The daily tribune., 1909-04-21
The Choice
By F. Hairs Deans

The woman nervously clasped and
unclasped her hands on her knees.
Her face was death-white, except for
two red patches on her cheeks.
I'VE must deny nothing" she said
at last, controlling her voice.
The man flicked hissegarette-ash on
the floor, but made no answer.
Nothing" the woman repeated
fiercely
The man frowned at his cigarette,
and then rose abruptly to his feet and
walked to the window. For moment
he stood staring gloomily into the
street. The woman watched him anx-
iously
Il don't see why we should take 1t
lying down." he jerked out presently.
The woman spoke no word, and the
man could not see her eyes.
Well have to fight for it, anyhow .
he declared, decisively. He'll have a
devilish difficult job to prove any
thing"
And If he can't prove anything?"
asked the woman, with sudden husk-
mess.
The man turned and looked at her
in surprise.
why then it's all right Nothing
happens"
Il see," said the woman slowly;
that's the idea-for nothing to hap
PEN
You talk as IL you wanted some
thing to happen"
The woman looked into the dis
tance.
Il should have thought-you would
have wanted this TO come"
Wanted it? Good Lord, do you
think I'm mad? Who ever wants u
thing like that to happen?"
Besides, hang it ALL" he cried with
sudden indignation, you're his wife.
He must be taught he can't chuck you
over just because it suits his book"
oh" said the woman, and there
was touch of irony In her tone, Its
for my sake we are going to fght?"
"Of course. You don't seem to
realize what your position would be II
he won. And there's the boy, TOO;
you must think of him.
DO you think | haven't thought OF
him?' she cried with sudden passion.
DO you think I've waited for this mo-
ment to think of him-and decide?
settled all that with myself at the very
first. What sort of a woman do you
think | am?"
The man looked at her uncompre-
hendingly.
you mustn't talk like that" he said
soothingly-"you're no worse than
most of them"
The woman turned sharply, as If she
would strike him.
Thank you she said scornfully.
you understand me so beautifully"
she explained. Your consolation is so
gratifying-and delicate"
The man shrugged his shoulders
with an angry frown.
IT'S no good rowing" he said,
we've got to hang together in this
thing"
The woman took cigarette from a
box on the table and, lighting It,
smoked thoughtfully.
do You remember she asked
once saying you wished you had met
me before | married him?'
Yes he said sullenly.
Did you mean 1t? You can tell me
now. you know"
"Yes, l suppose I did. Well, yes
did. | do now, II 1t comes to that
Why?"
Nothing" said the woman slowly
only"
For wonder the man partly under
stood her
DO you think I'm blackguard?" he
burst out. "Of course, | shall II"
III you must" suggested the woman
with a twisted smile.
IF it's necessary" he replied short.
ly. But 1t won't be necessary. He's
got no proof Suspicion won't help
him much"
And me? Has 1t occurred to you
TO think about me? II won't be par
tlcularly agreeable to have been sus-
pected."
ITS better than being found out"
answered the man grufny.
The woman looked with stony eyes
along the two avenues OF which the
future proifered her choice.
She looked at the set face of the
man.
Yes, | suppose 1t Is" she assented,
with sigh.
,tfsIjnnInn Aorseshoea