Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-02-15
Copyright. 1908. by G. W. Dillingham; Co,
CHAPTER XVI.

We NeitCo ohth SNCiy VIC ioo iSie
the theater.'' snorted her mother. flop
ping into chair and tanning herself
vigorously.
I'm sorry. forgot" explained
Brooks. who this time spoke the truth.
Forgot. forgot! That's nice ex-
cuse!''
81 said was sorry" he snapped.
eve been worried about something
else"
Just spoiled the whole evening, leav-
ing us there to be insulted by lot Of
men," declared Mrs. Harris. When we
were standing in front Of the theater,
waiting for you. snip Of boy came
up to me and said. Hello. little one,
aren't yor InrAaome7'"
why. 1 thought he spoke to me!'
affirmed Beth.
Her mother looked at her indig-
nantly.
mo, lie didn't" she retorted. with
asperity. II guess l know when I'm
spoken to. The very idea! Where's
Emma 2"
DiOOhS lOiu ucI ludl Sic udu SOilS
out for a few minutes.
"Who with?' demanded Mrs. Harris
promptly.
81 think she went alone"
You think she went alone! Don't
you know? don't see how you dare
let your wife go out alone in this part
of New York at this time of night"
well. nobody stole you," growled
Joe, 80 l guess Emma II get home
safely. Something has probably de.
tanned her. That's all know about it.
If she wants to tell you more when
she comes that's her business. not
mine.'
II certainly do not approve Of her
being out without a proper escort. II
isn't ladylike."
What l want to know is, where did
she go?" insisted her mother
Brooks turned upon her. and an oath
almost escaped him as he snarled:
You want to know a good many
things, but it seems to me that mat
and his wife can have some privacy
told you she went on business. Il
she wants to tell you, all right, bu
don't try to mother-in-law it out OF
mev'
The entrance of Emma and Smith
stopped on Mrs. Harris lips the wrath
full retort that had risen to them. Sht
rose and greeted her daughter with al
air of maternal solicitude.
"Ah. there you are, dear! Where
have you been? We've been SO wor
ried."
Il am little late"
1--WE were wondering about you, ant
Joe wouldn't tell" said Beth.
Smith treasured them
81 was taking care of Emma al
right" he declared. you see I'm I
sort Of utility man with the ladies'
always trailing along in the rear read,
to touch my cap and do all the chore
and errands necessary"
Emma had taken no notice of he
husband. whose eyes from the momen
of her appearance had been glue
avidly upon her. There was nOthin
in her demeanor to indicate that sh
had succeeded. Indeed, she appeare
haggard and worn out. as she was. TO
the emotions of the night had left he
exhausted to the point of breakin
down. His anxiety and apprchensio
increased as he marked her condition.
Where did you meet her?' he dc
.manded of Smith, with an effort
ION the way home" he answered.
Emma went to Mrs. Harris and pr
her arm around her.
Mother. I'm very tired tonight" sf
said appealingly. you won't mind
| ask you to go home and leave M
I've something to tell you some tim
but want to be alone now
You do look all tuckered out. En-
ma" commented Beth.
II am. You won't mind, will 70,
mother?"
Certainly not. I'm hot and stick
myself"
"Tll take you to the subway and pl
you on the car" volunteered Brooks.
You needn't mind" declined Mr.
Harris You're too disagreeable t
night. If you bring my purse fro
Emma's room, Jimsy will take u
Won't you. Jimsy?'
I'm still the utility man." respon
. ed the complaisant Smith as Brool
went on the errand.
While Beth was putting her mother
hat straight Mrs. Brooks whispered
Smith:
"Tell mother as much as ! told "
and then come back"
He nodded.
l Come on, folks" he said as Brood
reappeared with the purse. you kno
time and the subway wait for |
man."
Tortured by suspense. Brooks sto'
watching his wife.
She had sunk on to the sofa and s
there. still wearing her hat, the pi
ture Of WEAKNESS and sorrow.
The color came and went in
, sunken cheeks. 1t was certain fro
/ her attitude that her mission had ia
ed, yet he feared to learn 1t from h
s lips.
She gave no indication of intenti
or desire to break the silence or ev
1 that she was aware Of his presence
He could bear it no longer.
"He wouldn't do anything? It's
} upY'
The words escaped him tremulous
in despairing tone. as though they q
swered the Interrogation.
} She did not reply. but, rising a
drawing from her bosom the par
Captaip Williams had given her. har