The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1912-03-28

R4olth, culture ana ruunoment. IL VA
the nrst tune she had ever entered
its gates. although. IN = measure. shs
WAS entitled to look upon It ~ hsI
own home. Perhaps never 30 much
a. now she realized what deep gull
lay between her husbands family and
herself. This was . world she had
nevcr known--a world Of opulencs
and luxury. She did not know how she
had summoned up courage enough Ia
come. Yet there was no time to be
| lost. Immediate action was neces-
sary. Howard must have the best
| lawyers that money could procure.
Judge Brewster had been deaf to her
| sntreatics. He had declined to take
the case She had no money How.
ards father must come to his asaist.
ance. She would plead with him and
insist that II was his duty to stand
BY his son. She wondered how he
would receive her. II he would put
her out or be rude 70 hor. He might
tell the servants to shut the door in
her face. Timidly she rang the bell
Tho butler opened the door, and gum
moning up all her courage, she asked
'Ts Mr.. Jeffries in7'
To her utter amazsment the butler
offered 10 objection to her entering
Mistaking her for a woman reporter
several Of whom had already called
that morning. be said:
Go right in the library. madam
the other newspaper folk are there
She passed through the splendid re-
ception hall. mArysling fnwardly a
the beautiful statuary and pictures
no little inundated at nnding her
self amid such splendid surroundings
On the left there was . door draped
with handsome tapestry.
Right in there. miss" said the
butler
She went in. and found herself in {
room of noble proportions, the walli
OF which were lined with bookshelvei
nlled with tones In rich bindings. The
light that entered through the stained
glass windows cast subdued half
light warm and rich in color. on the
crimson plush furnishings. Near the
heavy nat desk in the center OF the
room tall. distinguished man wal
standing listening deprecAtingly tc
the half dozen reporters who were
bombarding him with questions. Al
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
life. ! am grieved to say that his con
duct at college. his marriage. has
completely separated him from his
family. and have quite made up my
mind that IN no way or manner can
his family become identified with any
steps he may take to escape the pen
atty OF his mad act. am his father
and suppose. under the circum.
stances. ought to say something. But
l have decided not to. don't wish
to give the American public any OK.
cuse to think that am pallIating or
condoning his crime. Gentlemen, I
wish you good-day."
Annie. who had been listening in.
tently, at once saw her opportunity.
Mr.. Jeffries 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-
NAMED 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 can do nothing for
you madam--as I've Just explained to
your confreres of the press"
Annie looked up at him. ard said
boldly:
Il am not reporter. Mr.. Jeffries. l
am your sons wife"
Tho banker started back In amaze
ment This woman, whom he had
taken for newspaper reporter, was
an inter'oper. an imposter. the very
last woman In the world whom he
would have permitted to be admitted
to his house. He considered that she,
as much as anybody else, had con.
tributed to his sons ruin. Yet what
could he dor She WIS there, and he
was too much OF gentleman to have
her turned out bodily. Wondering at
his silence. she repeated softly:
I'm your sons wife. Mr.. Jerries."
The banker looked at her mo
ment. as II taking her in from head to
foot Then he said coldly:
Madam. ! have no con-" He hest.
tated. and added:
Il don't recognize"
She looked at him pleadingiy.
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.. Jenries." she said earnestly
please don't refuse to hear me-
please"
cro DE coNrINUEDJ