Middletown transcript., 1910-07-30

L
minated as unnatural and false.
Yet she knew that she was still
thrall to heritage Of social
claims and obligations. She de.
spised herself that this was so,
and wondered if she would ever
become sufficiently strong to
break what she felt to be a de.
grading bondage.
Perhaps the narrowness of
those with whom she came in
daily contact irritated her to con-
slant self-analysis, so that she
seemed an inhabitant of a world
apart.
1t was only the occasional
visits Of Xenil Edmonston that
partially restored her to the
humanity about her. He was in
no wise a part of it, but it was
doubtless the kinship that existed
between them that made her, in
his presence feel less isolated.
Perhaps her husband suspect
ed what was going on in her mind.
Atall events, he had never been
so frankly brutal. There were
times when she feared personal
violence. Once she said to him,
in desperation:
Rodney, l believe you hate me.
Let US go ourseparate ways. Set
me free!
For years she remembered the
terrible scene that ensued-the
mans coarse accusations and in
suits. In horror she fed from |
him. And this rufian was the
father of her child! If the day |
should come when Philip trod in
the steps of his sire, she felt her
heart would break.
A long, miserable year dragged
by. Then Helen became desper-
ate, and gave Edmonston the an
swer he desired. 1t was sent in a
characteristic little note which
read simply:
| have decided to place my case
in your hands and trust my fu.
ture to your care. HELEN.
Without delay Edmonston re-
paired to Mr.. Rodney, whom he
found alone and at leisure. A
cool greeting was exchanged be-
tween the two men, and then the
lawyer launched into the object
of his visit. He stated his case
clearly and concisely. The love
he had borne Helen for years
previous to her marriage, the
sympathy he had felt at The un-
happiness of her welded life,
which was public talk. his desire
to make her bis wife, if Rodney
would permit quiet divorce
without contest, was told in a
straightforward, manly way.
To say that Rodney was dazed,
bewildered, at the proposition is
but a mild way of stating his
mental condition. He was speech
less for a moment, during which
time every Vestige of color dis.
appeared from his face. Then
he asked:
Helen knows of this?
Yes.
And it is her wish to leave me?
Yes.
Il
Rodney's eyes burned with
anger as he deliberately replied:
AN not man to hold any wo.
man against her will. If, as you ]
think, you can make this one
happy, take her and welcome;
but not the boy. She will never i
be allowed intercourse with
Philip. and he shall not be allow.
ed to recognize her as his mother. J
She shall be an outcast to him.
Do you understand9 :
But this is doing her grave 1
Injustice, Mr.. Rodney. The s
whole world knows she is an IN. v
owed wife
As lam an unloved husband.
Does your world know that, too? V
Helen has always held herself
Ibove me. Let ber go her high
md holy way-I wish you joy of
Ter!
He turned shortly to his desk. :
That is all. Good. day.
Edmonston was forced to leave
further attempt atargu-
nent. Indeed, he felt il useless
o try to revoke Rodney's decis.
on; and in his heart he could not
'lame the man for clinging to his
on. It would be a terrible blow
o Helen to learn she must lose
ler boy, and it was with many
nisgivings he proceeded on bis