Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1911-01-09

The Court Of Last Resort
Bv LAWRENCE T. BERLlNER
11..,,rIght lslO. by Associated Literary Press)

Miss Sloan. IL II necessary" In
terrupted the young man.
The young woman waved her hand
for him to stop. and said slowly:
That's Just II, every one here calls
me Miss Sloan.' when they should
say. Mrs."
What" gasped the astounded man
All his day dreams had slipped away
in that explanation. Betty was mar
ried woman. Time and again he had
thought of her, a pink slip OF girl,
and now she told him she was--mar-
ried
You see, Mr.. Smith. ] have been
living up here with the Turner's for
some time; In fact. long enough to
establish residence with them for
an express purpose. ] want d.
yorce." AS she said the last word.
she lowered her voice TO whisper
and looked young Smith straight In
the eyes.
What she saw seemed TO please Bet
ty Sloan greatly, for she would nave
been accused of laughing II Smiths
eyes had their usual shrewdness,
which was lacking at this moment
Yes. Mr. Smith, ] want divorce.
I have tolerated his abuse and cruelty
as long as human endurance can, ana
I am tired OF II. My folks and his
relatives have interposed, but they
have failed. Therefore. ] have come
to the court OF last resort, you. law
yer" she said.
Webster Smith was coming to him
self. II was not so bad as might
have been. Even though she were
married, he might be able to secure
a divorce and wed her himself.
Such evil thoughts could not dwell
In the mind OF an honest person. and
the lawyer put them away. He would
treat the case as he had planned.
Personalities must not count
He requested her to explain fully
all the facts OF the case. residence OF
her husband, his full name and every
thing necessary
AS Betty leaned over. her flushed
face near his own. Smith felt great
pity for her wrongs and vowed that
he would save her from such brute
as John Sloan.
He learned that she had married
Sloan TO save her father from some
financial difficulty. She had not
understood II herself. but her parents
appeal could not be refused, and thus
she had become n partner in an I'M
happy marriage.
Smith promised to prepare the
papers He required more informa'
tlon and this compelled frequent calls,
to the big house on the bill
He drove the young goTnan about
In his big racing car. AS he learned
to love her he tried to stifle the feel
ing
No trace OF the husband could be
obtained. The law required adver-
tisement. Smith shrunk from this. He
dreaded to post her name In the pa.
pers.
How to get around this was more
than he could figure out. II COM
PEELED him 10 go out to see Betty once
more
Turner informed him that Betty
was not well and was preparing to re-
turn TO the city.
Stunned with the information. he
insisted on seeing her.
Great heavens!" he exclaimed;
what has brought about this changef
Have you heard from Sloan?"
No. Mr.. Smith. I have not heard
from Mr.. Sloan. and that is what has
made me feel so miserable" she said.
"Yov see, there 10 no Mr.. Sloan. and
never was"
What" shouted the astounded
lawyer.
What a relief thoss words meant to
him!
You see. Mr.. Smith," she said. be-
tween sobs. Il had not been here
long before heard every one speah
ing OF the new lawyer. who never
had case. ] felt so sorry for any
one who had to remain here always
and not even have any business, so
i invented a case for you"
And well, indeed, did you fool me-
said young Smith.
And you will forgive me7" she
asked. Frightening little. as she
saw him smile.
Forgive you. Betty. There lie moth.
ing to forgive" His happiness had
forced him to speak her name.
The time we have spent together,
Betty dear, has shown me that
need a partner. | love you, little
girl. love you and want you to be
my wife," he told her.
AS Betty looked up his happiness
was complete. for he knew she loved
him. Tell me. girl. let me hear yoo
say IT,"
Webster, am glad came TO the
Court OF Last Resort" she whis-
pered.
Priceless Merento.