El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-07-14
(By H. Mayhem Sams.).

e. - TILL out OF the clutches of the
fair sex, them" remarked Dick
Ford. smiling, and gazing round
his friends room. Signs of bachelor
ism were in evidence everywhere
He and Dudley Harvey were having
a little talk over old times in the lat
ter's flat They had been separated for
over two years, the better part OF
which time Dick had been abroad.
Yes replied Dudley, with little
sigh which passed unnoticed. I'm
afraid there'll be no married life for
me. But what about yourself?"
Dick laughed, a happy, boyish laugh
II know you'll be surprised, olo
man. he said. but 1 got linked up
three months ago. It was very quiet
affair; no fuss"
Dudley stared at his chum in amaze
ment.
Married. he calculated. Well, I'm
hanged.
You old hypocrite. You swore to re-
main a bachelor to your dying day. And
here you come and calmly tell me
you're tied up. I suppose you're quite
happy, though" he finished. with
laugh.
Happy" echoed the other. Amy man
would be happy with her. She's the
dearest, sweetest girl in the world.
You'd think so. too. if you saw her.
She's"
Yes. I've no doubt she is broke in
Dudley.
But go easy with the adjectives,
old chap, especially to a crusty old
bachelor like me-"
"Old. indeedr retorted Dick. And.
bv the way, what did you mean by
saying there'd be no married life for
you? The last 1 heard that you were
counting strongly.
"Oh that's all off now! said Dudley,
a little gloomily.
All off. Why?"
1.-The usual thing. you know. I'm
necessary jealousy on my part,
lovers tiff. and then regular strong
worded shindy over nothing. 1t was
ali nv fault, though" Dudley added,
after a short pause. Il was bit Of an
ass"
Although he tried to speak lightly Of
the matter, he felt the loss of Nora
Maitland, the girl he had adored. more
than he cared to admit.
I'm awfully sorry to hear that,
Dud." said Dick consolingly. Still, you
mustn't get too down in the mouth
about it, you know. Why don't you
come down and spend few days at
NV place? I've charming little villa
at Worthington; just the place to suit
you"
Thanks, old chap" answered Dud-
lev. after hesitating for a moment I
should like to come very much. I've been
feeling q bit off color lately"
Good man, exclaimed Dick rising
70 his feet. when may 1 expect you?
Come as soon as you like; the sooner,
the better"
Dudley considered for a few sec
Let me see" he muttered, half to
himself How would next Thursday
suit?"
"Admirablyw said Dick readily. But
DON'T Won fail me- bud; 1 know you OF
old Here's my card-you'll find the fun
address on it"
81 won't fail you," laughed the other.
lyon can expect me next Thursday.
some time in the afternoon
fright" replied Dick, with salts
fled air. And now I'll be off; SO many
calls to make when one comes UP to
town. Goodbye"
The two shook hands, and second
later Dick was gone
Left alone. Dudley gave himself up
70 bitter reflections. His friend had
helped to revive slumbering memories.
How shamefully he had treated Nora,
he thought. What a fool he had been!
If he had not been so absurdly jealous
of her, perhaps he, like Dick. would
have been happily married by this time.
Instead, here he was, and had been for
the past six months, miserable. lonely,
and disseminated. and. worst of all. too
proud to attempt a reconciliation with
the girl he loved. Indeed, he was not
quite sure how he would be received If