The Lamar register., 1910-05-04

big. handsome Bob seconded the In
vitation so warmly that Frank found
1t dificult to refuse.
you two must have lots to talk
about urged the unconscious Mr.
Hunt We'll. Of course. II you have
an engagement for tonight we must
let you on. But only on one condi-
ton. that you call soon. He must see
the baby. eh. Margery?"
mere was a baby. too. Frank felt
a. he had received blow in the
lace. He thought that Margery
nusned-probably with pleasure. But
the light from nearby gas lamp was
SO uncertain that he could not he sure.
he made haste to leave the happy
couple. and not being able to bring
himself to address Margery as Mrs.
hunt. he made a cordial goodnight
include them 10th.
Never had his big. gloomy rooms
appealed less to him. And all during
the long night his dreams were haunt
ed BY the thought of what might have
been.
The days that followed were no bet
ter. 1t seemed as though some faint
nope. the presence OF which he had
scarcely suspected. but which had.
nevertheless. helped him to endure
life. had departed. He shrank. too.
from the thought of a visit to the
young couple. But a promise given
was promise kept. And he reasoned
that Bob-he would not even to him.
self say her husband-might draw
conclusions. 80 he nerved himself
one evening to make the call
The neat maid who opened the door
OF the modest apartments informed
him that Mr.. Hunt was out. but added
that both ladies were in.
Both ladiesf All, we'll! Margery had
acquired q husband and baby. then
why not also q mother-in-lawi But
It struck Frank that the matronly-
looking person who preceded Marsery
into the room was too young to be .
mother-fn-law. The next instant he
knew who she was-Margery's older
sister. Of course. Strange that he had
not once thought of her.
Had any doubt remained, Margery's
face. A. she came forward to shake
hands. would have removed II; II was
20 comically guilty. He never know
what he said to Mrs. Hunt. only It
was an immense relief when that wise
young woman. pleading the baby a.
an excuse. left the room.
He tried to look stern as he turned
to face Margery. but her eyes. alight
with mischief. disarmed him and he
could only say. reproachfully:
"Margery! How could you play such
q cruel joke on me?"
IF l remember rightly. you played
ne joke on yourself" was the saucy
'e1oinder.
But you allowed me to 90 on think
ng-"
Il plead guilty to the charge Of abet-
ing crime BY silence: but your afro
.ious suspicious of me deserved pun
shment." she told him.
The punishment was harder than
1ou suspected" he declared, gravely,
and was surprised to see her eyes all
with tears.
Il know you think me horrid little
beast. Oh. yes. you do" she insisted.
vehemently. a. he would have pro-
tested. But I really thought you
would come In that evening; then, Of
course. you would have found out
FOUR mistake! But you were In such
desperate hurry to get away. and
Bob was so perfectly unsuspicious-
;or. naturally. he thought I had told
'ou that he was my brother.ln-law-
hat ! just could not explain then. {
would have sent q written explana-
ton. but we did not even know your
address," she finished. breathlessly.
Then you must have cared" be
cried. triumphantly afirming .
thought Of his own
81 cared enough to set myself right
In your eyes," she returned. evasiveiy.
rs that all! Oh. Margery. don't
tease! II you only knew how | have
suffered"
WELL" Margery's eyes were mod
estly lowered. not being quite SO ego
tistical ~ some people. perhaps I do
know"
You darling," He made a sudden
movement toward her. but she raised
= warning finger.
Il think I hear Bob coming" she
breathed. softly.
Let him!" was the bold rejoindsr,
~ Frank took her in his longing
arms.