The Huttig news., 1911-10-07
"Kola: Twenty
 Three''
By Martha McCulloeh.W Williams
lCop1 right. lql0 br Assoelatsd lltsrarr PIT.

NntS AOOIt, utI uduSnleE. biA months married sat up suddenly. dig ging her fists baby fashion into much swollen eyes She was an uncom- monly pretty young woman, but had wept and raved herself out of all comeliness in the hour she had wait ed for her mother Mrs Creston had answered tempestuous summons. expecting nothing more than the usual after-honeymoon quarrel, and been stunned by a demand to take her daughter home at once.
 "As sure as one can be over the phone" Alice said her voice break ing on every word "To think Joe should act sol I--I wonldn't-m mind so much-if 1t was anybody young and pretty hut to slight me for that hateful old thing"
 You forget you haven't told me" Mrs. Creston coaxed
 Alice had sunk back among her pillows From them she said. She's Miss Smith of all names-.Ioe knew hcr years ago 1t seems and actually. she behaves as though he belonged to her. He has made me have her here-well. at first l didn't mind though I never really liked her Still she was so plain and ever so much older than he was-I couldn't we'll object And she has a nice house of her own. and one meets good neople there-the sort do want to get in with Her cook is an artist l said in fun. l meant to steal the cook away-then Miss Smith came back At me laughing hard.
 "Do-if you can Then can take Toe with perfectly good con science"
 q must say that was bold" Mrs freston interrupted bridling
 Her daughter went on Joe aughed as much ss any of us-but he hasn't been quite the same ever since I told him. coming here I thought she was an old cat-and he said: What pity more women aren't catty' But the next day he brought me a new ring. and the day after took me to the opera-so 1 overlooked things until last week. Then we had box seats for the Savoy and I simply couldn't lift my head you know what may headaches are how 1 can't bear anybody about me. told Joe he must go-and he did and took her then today--I- I--" She broke off, shudderine strongly. her hands over her face.
 ''Wellt" Mrs. Creston encouraged. ,.
 Alice sat up again. her hands to her forehead You'll take me home, of course and and-have a lawyer to see about separation. I'll never agree to divorce it would please them too we'll
 "Alicel Can't you tell a straight storyt" Mrs Creston asked sharply
 Again Alice shuddered "I'm com ing to the worst part" she said drop ping her hands This morning she called over the 'phone-rather made her maid caIl-that in itself was sus- picious When I answered I could hear her, indstinctly, prompting the girl what to, say. And the girl said: Oh! Mrs. Moore, please tell Mir. Moore. the moment he comes home. he is wanted amidships twe r. ty-tbree He'll understands won't forget?' Then of course, I asked. who wants him.? and the answer was: Just a family friend But be sure to send him-unless you do. he'll lose a great chance You see they have an understanding talk in cipher as 1t were"
 What did you answer?" Mrs. Cres- ton asked.
 Alice bridled. "I hung up the re ceiver with bang" she said, begin ming to beat a tottoo upon the carpet.
 Her mother sighed. knitting her forehead. but after minute said We'll There's nothing for 1t but to wait and watch As sure as Joe Moore commits himself fully. home you come. wish. though, you could wait a few years-hes rising so, you could get such splendid alimony"
 An hour later Joe, the culprit. and the ensnsring Miss Smith stood considering covetuously three partic- ularly fine rugs. Each was unique after it's together thye were the pitiful wreck and remnant of a poor gentleman's collection The col lector was in a hospital, and would never leave 1t alive. Miss Smith had somehow found out about him, and was doing her best to sssye his pride He had friends willing to bury him, but he w.nted to bury himself. as well as to pay hospital charges.
 The rugs. well sold. would do both Joe. who had house to embellsh wife to pamper, could not spend money to better purpose. They had talked 1t over before Joe went West on flying trip. The purchase was to be kept a profound secret from Alice until her birthday. next month. when the rugs would be spread out to surprise and delight her. She had no discriminating rug knowledge but was nightly impressed with the fact that to own rare ones was a sort of hallmark of artistic plenishing Miss Smith liked her negatively, albeit she