El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-09-10

! Was that the only claim she would
ever haYe2
She asked the question anxiousIy.
for she liked this man. Perhaps his
very Indifference piqued her to further
admiration of him, for 1T was not an
unkindly Indifference It was simply
that she had not, as yet, appealed to
him more than did scores of other
women whom he knew But to her
he was much more attractive than was
Henry Blanchard Indeed, as she
thought now of her elderly sutton and
compared him with the big, broad
shouldered, gray-haired man who had
been her companion this morning, she
felt toward the slight, somewhat
shrunken old bachelor a shudder Of
physical repugnance. She did not
dislike him, but he was not the type
of husband she wanted. And yet
he was kind and good, and had
money, and loved her.
Being Cautious.
The sound of Helen's step on the
stairs made Beatrice open her eyes
and sit up. She must keep her wits
about her, for, Of course, her friend
would ask her ab,5t her plans and
would perhaps Try to learn the
widows sentiments with regard to Dr.
Haynes. Therefore, Beatrice felt she
must be careful not to show her hand
She was not mistaken, for Helen
drew a chair close to her guests, and
began. first of all, to talk of Jeans
condition.
4 have been so sorry for you. my
dear" she said. Il even telephoned in
yesterday to Uncle Henry to see If he
knew how the little girl was"
why didn't you telephone to me
instead?' asked Beatrice quickly.
Because, dear. I thought perhaps it
would annoy you to be called from
your little girl But Uncle Henry
said he did not even know she was
"of course he didn't" replied
Beatrice. How should he?"
Well" laughed Helen, "the poor
old man talks of you so much, that
lead him to call on you occasionally.
was glad to learn. however, that he
had not been boring you with his
presence"
The widow said nothing. and. after
a moments silence, Mrs. Robbins con-
tinued her inquisition.
I'm so glad" she remarked, that
Dr. Haynes has sense enough to appre-
ciate you, dear. Don't you like him?'
Knew Him Slightly.
Il know him very slightly" replied
Beatrice. evasively. Il called him in
to see Jean, as my own doctor was out
of town, and it was because of the
child's Illness and the need of getting
her out of town that he suggested my
coming out with him today. He is not
in me except as Jeans
mother, nor do I know him in any
except as my little daughters
All" smiled Helen indulgently. that
is what you say. But I know men
and their ways well enough to know
that had he not felt more than pass
ing interest in you he would never
have troubled himself to take a long
ride with you. A busy man does not
lose a whole day from work Just to
crafty his interest in a fouryearold
child who is nothing to him"
The wish is father to the thought
with many Of us. and as her friend
spoke, Beatrice, while seeming to dis
agree with her, was impressed by her
logic, and a ray of hope shot through
her mind. making her feel that, after 1
III, Helen's reasoning might be correct.
But she only shook her head and tried !
TO look incredulous and indifferent
You are mistaken" she insisted. (
Dr.. Haynes told me himself that he J
lad meant to come to lunch with you 4
some day, that it might as well be /
his day as another, and that he would /
BRING me with him so that might look /
'ver the cottage you wrote Of"
Still Helen shook her head and |
aughed. NO. no. Beatrice" she child
ID you can't fool me in such mat
ers"
At this juncture the maid. entering
o announce luncheon, made further
discussion impossible, and Beatrice,
With a sigh of relief. glanced into the |
mirror as she passed. noted that she
ooked once more fresh and cool, and
oIlowed her hostess downstairs.