Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-07-01
Copyright. by J. B. LIpplncott Co.

nil into ominous rank and file. accom-
panied by an occasional roll of thun-
der. Lieut.. Julian Elliott. U. S. A..
came slowly out of the Raleigh, and re-
garded the threatening horizon with a
critical eve.
Elliott looked indecisively at the
ancient carriage Just drawing I'D to
the curb, then at the open car swing
ing up pennsylvania avenue. A loud
er roar of thunder and a glance at
his immaculate linens decided him. 81
want to look decent on my wedding
anniversary" he reflected. amusedly.
Then he said to the driver: You can
take me to No. 1920 Oxford place.
Northwest, way up beyond Dupont
Circle. And be swift. 1 want to get
there before it rains" ana he stepped
into the cab.
The driver beamed amiably over this
bit Of chan. Elliott settled back into
the seat and watched the hurried lines
OF people rush past the cab-window
with dull, unseeing eyes. Water
sweeps down like 1t did outside Ma.
nila," he muttered. "Jove, how yellow
my hands are! Anyone could see I've
had the fever. l suppose I'd better
take the night train to New York and
sail for Havre on the first boat. so
long as 1 have got to go anyway. 1t
isn't pleasant, this meeting people
everywhere who are so eager to in
quire about your wife Wife. indeed
Glad you're getting home alive that
olackguard Stevens told me, so your
womenfolks can coddle you a little
Yes, l think 1 see them, my mother
especially. No tears nor embraces
for the returned soldier-boy in my dear
family"
He pulled two crumpled letters from
his pocket, and glanced through them
with eyes that anticipated every word
and sentence. The first was from his
stepmother:
New York. December II. 1855.
Ny Dear Julian:
Your note telling US that you are 90
Ing on to Manila to help fight those stu
pid savages is just received. I'm sorry
that you will be in such a disaRreeable
place this coming year; still. your being
away Tor some time may help to simpli-
~ matters when you return. Nancy tells
me that you and she have practically
agreed upon a quiet separation
I shall keep the dear child with me as
long as she cares to stay; and so far she
seems perfectly contented. as long as she
can devote herself to Toms little ones
1 suppose IL is your insane jealousy of
your dead brothers children which has
caused this disgraceful thing 1t certain
ly can't be Nancy's fault. I'm sorry YOU
ever married her. know It was very ro-
| mantle and all that but the whole AZ
tslr was the result OF so sudden an at
tachment that I really don't believe YOU
knew your own minds. It does seem a
pity. though, that you could only stav
friends for bare six months. Well let
| IL go. never pose as a peacemaker
! and, besides. don't think YOU two are
| longing to be reconciled. Come and see
me when you return from Manila. Don't
| get shot, don't have yellow-fever and
don't forget that I am
Ever your sincere friend.
| HORATIA LORD ELLIOTT
The second letter was shorter, and.
II possible. more Indifferent in tone:
New York. December p, 1898.
| Ny Dear Mr.. Elliott:
I Mother tells me that she is vvrtttnS +o
you and I'll Just add line to say that
| am well and happy. and that I propose
| 70 remain here until your return from
| the philippines. Then 1 shall go back to
i England, and make my home there in
1 definitely. Our marriage has been a mis-
| take-they say all hasty marriages are
but the few months have been so Meas
| ant In many ways that I do not regret
it. Aes'e'
Hoping that you will return from, .b,.
interesting expedition in the best ~
health and spirits. remain,
! Very sincerely.
| NANCY FORBES-CAROLUs ELLIOTT
| r. 81 retain your name at present
| to avoid annoying inquiries Upon NV re-
| turn TO England I shall probably resume
| my own.
Elliott tore the first letter into
minute strips and flung them out of
the window. The second went hack
into his pocket. AS he tucked II in
mechanically something caught his
attention outside.
HI, there, driver!" he shouted. "caIl
to that lady that she can have this
cab, and I'll vacate. She'll he
drenched."
The rain, which had stopped treach-
erously for few moments. was now
tdashing down with renewed force A
slender girl came hurrying across a
side street, reaching the avenue inst
as the downpour recommended. She
looked about irresolutely for a mo.
ment; then. at sight of the drivers
reckoning finger, she hurried to the
| ~~~P o'~ NN~ AAAh a NASTY direction.
and began Juggling at the rusty door
before Elliott had time to unfasten II
She did not glance up until the knob
gave way-then Elliott felt his breath
leave him suddenly as he looked down
into his wife's eyes.
For a moment neither spoke. Su.
preme amazement held them in dulled
silence. Nancy was the first to re-
cover herself.
Pardon" she said, bowling slightly.
as though addressing a stranger. ~
did not dream that there was anyone
in the cab. i"
Nancy, get in, beg Of you," cried
Elliott, springing out. You'll catch
your death Of cold; you're wet al.
ready. I'll take ear"
} "Oh, no, thank you" she returned
drawing back G trifie. There was not
a trace Of color in her face, yet her
self-control was perfect. 81 really
couldn't"