Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-27

excuse, ana, though all were possible,
none would serve the purpose.
On his arrival at Markham's house
Paurs friendliness. affection even. cut
him to the heart "Come right in, old
man; WINES expecting you with the
same pleasure that I am" He led the
guest into the drawing room. where
he was received with a telltale blush
rather than cordially. ''Oh, why"
moaned Ellison to himself, did she
put him on to my being In town.
What the deuce is the matter with
you twoT' exclaimed Markham. You
look as if you had been doing some
thing you are ashamed Of"
The lady's blush deepened, and an
expression of excruciating pain passed
over Euison's face.
We'll, come into dinner" pursued the
host. I'm going to get it out of one
or the other of you before we've I'm
ished'
Though the words struck Ellison
with terror. Markham did not seem to
consider the matter as serious. The
host ratified on during the earlier
courses, evidently delighted at seeing
his old friend; Winifred appeared Ill
at ease and Tom looked as If he were
sitting on a hot gridiron. Finally the
host said with apparent seriousness:
Tom, do you remember our CONVEX
sation some years ago about a man be-
ing obliged to beware of another mans
wifeY'
Ellison breathed an almost inaudible
Eyes"
And you poohpoohed the idea that
you would ever have to struggle with
yourself under such circumstances to
treat me honorably"
Toms face expressed agony and was
red as a cocks comb.
well, 1t looks as though Whine had
been tempting you and you had fall
en-"
'Paulr wfnifred looked a command
to desist
Now, see here, Whine, didn't you
on that journey to Chicago propose to
my friend to run away with your"
paul, you have no business to-
'Never mind that Didn't your
Eyes, but
"'Now, Tom, how did you receive the
proposition
Whatever the fault, it was all
mine," faltered Ellison.
at wasn't any such thing. You're a
man of honor 1t was the woman's
fault. Such things always are"
al assure you, Paul." protested ELI
son, your wife was simply carried
away by a passing emotion"
'My wifeT'
Eyes, and a lovely wife you have
too"
81 have a wife? Not much! /
wouldn't trust one of 'em out of my
sight"
Ellison looked from one to the other
in establishment. Winifred was both
blushing and laughing.
This has gone far enough, Paul."
she said. Please explain"
For heavens sake" exclaimed ELI
son, '1et me out of this or 1 shall col
lapse!'
"Well, old man." replied the host,
"you do look a trif1e ratified, and I've
had all the fun 1 am entitled to at
your expense. Know, then. that 1 re-
membered your high toned words about
resisting the temptations thrown out
by friends wife, and on meeting you
in the station on the eve of your de-
parture for Chicago / saw an oppor-
tunity to show you that 1 was right.
introduced you to my sister as my
wife and told her to go for you. She
did it beautifully"
Beads of Precipitation stood out over
Ellison's face. He took out a hand
kerchief and wiped them off, then
emptied a glass of wine that stood be
fore him. This was followed by
look something between love and re-
proach at Winifred, after which he
went on eating his dinner.
"Paul," said Winifred severely, "nev-
er again will 1 lend myself to another
of your abominable FRANKS"
mot till [ ask you to do another
man." was the complaisant reply.
"All 1 ask" put in Ellison, IFS that
If the opportunity occurs you will do
1t all again"
Anything you ask" replied the lady
by way of atonement, sis granted"
Every well. Saving your brothers
presence, will you marry meT'
"Got himg from Paul. 1T knew you
could do itr'
Tom Ellison changed his ticket to
one for a later date, and when he
sailed Winifred Markham sailed with
him as his wife.
"who's been DONE" he asked his
brother-in-law, you or IT