Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1911-11-14

ed. AS the day wore Oh ne was SELL
ed with alarm. M;lrkham's wife was
coming out to him with condolences.
with emotions which, though they
thrilled him. seemed altogether too
sacred TO 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 to sail, dreadiDg the while
that be might run across his old
friend.
On entering his hotel one morning
the clerk tossed him note. He look
ed at the superscription and lost some
of HIS color. 1t contained an invita-
ton from Paul Markham to dine with
him that evening. the missive ending
with why didn't you write. old
man? If it hadn't been for Winnie
wouldn't have known anything about
your movements"
So he must face the friend he had In
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 were possible.
none would serve the purpose.
L. -I~k.
Paul's 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 telltale blush
rather than cordiality "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 deepcned, and an
expression of excruciating pain passed
over Ellison'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 Ill
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
wifer
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 honorablyw
Toms face expressed agony and was
red as cocks comb.
well, it looks as though Whine had
been tempting you and you had fall
en-"
"Paulw Wlnifred looked a command
to desist
"Now, 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
snow, Tom, how did you receive the
propositions"
Whatever the fault. it was all
mine," faltered Ellison.
1T wasn't any such thing. You're
man of honor. 1t was the wOman's
fault Such things always are"
81 assure you. Paul." protested Eli
son. your wife was simply carried
away by a passing emotion"
"My wifeY"
"Yes. and 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, 'let me out of this or l shall coli
lapse"
well, old man." replied the host.
you do look trife ratified, and I've
had all the fun ! am entitled to at
your expense. Know. then. that Ire
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
kerchief and wiped them off. then
emptied glass Of wine that stood be-
fore him. This was followed by q
look something between love and re-
proach at Winifred, after which he
went on eating his dinner.
"Paul." said Winifred severely. ''nev
er again will lend myself to another
of your abominable FRANKS
Not till ] ask you TO do another
man." was the complaisant reply.
"All l ask" put in Ellison. lis that
If the opportunity occurs you win do
1t all again."
Anything you ask" replied the lady
by way of atonement. sis granted"
Every well. Saving your brothers
presence, will you marry me?'
Got him!' from Paul. II knew you
could do itr'
Tom Ellison changed his ticket to