Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1912-10-15


was about to forswear before the
world? Jimmie's soul was in turmoil.
and Mrs. Whitcomb's pretty face and
alluring smile only annoyed him.
She had made several gracious
speeches before he quite comprehend
ed any of them. Then he realized
that she was saying. I'm so glad
you're going to stop at Reno, Mr.. Well.
'ington."
Thank you. So am t. he num-
bled. trying to look interested and
wishing that his wife's plume would
not tickle his neck.
Mrs. Whitcomb went on, leaning
closer: "We two poor mistreated
wretches must try to console one an.
other. mustn't we?"
"Yes,-yes,-we must" Wellington
nodded, with sickly cheer.
Mrs. Whitcomb leaned little
closer. "Do you know that feel al
most related to you, Mr.. Wellington?s
"Related?" he echoed "you?-to
me? How?"
my husband knew your wife SO
we'll"
Somehow q wave OF jealous rage
surged over him, and he growled:
"Your husband is scoundrel."
Mrs. Whitcomb's smile turned to
vinegar: "Oh, l can't permit you t.
SANDER the poor boy behind his back
1t was all your wife's fault"
Wellington amazed himself by hit
own bravery when he heard himself
volleying back: "And can't permit
you to SANDER my wife behind hel
back. 1t was all your husbands
fault"
Mrs. Jimmie overheard this behint
her back, and it strangely thrilled
her. She ignored Ashton's existence
and listened for Mrs. Whitcomb's neD
retort It consisted Of a simple, icy
drawl: 81 think I'll go to breakfast"
She seemed to pick up Ashton with
her eyes as she glided by, for, finding
himself unnoticed. he rose with q
careless: Il think I'll 60 to break
fast" and followed Mrs. Whitcomb,
The Wellingtons sat dos-a-dos for
some exciting seconds, and then on a
sudden impulse, Mrs. Jimmie rose.
knelt in the seat and spoke across the
back of 1t:
ut was very nice of you to defend
me, Jimmie
Wellington almost dislocated sew.
eral joints in rising quickly and whirl-
ing round at the cordially Of her
tone. But his smile vanished at her
last word. He protested, feebly:
james sounds 50 like IA butley.
Can't you call me Little Jimmie
again.
Mrs. Wellington smiled indulgent.
ly: well, since it's the last time.
Goodbye, Little Jimmie" And she
put out her hand. He seized 1t hun.
grily and chung to it: "Good-bye?-
aren't you getting off at Reno?"
Eyes, but"
$50 am I-Lucretia."
But we can't afford to be seen to-
gether"
Still holding her hand, he tempo
rized: We've got to stay married for
six months at least-while we estab.
lish a residence. Couldn't we-er-
couldn't we establish a residence-er
together"
Mrs. Wellington's eyes grew a little
sad, as she answered: 1T would be
too lonesome waiting for you to roll
home"
Jimmie stared at her. He felt the
regret in her voice and took strange
courage from 1t. He hauled from his
pocket his huge flask, and said quick
~: well. if you're jealous of this.
I'll promise to cork it up forever"
She shook her head specifically:
"You couldn't"
Just to prove It," he said. I'LL
chuck 1t out of the window" He
flung up the sash and made ready to
hurl his enemy into the flying land
scape.
"Bravo!" cried Mrs. Wellington.
But even as his hand was about to
let go, he frightened his clutch again
and pondered: 1T seems shame to
waste It,"
Il thought so," said Mrs. Jimmie,
dropping perceptibly. Her husband
began to feel that, after all. she cared
what became of him.
"I'll tell you," he said, I'll give II
to old Doc Temple. He takes his
straight"
"Fine!"
He turned towards the seat where
the clergyman and his wife were sit
ting, oblivious Of the drama of recon
Citation playing so close at hand
Little Jimmie paused, caressed the
flask, and kissed it. Goodbye. old
playmate!" Then, tossing his head
with bravado, he reached out and
touched the clergyman's shoulder. DR.
Temple turned ard rose with ques,
tioning look. Wellington put the flask
in his hand and chuckled: Merry
Christmas!
But, my good man" the preacher
objected, finding in his hand a dona'
ton about as welcome and as wieldy
as strange baby. Wellington winked:
1T may come In handy for-your
PATIENTS
And now, struck with a sudden
idea, Mrs. Wellington spoke: "Oh,
Mrs. Temple
Eyes, my DEAR" said the little old
lady, rising. Mrs. Wellington placed
in her hand a small portfolio and
laughed: Happy New Year,"
Mrs. Temple stared at her gift and
gasped: Great heavens! Your Gig
ars!"
.oThov'll ho such A consolation. q