Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-07-19

l
that he was sentimental and self
willed, and all that. started out to
attract him. was tired of the life
was living, the hard work, the loneli
ness, and all the rest of 1t, and made
! up my mind to catch him If could
l didn't think it was wrong then, but
I do now. Besides" she went on. I'm
older than he is-five years older. He
thinks I'm three years younger. and
that he's protecting me from the world
took advantage of his ignorance OF
life"
Judge Brewster shrugged his shout.
ders impatiently.
IF boys of Is are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word
If l was rs, I'd let this divorce 60
through and marry you myself.
"Oh, judge!"
That was all she could say, but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
were the first kind words any one had
yet spoken to her. 1t was nice to
know that some one saw some good
In her She was trying to think OF
something to say. when suddenly there
was the click of key being inserted
in yale lock. The front door opened
and Howard appeared.
"Well, judge!"he exclaimed, this is
a surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely
| How do you do, young MANI" ne
said. QuiEzinglyl he added: You
(, look very pleased with YOURSELF!
This is the first opportunity I've had
| to thank you for your kindness" said
Howard, cordially.
You can thank your wife, my boy
not mel" Changing the topic, he said
80 you're going abroad, eh?"
Yes. did Annie tell you? It's only
for a few months"
The lawyer frowned. Tapping the
floor impatiently. with his cane, he
said:
why are you going away?"
| Taken aback at the question, How
ard stammered:
"Because-because-
Because want him to co." inter
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head, and look
ing steadily at Howard, he said
sternly:
iii tell you, Howard. my boy
You're going to escape from the scan
dalmongers and the goss!ping busy
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
ly, but you're going away because your
wife's conduct is topic Of converse
ton among your friends"
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; I don't
care hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here to
| fight the battle alone?" demanded the
Judge. angrily.
Annie advanced, and raised her hand
deprecatingly. Howard looked at hel
as If now for the first time he realized
the truth.
ITO fight the battle alone?" he
echoed
YES" said the judge, you are Civ
ing the world a weapon with which to
strike at your wife!"
Howard was silent. The lawyers
words had struck home. Slowly he
said:
II never thought OF that. You're
right! wanted to get away from II
all. Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to go"
Annie turned to the Judge.
please. judge" she said. don't say
any more" Addressing her husband
she went on: He didn't mean what he
said. Howard"
Howard hung his head.
He's quite right. ANNIE" he said
shamefacedly. II never should have
consented to go; was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back.
Good boy!" he said. Nov, Mrs
Jefrries. I'll tell your husband the
| truth"
mol" she cried.
"Then I'll tell him without your per
mission" he retorted. Turning to the
young man, he went on: Howard
your wife is an angel! She's too good
a woman for this world She has not
hesitated to sacrifice her good name
her happiness, to shield another WON
an. And that womanZthe woman wh<
called at Underwood's room that night
was Mrs. Jeffries. your -stepmother!
Howard stared back in amazement.
tits true. then, did recognize hel
voice!" he cried.
Turning to his wife, he said: ooh
Annie, why didn't you tell me? You
saved my stepmother from disgrace
you spared my father! Oh, that was
noble of you'll" In a low tone he wits
pered: Don't send me away from
you, Annie! Let me stay and prove
that I'm worthy of you!"
To the young wife it all seemed like
a dream, almost too good to be real
| The dark, troubled days were ended
A long life. bright with its promise Of
! happiness, was before them.
But what of the future, Howard?'
she demanded, gently.
| Judge Brewster answered the quss
ton.
i've thought of that" he said
Howard. will you come into my office
and study law? You can show your IA
Their. what you can do with a good wife
to second your efforts"
Howard grasped his outstretched
hand
Thanks. judge. accept" he replied
heartily.
Turning to his wife, he took her II
4 his arms. Her head fell on his shout
der. Looking up at him shyly and
smiling through her tears, she muir
INJURED, softly:
Il am happy now-at last!"
av.ES1l END llHSAVA