The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1911-07-21

was because or the letter Mr.. Under
wood wrote me. but guess it's what
you say His old friends won't have
anything 20 DO with him and-he's
lonely. Well. I'll talk IL over With
him
"Nes-talk II over with him"
Did YOU promise his father you'd
ask me?' she demanded
"No-not exactly" he replied. hest
tatinely,
Annie looked az him frankly
"Howard's a pretty good fellow 20
stand by me in the face of all that's
being said about my character. isn't
he. doctor? And I'm not going 10
stand in his light. even II II doesn't
exactly make me the happiest woman
in the world. but don't let IL trickle
into your mind that I'm doing il for
his fathers sake"
Al that moment Howard entered
from the inner room. He was sur
prised 10 see DR. Bernstein.
How do you feel to-day?" asked the
doctor
First rate! Oh. I'm all right. You
see, I'm just going to eat bite. Won't
you join us?"
He sat down at the table and picked
up the newspaper, while Annie busted
herself with carrying in the dishes.
mo, thank YOU" laughed the doctor.
Its too early for me. I've only just
had breakfast. dropped I'm TO see
Ualy
he said: "Good-by! Don't get up.
can let myself out"
But Annie had already opened the
door for him, and smiled farewell.
When she returned 10 her seat az the
head of the table, and began TO pour
out the coffee. Howard said:
Hes a pretty decent fellow, isn't
he?"
"Yes." she replied, absent.mindedly.
as she passed a cup of coffee
He made n monkey of Capt Clin-
ton all right" went on Howard. What
did he come for?'
ITO see you-of course" she re-
piled
"Oh, I'm all right now" he replied.
Looking anxiously at his wife across
the table, he said: You're the one
that needs tuning up. heard you
crying hast night. You thought | was
asleep, but wasn't didn't say any.
thing because-well--I felt kind OF
blue myself"
Annie sighed and leaned her head
on her hand. Wearily she said.
Il was thinking over all that we've
been through together. and what
they're saying about us"
Howard threw down his newspaper
impatiently.
Let them say what they like. Why
should we care as long as we're
happy"
His wife smiled sadly.
Are we happy?" she asked. gently.
"Of course we are" replied How.
ard.
She looked up and smiled. II was
good 10 hear him say so. but did he
mean 81? Was she doing right 10
stand in the way of his career? Would
he not be happier II she left him? He
IT.
haps in his heart he desired Il. Look.
ing at him tenderly. she went on:
Il don't question your affection for
me, Howard | believe you love me
but I'm afraid that, sooner or later
youu ask yourself the question all
your friends are asking now. the gues.
ton everybody seems 20 be asking"
What question: demanded How.
ard
Yesterday the bell rang and gen.
tleman said he wanted 10 see Won
told him you were out. and he said
I'd do just as well He handed me a
card. On IL was the name Of the news.
paper he represented"
"Well?"
He asked me II IL were true that
proceedings for divorce were about
10 be instituted. II so, when? And
could | give him any information on
the subject? ! asked him who wanted
the information and he said the read.
ers OF his paper-the people, believe
ne said over a million OF them. Just
think, Howard, over a million peo.
pie. not counting your father your
friends and relations, all waiting 10
know why you don't get rid Of me,
why you don't believe me 70 be as bad
as they think / am"
Howard raised his hand for her
20 desist
"Annie-please" he pleaded.
That's the fact. isn't it," she
laughed
No"
His wife's head dropped on the table.
She was crying now.
I've made "A hard fight. Howard"
she sobbed, but I'm going 70 give up
I'm through-Tm through"
Howard took hold Of her hand and
carried IL TO his lips
Annie. old girl" he said. with some
feeling, Il may be weak. may be
blind, but nobody on top Of Gods green