The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1912-03-22


Annie tried to feel brave, but her
heart misgave her when she saw this
splendid home with all it's evidence of
wealth, culture and refinement II was
the first time she had ever entered
its gates, although, In a measure, she
was entitled to look upon 1t as her
own home. Perhaps never SO much
as now she realized what deep gull
lay between her husbands family and
herself. This was world she had
never known--a world of opulence
and luxury, She did not know how she
had summoned up courage enough tc
come. Yet there was no time to be
lost. Immediate action was neces,
sary. Howard must have the bes,
lawyers that money could procure
Judge Brewster had been deaf to her
entreaties. He had declined to take
the case. She had no money. How.
ards father must come to his assist.
ance. She would plead with him and
insist that it was his duty to stand
by his son. She wondered how he
would receive her, If he would put
tell the servants to shut the door In
her face. Timidly she rang the bell
The butler opened the door, and sum
moning up all her courage, she asked:
us Mr.. Jeffries in?"
To her utter amazement the butter
offered no objection to her entering
Mistaking her for woman reporter
several of whom had already called
that morning, he said:
60 right in the library, madam;
the other newspaper folk are there"
She passed through the splendid re
ceptton hall, marveling inwardly al
the beautiful statuary and pictures,
no little intimidated at finding her
self amid such splendid surroundings
On the left there was a door draped
with handsome tapestry.
Right in there, MISS" said the
butler.
She went in, and found herself in
room of noble proportions, the walls
of which were lined with bookshelves
filled with tones in rich bindings. The
light that entered through the stained,
glass windows cast a subdued half
light, warm and rich in color, ON the
crimson plush furnishings. Near the
heavy fiat desk in the center of the
room a tall, distinguished man was
standing listening deprecatingly tc
the half dozen reporters who were
bombarding him with questions. As
Annie entered the room she caught
the words of his reply:
The young man who has inherited
my name has chosen his own path in
duct at college, his marriage, has
completely separated him from his
family. and I have quite made up my
/ mind that in no way or manner car
his family become Identified with an.
steps he may take to escape the pen
atty of his mad act I am his father
and | suppose, under the circum
stances, l ought to say something. Blu
| / have decided not to. | don't wist
to give the American public any ex
cuse to think that I am palliating OF
condoning his crime. Gentlemen,
wish you good-day."
Annie, who had been listening in.
tently, at once saw her opportunity.
Mr.. Jeffrtes had taken no notice of
her presence, believing her to be a
| newspaper writer like the others. AS
the reporters took their departure
and filed out of the room, she re-
manned behind. AS the last one disap
peared she turned to the banker and
said:
May I speak to you a moment?"
He turned quickly and looked at her
in surprise. For the first time he
was conscious of her presence. Bow
ing courteously, he shook his head:
Il am afraid l can do nothing for
you madam-as I've just explained to
your confreres of the press"
Annie looked up at him, and said
boldly:
Il am not reporter, Mr.. Jeffries.
am your sons wife"
The banker started back in amaze
ment. This woman, whom he had
taken for a newspaper reporter was
an interloper, an imposter, the very
last woman in the world whom he
WOulu nave pSTHlILeu u DG duulllLSu
to his house. He considered that she,
as much as anybody else, had con-
tributed to his sons ruin. Yet what
could he do? She was there, and he
was too much of a gentleman to have
her turned out bodily. Wondering at
his silence, she repeated softly:
I'm your sons wife, Mr.. Jeffries."
The banker looked at her a mo-
ment, as if taking her in from head to
foot. Then he said coldly:
Madam, have no SON" He hest
tated and added:
Il don't recognize"
She looked at him pleadingly.
But | want to speak to you, sir"
Mr.. Jeffries shook his head, and
moved toward the door.
Il repeat, have nothing to say"
Annie planted herself directly in his
path. He could not reach the door
unless he removed her forcibly.
Mr.. Jeffries," she said earnestly,
please don't refuse to hear me-
please"
CTO BE CONTINUEDD