Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1911-11-21

ed. As the day wore Oh he was seiz-
i ed with alarm. Markham's wife was
coming out to him with condolences.
with emotions which. though they
thrilled him. seemed altogether too
sacred 10 be impaired TO any one not
near and dear to her.
In month Ellison was back in New
York. He had not written Markham
and had no intention of writing him.
Indeed. he had engaged passage. for
South America and was waiting for
the steamer 10 sail, dreading the while
that be might run across his old
friend.
On entering his hotel one morning
the clerk tossed him, a note. He look
ed at the superscription and lost some
of his color 1t contained an invita-
ton from Paul Markham 10 dine with
him that evening, the missive ending
with why didn't you write. old
man? If II hadn't been for Winnie
wouldn't have known anything about
your movements"
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 We're 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 telitale blush
ratherS 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 two?" 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 Elnson'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
wifef"
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 honorably."
Toms face expressed agony and was
red as a cocks comb.
well. it looks as though Whine had
been tempting you and you had fall
en-"
'Paulr' Wnifred looked command
to desist.
Nov. 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 you?"
Eyes, but
"'Now. Tom, how did you receive the
propositions"
Whatever the fault, 1t was all
mine" faltered Ellison
ut wasn't any such thing You're a
man of honor. 1t was the woman's
fault. Such things always are"
Il assure you. Paul" protested Eli
son, your wife was simply carried
away by passing emotion"
MY wife?''
Eyes. and a lovely wife you have
too"
81 have a wife? Not much!
wouldn't trust one Of 'em out of my
sight"
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 Eli
son, '1et me out of this or shall col
lapsew
well, old man." replied the host
do IooIy 40 tflaI and Two
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 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 it beautifully"
Beads of perspiration stood out over
Ellison's face. He took out hand
lerchief and wiped them off. then
emptied n glass of wine that stood be
fore him This was followed by
look something between love and re-
proach at Winifred. after which he
Went on eating his dinner.
Paul" said Winifred severely, "nev
or again will | lend myself 10 another
of your abominable pranks."
Not till J ask you to do another
man." was the complaisant reply.
"All / ASK" put in Ellison, lis that
if the opportunity occurs you will do
it all again."
Anything you ask" replied the lady
by way of atonement. lis granted"
Very we'll Saving your brothers
presence, will you marry me-"
Got himr from Paul II knew you
could do it!'
Tom Ellison changed his ticket to-
ono for later date and whom ha