Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1911-06-27

1
| with emotions which, though they
thrilled him. seemed altogether too
sacred to be impaired to any one not
near and dear to her.
In a month Ellison was back in New
York. He had not written Markham
and had no intention of writing him.
Indeed. be had engaged passage for
South America and was waiting for
the steamer to sail. dreading the while
that he might run across his old
friend
the clerk tossed him a note. He look
ed at the superscription and lost some
of bis color. 1t contained an invita-
ton from Paul Markham to dine with
him that evening, the missiye ending
with why didn't you write. old
man? If 1t hadn't been for Winnie
wouldn't have known anything about
your movements"
So he must face the friend he had in
jured in thought If not in deed. How
could she after all that had occurred
between them have enabled her hus-
band to discover his arrival in New
| York? He thought over every possible
excuse, and, though all were possible.
none would serve the purpose.
On his arrival at Markham's house
! Pauls friendliness, affection even, cut
him to the heart "Come right in, old
man: WINES expecting you with the
same pleasure that | am" He led the
guest into the drawing room, where
he was received with a telltale blush
rather than cordially. "Oh, why"
moaned Ellison to himself, did she
put him on to my being in town.
what the deuce is the matter with
you twoY exclaimed Markham. you
look as if you had been doing some
thing you are ashamed Of"
The lady's blush deepened, and an
expression of excruciating pain passed
over Ellison's face.
"Well, come into dinner" pursued the
host Pm going to get it out of one
or the other Of you before we've fin
ished"
Though the words struck Ellison
with terror, Markham did not seem to
consider the matter as serious. The
host ratified on during the earlier
courses, evidently delighted at seeing
his old friend; Winifred appeared i'll
at ease, and Tom looked as If he were
sitting on hot gridiron. Finally the
host said with apparent seriousness:
tom, do you remember our CONVEX
sation some years ago about man be-
ing obliged to beware of another mans
wife?"
Ellison breathed an almost inaudible
"Yes."
And you poohpoohed the idea that
you would ever have to struggle with
yourself under such circumstances to
treat me honorablyw
Toms face expressed agony and was
red as cocks comb
well, it looks as though Whine had
been tempting you and you had fall
en-"
'Paulw winifred looked command
to desist.
"Now, see here, Wine. didn't you
on that journey to Chicago propose to
my friend to run away with your"
paul, you have no business to-
"Never mind that. Didn't your
Eyes, but
snow, Tom, how did you receive the
propositions"
Whatever the fault, it was all
mine," faltered Ellison.
at wasn't any such thing. You're a
man of honor. 1t was the woman's
fault. Such things always are"
81 assure you, Paul." protested ELI
son, your wife was simply carried
away by a passing emotion"
my wifeY'
Eyes. and lovely wife you have
too"
al have a wife? Not much!
wouldn't trust one of 'em out OF my
sight" r.
Ellison looked from one to the other
In establishment winifred was both
blushing and laughing
This has gone far enough. Paul."
she said. please explain"
For heavens sake" exclaimed ELL
son, 'let me out of this or ! shall col
lapseF'
"Well, old man." replied the host
you do look tri1e ratified. and I've
had all the fun / am entitled to at
| your expense. Know. then. that re-
membered your high toned words about
resisting the temptations thrown out
by friends wife. and on meeting you
in the station. on the eve Of your de
parture for Chicago I saw an oppor
tunity to show you that | was right
introduced you to my sister as my
wife and told her to go for you. She
did 1t beautifully"
Beads of perspiratlon stood out over
Ellison's face. He took out a hand
kerchief and wiped them of. then
emptied glass Of wine that stood be
fore him This was followed by a
look something between love and re-
proach at Winifred, after which he
went on eating his dinner.
"Paul," said Winifred severely, "nev-
er again will lend myself to another
of your abominable FRANKS"
mot till J ask you to do another
man." was the complainant reply.
"All / ask" put in Ellison. sis that
II the opportunity occurs you win do
It all again"
Anything you ask" replied the lady
by way Of atonement. "is granted"
Every we'll Saving your brothers
presence, will you marry meg
SCOT him." from Paul 81 knew you
could do ftt'
Tom Ellison changed his ticket to
one for a later date. and when he
sailed Winifred Markham sailed with