The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1911-08-18
But you don't understand" she said.

III too ready to blame your.
SELF" he said, testify.
Annie went up to him and laid her
hand ~affectionately 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. Isaw
that he was sentimental and self
willed, and all that. l started out to
attract him. | vas tired of the life I
was living, the hard work, the loneli-
ness, and all the rest of it, and I made
up my mind to catch him If I could.
| 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 shoul.
ders impatiently.
IF boys Of 25 are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word!
if | was %, I'd let this divorce go
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 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 a key being inserted
in a yale lock. The front door opened,
and Howard appeared.
Well, judge" he exclaimed, this is
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 opportunity 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:
Observation-Disclosures"
Because | want him to co." inter
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head, and look
ing steadily at Howard, he said
sternly:
TN tell you, Howard, my boy.
going to escape from the scan
.almoneers and the gossiping busy
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
~, but you're going away because your
conduct is a topic of conversa-
ton among your friends"
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; don't
a hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here to
fight the battle alone?" demanded the
angrily.
Annie advanced, and raised her hand
d~eprecatingly. Howard looked at her
as ii o 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
Il never thought of that. You're
light! wanted to get away from 1t
LII. Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to go"
Annie turned to the Judge.
please, judge" she said, don't say
more" Addressing her husband.
he vent on: He didn't mean what he
said, Howard"
Howard hung his head.
Hes quite right, Annie" he said,
'h~amefacedly. Il never should have
consented to go; | was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ed him kindly on the back.
Good boy" he said. Now. Mrs.
I'll tell your husband the
NO" she cried.
Then I'll tell him without your per-
nission,' he retorted. Turning to the
Dung man, he wen on: Howard.
our wife is an angel, She's too good
woman for this world. She has not
to sacrifice her good name,
Ter happiness, to shield another wom-
n. n that woman-the who
allied at UnderWood's room that night
was Mrs. Jeffries, your stepmother!"
Howard stared back in amazement.
Its true, then, l did recognize her
oice!" he cried.
Turning to his wife, he said: ooh,
.nnie, why didn't you tell me? You
aved my stepmother from disgrace,
on spared any father! Oh, that was
oble OF YOU In a low tone he whis-
cred: Don't send me away from
Annie! Let me stay and prove
1at I'm worthy of YOU"
To the young wife it all seemed like
1-~~-