The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1911-06-22

you. but I could not help overhearins
your voices. They ran somewhat high"
He bowed to Patty deferentially; he
merely glanced at his wife,
"Franllyn" This phase Of the situ-
alton was altogether too unexpected
and embarrassing for Mrs. Franklyn-
Haldene to accept 1t readily
\ have heard words about an anony-
nous letter; l have heard names--Mc-
Quade, your brother, his wife, War
rlngton, and my wife. 1 should like
to know"
"Franklyn," his wife appealed. To be
inundated before this impudent chit
Of girl.
Patience, my dear" Haldene held
up MS hand. We'll, Patty?"
The girl told about the letter.
viii you let me see that letter."
he asked.
Patty gave 1t to him without condi-
tons. He read it slowly. Then he ad-
dressed his wife.
Did you write this?"
yes, / did. And IL you have been
listening, as you had the courage to
say you had. you already know my
reason for writing IT,"
You must apologize" he said.
apologize? I think not"
see that / shall have to apologize
TOT you. Patty, I am very sorry that
TINS has happened, and / can promise
you that 1t shall end here. Will you
accept my Apology"
After some hesitance, Patty nodded
She could not very well refuse. She
nad always liked Mr.. Haldene. As
hltherto remarked, Pattys was an inn
pulsive heart. Suddenly she stretched
out her hands toward the wife.
what have l or mine ever done To
you that you should seek to injure us
SO cruelty? Have we wronged YOU in
thought or deed? What is 1t that has
made you my enemy?"
am not your enemy, Patty" said
tne elder woman, melting ever so
snghtiy. Il have told you that 1 did
not wish to see your life made
Wretched by marrying man Of War
rington's loose habits, and that 1 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 even remember how
she reached her room; but as her
blurred eyes saw the bed she fell upon
IL In stupor that for a long while
olu not give any outlet to her tears.
IN the meantime Haldene faced his
wife. '-S
Il am going downtown presently"
ne said. II shall send 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 il pleases
you"
"Europe' But my social obligations
demand my presence here" she ex-
| postulated.
You will cancel them. You will 70
10 europe. Anonymous letters!" He
struck the desk violently. 1t was the
hrst touch OF this kind he had ever ex-
hlolted in her presence, and 1t terrified
her. When ! married you, people said
| l married your money. AS God Is above
us, l loved you. Yes, / loved you. But
how long was 1t permitted that this
love should live? Six slender months!
You, you of all women, you write
anonymous letters?" He laughed, but
man in 1t. Madam, when / die my de-
post box at the bank will be turned
over to you. In ii you will find six
anonymous letters. They have lain
there l6 years. l took the advice Of one
and followed you. So let them believe
| that l had married you for your money.
meant TO have my revenge after 1
WAS dead. Madam, you Will go to Eu-
rope. 1 shall not be home to lunch, but
you may expect me at dinner. l am
curious to learn whether it will be in
Egypt and the 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, that she had married a man.
Suddenly her knees gave from under
her, and she sank into her chair, star
ing at the floor with unseeing eyes. For
16 years!