Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1911-06-30

you, but I could not help overhearing
your voices. They ran somewhat high"
He bowed to Patty deferentially; he
merely glanced at his wife.
"Franklyn!" This phase OF the situ-
alton was altogether too unexpected
and embarrassing for Mrs. Franklyn-
Haldene TO accept Ii readily.
II have heard words about an anony-
nous letter; ! have heard names-Mc-
Quade, your brother, his wife, War
rington, and my wife, / should like
to know
"Franklyn." his wife appealed. To be
Inundated before this %impudent chit
OF a girl.
Patience. my dear" Haldene held
up his hand. We'll, Patty?'
The girl told about the letter.
WIFI you let me see that letter."
he asked.
Patty gave it to him without condi-
tons. He read 1t slowly. Then he ad-
dressed his wife.
did o write this?"
Yes, / did. And If you have been
listening, as o had the courage to
say you had, you already know my
reason for writing it,"
You must apologize" he said.
Apologize? / think not"
Il see that / shall have TO apologize
for you. Patty, ] am very sorry that
this has happened, and / a promise
you that 1t shall end here. viii you
accept my ~apology?"
After some hesitance, Patty nodded
She could not very we'll refuse. She
had always liked Mr.. Haldene. AS
hitherto remarked, Patty's was an i'm
pulsive heart. Suddenly she stretched
out her hands toward the wife.
What nave / or mine ever don to
you that you should seek to injure us
SO cruelty? Have we wronged you In
thought or deed? What is it that has
made you my enemy?"
Il am not your enemy, Patty" said
the elder woman, melting ever so
slightly. Il have told you that / did
not wish to see your life made
wretched by marrying a man of War
rington's loose habits, and that l could
not tolerate the woman who is your
brothers Wife"
Patty held out her hand for the let
ter. She had no recollection Of gain
ing the street. 1t was true, it was
true. She did not eve remember how
she reached her room; but as her
blurred eyes saw the bed, she fell upon
1t in a stupor that for a long while
did not give any outlet to her tears.
In the meantime Haldene faced his
wife.
II am going downtown presently"
he said. II shall e you up by mes
Senger several cabin plans"
Cabin plans?" amazed at this odd
turn in affairs.
Yes. You will spend the winter
either in Egypt or Italy. as it pleases
you"
Europe! But my social obligations
demand my presence here she ex-
p~ostulated.
You viii cancel them. You Will go
10 Europe Anonymous letters!" He
struck the desk violently. II was the
hrst touch OF this kind he had ever ex-
hibited in her presence, and it terrified
her. When l married you, people said
l married your money. As GOD Ia above
US, l loved you. Yes, | loved you. But
how long was IT permitted that this
love should live? Six slender months!
You, you OF all women, you writs
anonymous letters?" He laughed. but
1t was laughter that had nothing hui
man in 1t. Madam, when / die my de-
post box at the bank will be turned
over to you. In 1t you Will find six
anonymous letters. They have lain
there l6 years. I took the advice OF one
n ollowed you. So I let them believe
that l had married you for your money.
l meant to have my revenge after ]
was dead. Madam, you VIII go to Eu-
rope. / shall not be home to lunch, but
You may expect me at dinner. I am
curious to learn whether it will be IN
Egypt and h Holy Land, or Italy,
the land of the fig tree and the vine,
Good morning"
When he was gone, Mrs. Franklyn-
Haldene realized, for the first time In
16 years, hat she had married a man.
Suddenly her knees gave from under
her. n she sank into her chair, star
ing at the floor with unseeing eyes. For
16 years!