The Elbert County tribune., 1911-04-21
cHApTER vI.-contInved.

CHAPTER vI.-contInued.
He helped himself to another drink.
his hand shaking SO that he could
hardly hold the decanter. He was
fast approaching the state OF complete
intoxication. Underwood made no at
tempt to interfere. Why should he
care II the young fool made a sot OF
himself? The sooner he drank him
self insensible the quicker he would
get rid OF him.
No. Howard" he said; you'd never
make a decent member OF society"
'P'raps not. hiccoughed Howard
How does Aanie take her social
ostracism7" Inquired Underwood.
Like a brick. She's thorough
bred. all right She's all to the good"
All the same. I'm sorry | ever in
troduced you to her." replied Under
wood. Il never thought you'd make
such a fool of yourself as to marry"
Howard shook his head in a maud
liu manner. as he replied:
Il don't know whether | made a
fool of myself or not. but she's all
right She's got In her the makings
Of great woman-very crude. but
still the makings. The only thing
( object to is. she insists on going back
to work. just as II I'd permit such a
thing. Do you know what ! said on
our wedding day? Mrs. Howard JEFF
ries. you are entering one of the old
est families in America Nature has
fitted you for social leadership. You'll
be petted. pampered member OF that
foxu lAA ba
damn 1t all. how can | ask her to go
back to work? But II you'll let me
have that $1,000"
By this time Howard was beginning
to get drowsy. Lying back on the
sofa, he proceeded to make himself
comfortable.
Two thousand dollarsl" laughed
Underwood. why. man. I'm In debt
up to my eyes"
As far as his condition enabled him.
Howard gave start of surprise.
Hard up!" he exclaimed Pointing
around the room. he said: What's
all this-a bluff?"
Underwood nodded.
"A blum. that's It. Not a picture.
not a vase. not q stick belongs to
me. You'n have to 90 to your IA
Their"
Never" said Howard despondently.
The suggestion was evidently too
out bis hand for his whisky glass. "Fa-
Tiers done with me-" he said dole
fully.
He'll relent." suggested Under
wood
Howard shook his head drowsily
Touching his brow. he said:
TOO much brains. too much up
here" Placing his hand on his heart
he went on: TOO little down here
Once he gets an idea. he never lets II
60. he holds on. Obstinate. One
idea-stick to 1t. Gee. but I've made
mess of things. haven't II"
Underwood looked at him with con
tempt.
You've made u mess Of your life.
he said bitterly. yet you've had some
measure of happiness. You, at least
married the woman you love. Drunk
en- beast as you are. envy you. The
woman | wanted married some one
else. damn her!"
Howard was SO drowsy from the
onect6 Oh the Wnlbky tnAt ne WAS H
most asleep. AS he lay back on the
sofa. he gur9led:
Say, old man; didn't come here
to listen to hard-luck stories. ! came
70 tell one"
In maudlin fashion he began to sing
-Oh, listen to my tale Of VICE." while
Underwood sat glaring at him. won
dering how he could put him out
AS he reached the last verse hi
head began to nod. The words cant
thickly from his lips and he sanl
sieepily back among the soft divaI
pillows.
Just at that moment the telephone
bell rang. Underwood quickly pickle,
up the receiver.
Who's that?" he asked. As b,
heard the answer his face Lit up ant
he replied eagerly: Mrs. Jeffries-
yes. I'll come down No, tell her u
come up"
Hanging up the receiver. he hastil,
went over to the divan and shool
Howard