The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1909-12-02
The Complications
OF the Carletons
BY HELENE HICKS BOWEN
Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. CO..

q centerpiece of delicate greenery,
with discontinued eyes.
Certainly he was distinguished.
looking, but so stupidity sedate.
Natalie. herself. VAS not bit Sc
date. She was not even discreet.
DO you really care anything for
msr she inquired abruptly.
MY dear. suppose care for you
just about as much as II is possible for
any man to care for his wife after FIVE
years Of connubial bliss"
That is not enough to satisfy me.
Natalie returned impatiently.
Mr.. Carleton raised his eyebrows
what are you going to do about it,"
Il think" said Mrs. Carleton. dryly.
that shall leave pretty soon"
Don't talk at random, dearest; you
have always been so sweet and sensi.
BILE about everything. Pass your
plate"
Il am entirely in earnest" she in.
sisted.
But what in the world do you want
to. leave me for?" Mr.. Carleton cried.
Then. In the face OF her continued ST.
ience, "0h! the inevitable other man.
He has been so long In putting in an
appearance that had quite given him
up"
The woman flushed beneath this
raillery.
He loves me-" she said, firmly.
OF course, we all love you In the
beginning"
Il do not care. you may be as
cynical as you like: there is such
thing as congeniality and-and-all
that" she ended. rather lamely.
80 you have found your affinity my
love, and you are all for leaving me
here to face this dreary world alone?"
Much you will mind" she retorted
Il should like to know just how many
nights out of the week you now spend
away from your club"
Don't nag, that's a dear, especially
as you have been amusing yourself
charmingly. Who is this other chap"
Norman Sargent" Defiance rang
in her voice.
so! Why, he hasn't a penny"
She flushed again.
Surely you have never thought me
mercenary?"
Certainly not, my love: but even
afnnities must eat, and especially must
they drink fine wines, to keep up the
Illusion. He's an interesting chap, l
confess; but don't he strike you as a
tri1e intense, rather strenuous for
every day use? He must make love
beautifully, but as husband am
sure he could be peevish if things got
on his nerves."
You know nothing about him. He
has tremendous talent. You are hate
full and jealous"
Her voice trembled and there was
a glimmer of tears in her eyes.
Far be 1t from me to discourage
loves dream, and as for jealousy,
am shamelessly amused at your at
htude. 1t is so delightful suppose
you will expect me to make you somo
sort Of an allowance?"
Surely after all these years that
we have lived together you ought to
wish me to be independent
Natalie broke the silence again.
my dear, you are free to 60 your
own way tomorrow, If you choose.
will see Cheesman; he is a personal
friend Of mine, you know, and one of
the most experienced divorce lawyers
In the city"
She looked rather taken aback.
Then you do not care. You are
not going to miss me much, nor
mind?"
II think 1t will be rather a lark to
live at the club again. A tie of any
sort. no matter how charming the
woman, becomes irksome in time"
Il suppose there is somebody else,
tool" she said, suspiciously.
Il hope very shortly there will be
several somebodies. You see, my love,
I was q furious ladies. man for a good
many years before l succumbed to
your manifold charms, and settled
down into q meek and properly con.
Quoted Benedict. It will be interest.
Ing to see whether can renew those
experienced"
"Humph! You can have adven-
tures enough. suppose Mrs. Harris
Taylor will be delighted to condole
With you. She has been trying to get
NJ : nun for ave years or more"
Nr. Carleton laughed gently. Leave
~ that to me. little woman. You
haye those pretty white hands of
yoUfs quite full enough with Norman.
aIe viii require heaps OF managing
nd hooking after. Now, take . bit
q Ndvice from me, Don't be hard on
'1ofpoor lad. Remember, he's only 4
Dong 'un. not an old, experienced
|Foeldling like myself You must have
lat1ence with his little whims, and
|suDor him when he seems inclined
= - Z tribe dfmcult" /,
q 'ycu are too hateful" she dung out
j ne swept Away from the table.
4kfee months later found Mr..
od1f0n and Norman Sargent over !,
- tsaeups befors ths flrs In ths|
4 ~ pretty: boudoir.
A1nfa 1kon6 exdnfo orif11r,u1v - -su....- .