The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1911-07-27

attract him. was tired of the life
was living, the hard work, the loneli-
ness. and all the rest of 1t, and made
nm nv mind to catch him if I could.
7 didn't think it was wrong then, but
do now. Besides" she went on, I'm
older than he is--fve 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 impatiently.
"If bows of % are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly. he went on: Pom my word!
if was Is. I'd let this divorce go
through and marry you myself"
"Oh, judged"
That was all she could say, but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
were the first kind words any one had
vet 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 a yale lock. The front door opened,
and Howard appeared.
well, judge!' he exclaimed. this is
a surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
How do you do, young MANI" 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
door impatiently with his cane, he
said:
why are you going away?"
Taken aback at the question, How.
ard stammered
"Because-because-
Because l want him to co." inter-
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head, and look
ing steadily at Howard, he said
sternly:
"Tl tell you, Howard, my boy.
You're going to escape from the scan
dalmongers and the gossiping busy.
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
ly, but you're going away because your
| wifes conduct is topic of converse
ton among your friends
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; l don't
care a 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 hanS
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 weapon with which to
strike at your wife!"
Howard was silent. The lawyers
| words had struck home. Slowly he
said:
Il never thought of that You're
right! | wanted to get away from it
all. Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to 60
Annie turned 70 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; l was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back
Good boy!" he said. Nov. Mrs.
Jeffries. I'll tell your husband the
| truth
mol" she cried.
"Then I'll 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
a woman for this world. She has not
hesitated to sacrifice her good name,
her happiness, to shield another wom-
an. And that woman-the woman who
called at Underwood's room that night
was Mrs. Jeffries, your stepmother"
Howard stared back in amazement.
Its true, then, did recognize her
voice!" he cried.
Turning to his wife, he said: ooh,
Annie, why didn't you tell me? You
saved my stepmother from disgrace,
you spared my father Oh, that was
noble of you'll" In 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 it all seemed like
a dream, almost too good to be real.
The dark, troubled days were ended.
A long life, bright with its promise of
/, happiness. was before them
"But what of the future, Howard?"
she demanded, gently.
Judge Brewster answered the ques-
ton.
| 1--WE thought of that" he said
Howard, will you come into my office
and study law? You can show your IA
Their what you car do with good wife
to second your efforts
Howard grasped his outstretched
hand.
Thanks, Judge, accept" he replied,
heartily.
Turning to his wife, he took her in
his arms. Her head fell on his shout
der. Looking up at him shyly and
smiling through her tears, she muir.
i y,,,,rod e0ff1u.