The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-01-16

Mullul ultUtI anu HlSutIs ulS tOu-
science cleared magically and his
nerves grew impregnable. The only
thought that dominated his brain now
was that he had been dangerously
near to losing happiness, that a merci.
full Providence had come TO the rescue,
and that he had drawn up short,
breathless, on the verge of preci.
pice.
lie laid his hand on the gate-latch
and lifted IL impatiently. He hurried
up the gravel walk to the veranda. and
applied his latch-key with trembling
fingers. The house was strangely still
inside and he tip.toed upstairs to his
wife's rooms with a heavily
heart The door was wide open, and
he went in eagerly. The room was
empty. But on table in the center
Of the room lay the letter she had left.
He picked it up duly and tore the seal
with blanching face.
Ruth Herrin stood at last in front Of
the little green and white cottage she
felt by intuition must bear the mum.
ber that corresponded to the one writ.
ten on the scrap of paper clenched
tightly I'm her hand. After moments
grapple with the surge of emotions
that threatened to oyerpower her. she
pulled herself together and entered.
One glance at the number over the
door was sufficient. II was identical
with the one she had cleaned from
the letter 1t was almost o'clock. hut
dim light still glimmered through
the transom. and there was the sound
OF suppressed voices beyond. Mrs.
tlerrin took deep breath and pushed
the bell. II was answered Immediately
by woman in white apron and cap,
whom she recognized at once as a
trained nurse.
Il beg your pardon" she said,
but IL is a matter of great Importance
that brings me here at this hour and
If possible, | must see-see ner to-
night"
The nurse regarded her suspiciously
for moment, then without a word,
turned and ushered her noiselessly
into long low room, lighted softly by
a slip OF light from a lowered gas.jet
overhead.
In the middle of the room was an
invalid's chair, and in II a woman
or the shadow OF one. She tried to sit
Up, but fell back instantly, gasping for
breath, and turned sunken, inquiring
eyes upon the visitor. "You brought
ne a message from Hunter" she ask.
I'd eagerly, her eyes lighting moment
arily.
Ruth TIerrin could not have uttered
word had her life depended upon
II. This then, was the reason she was
admitted. The woman was expecting
lews from--her husband!
II am Mrs. Herrin," she continued
weakly, did you not wish to see me?
I-oh for Gods sake don't tell me
there is anything wrong-that any.
hing has happened TOTO him!"
Her tiny hands, resting on the arms
If the chair, looked like bits OF wax.
Her face was sharpened to pitiable an.
sies, and her eyes sunken uncannily.
Obviously, the woman was in a dying
condition.
Ruth Herrin shook from head to
foot. She must say something, do
something; she felt stony, frozen. But
certain desperation that came to her
seemed to bring with II calm, and she
answered quite easily: Mrs. Herrin,
lid you say? | regret exceedingly to
have disturbed you, but it is not the
name. must have made a mistake in
the house" She turned toward the
| door And almost simultaneously IL
| opened from the other side. and she
stood face to face with her husband.
The sick woman pulled herself up in
her chair, glad light su!fus!ng her
pallil face. oh Hunter. I'm so glad
you've come at last thought you
never would. I've been waiting and
waitlng-I-oh, | beg your pardon,
miss, my husband will show you out,
and perhaps he may be able to help
you find the place. L" The poor
weak voice trailed OF to a whisper
and she sank back in her cushions.
Mrs. Herrin made further apologies
or her intrusion, and turned to follow
lim out. Herrins face was ashen
md the grim look in his eyes made
,hem look almost CLASSY. For the first
lime In his life Hunter Herrin felt
his Doise slipping from under his feet
Out in the street, they faced each
other with tragic eyes
Ruth, for the love of Cod"
But she shrank back shuddering, re
pulsing him with gesture OF loathing
There are just a few seconds to
spare" she said in a cold, perfectly
controlled tone, 'and | would like tc
say what | have to say and put an end
o all intercourse between us forever
The woman in there is dying. Doubt
less you are at the bottom of that She
believes herself your lawful wife. You
laye wrecked two women's lives and
gronged one beyond repair All you
an do is 10 try to make her last hours
!appy, II there IL a spark Of manhood
cit in your cowardly breast, the path
II duty lies clear before you"
iIerrin stared at her stupidly, his
lloOdshot eyes strained and hollow. An
Igonized sob rose to his lips and i.c
Iut out his hands groping-at empti