The Elbert County tribune., 1911-08-25


hand affectionately on his shoulder.
With tears in her eyes. she said;
Let me tell you something. Judge.
His father was right when he said
took advantage of him. I did. saw
that he was sentimental and self
willed. and all that l started out to
attract him. was tired OF the life I
was living. the hard work. the loneli-
ness. and all the rest of 1t. and made
up my mind to catch him II | could.
didn't think it was wrong then, but
do now. Besides" she went on. I'm
older than he is--five years older. He
thinks I'm three years younger. and
that he's protecting me from the world.
took advantage of his ignorance Of
life."
Judge Brewster shrugged his Shout
ders imratiently.
IF boys of 25 are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word!
If was rs, I'd let this divorce go
through and marry you myself"
..Oh. judge,"
That was all she could say, but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
we're the first kind words any one had
yet spoken to her. 1t was nice to
know that some one saw some good
in her. She was trying to think of
something TO say. when suddenly there
was the click of key being inserted
in yale lock. The front door opened.
and Howard appeared.
well, iudge," he exclaimed. this is
surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
How do you do, young man?" he
said. Quizzingly he added: You
look very pleased with YOURSELF"
This is the first opportunity I've had
to thank you for your kindness" said
Howard, cordially.
you can thank your wife, my boy.
not mel" Changing the topic, he said:
so you're going abroad, eh?"
Yes. did Annie tell you? It's only
for few months"
The lawyer frowned Tapping the
floor impatiently with his cane, he
said:
why are you going away?"
Taken aback at the question. How.
ard stammered:
"Because-because-
Because | want him to co." inter-
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head, and look
ing steadily at Howard. he said
sternly:
"Pll tell you. Howard, my boy.
You're going TO escape from the scan
| dalmongers and the gosslping busy.
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
| ly, but you're going away because your
wife's conduct is a topic of converse.
ton among your friends"
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; don't
care hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here to
! fight the battle alone?" demanded the
| Judge, angrily.
| Annie advanced, and raised her hand
deprecatingly. Howard looked at her
as If now for the first time he realized
the truth.
ITO fight the battle alone?" he
echoed.
YES" said the Judge. you are Civ
ing the world a weapon with which to
| Strlke at your wire.
Howard was silent. The lawyers
words had struck home Slowly he
said:
| 81 never thought OF that You're
right! ! wanted to get away from II
all Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to GO
Annie turned to the Judge.
Please. Judge" she said. don't say
any more" Addressing her husband,
she went on: He didn't mean what he
said Howard"
Howard hung his head.
| Hes quite right. Annie" he said
shamefacedly. Il never should have
consented to go; was wrong"
| Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back.
Good boyl" he said. Now, Mrs
Jeffries. I'll tell your husband the
truth
| mol" she cried
Then III tell him without your per.
mission" he retorted. Turning to the
young man, he went on: Howard,
your wife is an angel. She's too good
woman for this world. She has not
hesitated to sacrifice her good name.
her happiness, to shield another WON
an. And that woman-the woman who
called at Underwood's room that night
was Mrs. Jeffries, your stepmother."
Howard stared back in amazement.
It's true, then. did recognize her
voicel' he cried.
Turning to his wife, he said: "Oh,
Annie. why didn't you tell me? You
saved my stepmother from disgrace.
you spared my father, oh. that was
noble of you." In a low tone he whis-
pered: Don't send me away from
you. Annie! Let me stay and prove
that I'm worthy of you!"
| To the young wife 1t all seemed like
| a DREAM almost too good to be real.