim," gasped Betty, when she
had recovered her breath, Il thought
you we're angry?"
$50 I vas, grille. but / was also Q
fool to imagine such q thing about
YOU
But what has made, you alter your
opinion?' said Betty. more bewilder-
ed than ever.
We'll, Seetheart. when / left yoa
this afternoon I felt mad with raeo
and didn't care where I went or Whist
I did, Me-. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES f.