Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1909-11-24

word %innocently spoken always must
bring up what she wished that she
could forget. still more that she could
make him forget.
Now a sudden thought gave her an
added stab Of pain. She had lied to
him. meanly. despicably. 10 appear
worthier in his eyes she had refused
proffered characteristic had told
that she had given up smoking
under the tray before her. within
reach of his hand. lay the crushed butt
she had been enjoying with all the
eager relish of the confirmed ciga-
rette fend at the moment of his
knock.
Phil looked at her for a little while
longer In silence. then said easily:
We'll. and how are things goingT"
Rotten. thank you"
The man leaned forward sympathet-
ically.
Don't you feel-er-happierT' he
asked softly.
Her self control gave way. What
was the use OF keeping straight? What
was her reward? Misery and unre-
Quilted love. So she burst out:
Happier? This is where l live. in
n Of John J. Haggleton's tenements.
Do you see anything here to make me
happier? | get up at &. l cook and
scrub and wash and paint these plas-
ter creatures with that stuff for ten
hours a day! At 6 cents per dozen.
Do you see anything in hat to make
me happier?
The man. unaware that he himself
was the cause of this outbreak. looked
at her in helpless distress. He was
dumfounded. He felt staggered, fright
ened. Then he said very gravely:
You must be glad that you have
given up the old life? You are doing
right. anyhow"
Doing right|' she echoed scornful-
~. Who cares whether l do right!"
You know we all care" .
"All? Who. allY" she persisted.
Does Joe Caffrey care: Nit: He'd
rather have me go back to the old
life so he could work me for a ten or
twenty when he was broke! Oh. /
guess yes!'
She sat quiet now but for her trem-
bling fingers. %nervously jerking and
twisting at her dress. and the trem-
bling Of her lips. which she bit vicious.
ly with her small white teeth. She
stared stonily before her. but her eyes
were dry. If she had only wept his
task might have been easier. His un-
Outstanding of women did not 90 be-
yond tears.
Then" he stammered at last. then
it is only your promise to Liz that
makes you do this"
1T isn't even that" she explained
patiently. Yes. l promised Liz that |
would keep straight. but Liz is dead.
She'd know what l do. or if she
did know she would see that this life
is too hard for me-"
She looked around the miserable
bare oom and continued:
The only thing that keeps me from
going back
Don't say that"
Its true, Phil: it's true. The only
AhAb5 40 4 NOh l "ohI W tllnhC JOu ANCl
bad. That's the only reason"
She asked softly. with infinite long
ing:
1T would make you feel bad.
wouldn't it. Phil!'
1T certainly would. Jenny"
Il know" she said gratefully. II
know Liz died only three weeks ago.
but it seems a year. She made us
both kneel down by her bed. l had on
a big hat with red feathers. You re-
member? Then she made me promise.
and she made you promise to help
me-"
iii keep my promise. I'll help you"
The girl added sadly:
"Ah, if l hadn't married George
Jenny"
We'll. it spoiled my life all right.
It's true. My life-look at it! l say
! never had a CHANGER
You have a chance now. Jenny"
The words aroused in her a false
hope. Could 1t be? She leaned nearer
him. her face close to his.
You used to think me pretty" she
whispered. Phil, you couldn't, you
Wouldn't
He hastily shrank back. regrettine
the impulsive action instantly. But
Jenny had understood.
What a fool I am.:' she cried. How
can you care for me when you love
another woman? Oh. / know
What do you know?" be asked
sternly. rising.
II know that you are struck on tia
girl-that trained nurse at the board
ing house."
Miss Lawrence. Who told you?"
mo one has told me. ] am a won
an"
She glanced at him searchingly ant
read the truth in his face. Controllin,
the pain at her heart. hiding the desc
lation that had suddenly .blighted be