Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-15

lily. and said sarcastically, "Of course
! don't care--you are only my wife
for whom ! spend my days toillng and
grubbing-and from whom ] get In
return"
Il tryl You know try-ever so
hard!" Elinor flashed out. But your
- your - m-mother won't - let me
have a minutes peace"
"Wont--eh? really hadn't noticed
H." William retorted. still sarcastic.
Il suppose the real root OF the matter
is-you want me to leave her. Under
stand-I shall not do II! That's fiat.
You married me with your eyes open
knowing all she had done for me-
that was her only child--besides.
told you outright would never leave
her lonely. You agreed-anything to
get me. Now-you want TO get away
from your bargain"
DO you want 10 get away from your
bargain?" Eiinor asked, suddenly
calm. sparks at the bottom Of her
eyes drying them magically.
William did not answer-only smiled
provokingly. After little she went
on. still clearly. IF you dol viii
take myself away--as soon as We have
gone over the accounts. want 70
leave things straight"
Really, Elinor-this is too ridicu-
lous. With the Travers expecting US
to dinncr--and the theater afterward."
William began--he was not smiling
any more. but still his voice was hard.
Elinor's head went up. you do
not answer" she said Il take silence
for consent. As to the Travers. you
can make my excuses-say you came
10 tell them ! was--indisposed."
The door opened without any pre-
elder. came through II saying with
frown. William, you should be
resting-you can have fifteen minutes
before It Is time TO dress. Eiinor new
er thinks Of such things-but II you
are to go on doing yourself justice you
must take care Of yourself. And to-
night want you to be your best self.
The chief justice. who is TO be at
the Travers. is an old beau OF mine"
Suppose you go In my place. am
staying at home. And can help you
Dress" Elinor said. her voice studl.
ously commonplace.
Her mother-in.law stared at her.
mot going!" she echoed Il take
your place! knew you were poorly
bred. but must say never dreamed
you could be ignorant enough TO think
Of such thing"
Say kindness for Ignorance. moth
err" William interposcd. "Elinor is
impulsive-and very generous or
course. her suggestion is impossible.
But | know she thought only OF Civ
ing you pleasure-the pleasure OF meet
ing an old friend"
1T will be much greater pleasure
to have him sec my son and his wife
at their best, among the best people"
Mrs. Alsop said proudly. AS for
James Dwight, don't care a pin
except 10 have him see made no mis-
take in refusing him. He win be
bound to see it--you are so much your
fathers son."
The clock striking the half hour,
made her hurry of with a vexed ex.
clamation.
As the door shut behind her William
went up 10 his wife. laid hand upon
her arm and said. not very easily:
You are very angry. ElInor--that I
know. And II is In your power TO
take a deep revenge. Unless you go
tonight. cannot. That will mean
the loss OF Travers good VIII and
good word. which Just now are vitality
important 10 me. He and his wife
count on us to liven their party The
others are rich. but heavy-and wild
TO be amused.
we are not paupers-thanks to my
mother She saved my fathers es.
tate. you know But one can't stand
still--you know that without telling.
have invested more than ought to
have risked In deal that Traver can
make successful. Knowing that--you
must decide. throw myself on your
mercy"
"On my justice. you mean" ElInor
said lifelessly. Therefore | will 20.
II shall never be true that ! added
TO the harm did you In marrying you
the wreck OF your fortune"
Come now. let's kiss and be
friends" Alsop said. trying to take
her In his arms.
She eluded him. turned 10 her toilet
table. and began pulling the pins from
her hair. saying over her shoulder:
AS am staying only for business
reasons. and so long as they are i'm.
portant. there seems 10 be no occasion
for us ever TO quarrel again"
She was the life OF the party that
night. so blithely brilliant. so elAnly
fascinating. Alsop was amazed lie
knew she could be so. but heretofore
she had been either too indolent or
too Indifferent 10 show OF All the
Traver guests made much of her-be.
fore the home-going she had many
engagements. tentative. to be sure. but
certain to materialize.