The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1911-07-28
-But you don't understand she said.

gently; Il am 10 blame"
You're too ready 10 blame your
self, he said, testify.
Annie went up 10 him and laid her
hand atfectionately on his shoulder.
With tears In her eyes. she said:
Let me tell you something. judge.
/ His father was right when he said I
took advantage OF him. | did | saw
that he was sen,imsHtal and self
willed, and all that. | started out 10
attract him. was tired OF the life
was living. the hard work, the loneli-
ness. and all the rest OF Il. and | made
up my mind 10 catch him II | could.
| didn't think IL was wrong then. but
l do now Besides" she went on. I'm
older than he is-ave years older. lie
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 shoul
ders impatiently.
III boys OF % are not men they
never will be" Looking down at her
kindly. he went on: 'Pon my word!
II was %, I'd let this divorce 40
through and marry you myself"
"Oh, judge!"
That was all she could say. but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
were the first kind words any one had
yet spoken 10 her, II was nice To
| know that some one saw some good
In her. She was trying 20 think OF
something TO say. when suddenly there
was the click OF a key being inserted
in yale lock. The front door opened.
and Howard appeared
We'll. judge" he exclaimed. this 10
a surprise!"
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 oportunity I've had
TO thank you for your kindness" said
Howard, cordially.
You can thank your wife, my boy.
not met" Changing the topic. he said:
so you're going abroad. eh?"
Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only
for a 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:
I'm 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 conyersa-
tion 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 tho
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
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 10 get away from II
all. Father offered me the charce and
Annie told me 90 go"
Annie turned 20 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
He's quite right, Annie" he said.
shamefacedly. II never should have
consented 10 go; / was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back
Good boy" he said Now, Mrs.
Jefries, I'll tell your husband the
truth"
MOI" she cried
Then I'll tell him without your per-
mission" he retorted Turning 20 tho
young man, he went on: Howard,
your wife is an angel, She's too good
a woman for this world. She has not
hesitated 20 sacrifice her good name.
her happiness, % 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
It's true. then. ! did recognize her
voice." he cried
I Turning 10 his wife he said: "Oh.
Annie. why didn't you tell me? You
aaved my stcpmother from disgrace.
You spared my father, Oh. that was
ryIl. - t.yt4fW Tv. lou fgua no u n hf o.