Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1911-11-10
.But you don't understand. she said.

With tears in her eyes, she said:
Let me tell you something, judge.
His father was right when he said
took advantage of him. did. saw
that he was sentimental and self
willed, and all that l started out to
attract him. was tired of the life
was living the hard work, the loneli-
ness, and all the rest of 1t, and made
up my mind to catch him If could.
didn't think it was wrong then, but
do now. Besides" she went on, I'm
older than he is-five 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 shout.
ders impatiently.
eff boys of % are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly he went on; Pom my word!
If | was rs, I'd let this divorce go
through and marry you myself"
ooh, 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 key being inserted
| in yale lock. The front door opened,
and Howard appeared.
well, judge!" he exclaimed, this ID
surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
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 mel" Changing the topic, he said:
so you're going abroad, eh?"
Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only
| for 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 l 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.
You're going to escape from the scan
dalmongers and the gossiping busy
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
| ly. but you're going away because your
wife's. conduct Is topic of CONVERSE
ton among your friends"
Howard Interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; don't
care a hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here to
| fight the battle alone?" demanded the
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?" hs
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 to get away from 1t
all. Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to go"
Annie turned to 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. Il never should have
consented to go; l was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back.
Good boy!" he said. NOW, Mrs.
Jeffries, I'll tell your husband the
truth" "
mol" she cried.
Then I'll tell him without your per-
mission" he retorted. Turning to the
young man, he went on: Howard,
your wife is an angel, She's too good
hesitated to sacrifice her good name.
her happiness, to 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 anazement
ITS true, then, did recognize her
voice!" he cried
Turning to his wife. he said: "Oh,
Annie, why didn't you tell me? You
saved my stepmother from disgrace.
you spared my father! Oh that was
noble of you!" In low tone he whis-
pered: Don't send me away from
you. Annie! Let me stay and prove
that I'm worthy of you"
To the young wife it all seemed like
a dream, almost too good to be real.
The dark, troubled days were ended.
A long life, bright with its promise of
happiness, was before them.
But what Of the future, Howard?"
I