Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-04-07


34&<9 can tell you Of one
W. case where we were
the means of STAYING
v of serious trouble be5
tween man and wife-two of the
incest people imaginable-all on ac-
cunt of the queerest little tangle that
everhappened. The joke was on both of
them, and pinch of frankness on
both sides would have acted like the
traditional ounce of prevention. But
then, men and women are curious
critters. Like to hear the story? All
right, 1t won't take long.
Il was on duty here one winter
afternoon a couple Of years back
when there was handed to be card
bearing the name Mrs. Robert Den
ver.' told the boy to show her in.
well, sir, she was a lady-one
could see that at a glance-and a
mighty pretty one. Also 1t was evil
dent that she was in some sort Of
trouble.
what may do for you, Mrs. Den
ver?' inquired after ske had dropped
into the very chair you're sitting in
and raised her veil. Her eyes were
red and swollen from crying.
"'You are Mr.. ward?' my caller In
ouired. I bowed assent.
81 want separation from my h-hus-
band she half sobbed. He's treat
ed me shamefully and IL can't put
up with It any llonger!' and the poor
woman dabbed both eyes vindictively
with ball of cambria that had al
ready done good service.
Il naturally scanned her more close
ly while she was making this remark
able statement. She was young-four
or five and twenty. I judged, and nice
ly though not extensively dressed.
Her furs. noticed. were rather shah
by and hopelessly out OF style.
Pardon me-. reminded her, Bull
livants are not lawyers; we are mere
~ inquiry agents. You should take
legal advice first Then, IL evidence
is wanted. we might perhaps be In
duced to act under instructions from
your attorney
"'Ohl' she gasped. I didn't know
thatl live never done anything like
this b-before. you see. and-and
wouldn't now, only I've been so cru
ely. so horribly treatedl'
Il began TO smoke out tempest II
. teapot--one OF those domestic near
tragedies which. If taken in time ans
nipped in the bud, with judicioul
use OF strong and sensible advice I.
both parties. may avert serious ship
wreck.
Suppose you tell me all about II
Mrs. Denver suggested. 'Perhap
things are not as bad as they seem
"Oh. they are, reallyl' she assures
me, with wide open eyes and dasl
Of color in her cheeks. Already he
voice was stronger as indignation
over her wrongs once more game
ascendency.
well. WELL / urged. soothingly,
can't advise you unless ! have tn
facts. you know. I've no wish to il
trude-'
"'Oh, I'll tell you the whole wretch
ed. treacherous story she broke IL
and you shall Judge II haven't Jus
cause for complaint
80 composed myself to listen.
was almost ludicrous. the tale she VI
folded. yet was interested and spec,
fly made up my mind to help her-t
help both, in fact. her and the hu
band-and clear up the mystery; fc
was bit puzzled.
mrs. Denver told me her tale {
woe up to q certain point. Before
could offer any solution / saw that
would be necessary to get the hu
bands version.
"'Of course there's q misunde
staining somewhere" assured he
delicately. Go you home. Mrs. De
yer; I'll phone Mr.. Denver to stop
here on his way uptown. Don't fr
any more. You haven't been-well-
exactly yourself. you know. but
lieve everything can be explained SO
is factorily-on both sides. And don
forget l reminded her as she rose
90. that you've something of CO
fession to make yourself when he &c
home-so be both forbearing and me
ciful'
well, fancy she went away fe'
ing not quite so blue. ] got Denv
on the wire and in half an hour
was sitting In the same chair his wi
had so lately occupied. had expe'
ed to see him look guilty and embi
raised when l preached the subje'
but to my surprise he showed not Z
slightest sign Of guilt.
However, guess I'd better n
spoil the story by giving 1t to you
half-sections. Here is what had
ready happened and what subsequel
ly occurred when the reconciliati
took place that evening. told come
edly. III have to go back and bee
ct the real beginning: