The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1912-06-27

\
that be was sentimental and SELF
willed. and all that. I started out "a
attract him. was tired Of the life
was living. the hard work. the ionslL
ness. and All the rest Of It. and made
up my mind to catch him II I could
didn't think It was wrong then. hui
do now. Besides" she went ON. "Pm
older than he is-nvs years older. He
thinks I'm three years younger, and
that he's protecting me from the world.
| took advantage Of his ignorance Of
lifs."
Judge Brewster shrugged his shoul.
ders impatisntly.
III boys OF 16 are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly. he went on: "'Pon my world
II was IS, ia let this divorce 20
through and marry you myself"
"Oh. judgs!"
That was all she could say. but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
w-rc the nrst kind words any one had
yet spoken to her 1t was nice to
know that some one saw some good
In her. Che was trying to think OF
something to say, whom suddenly there
was the click OF key being inserted
In yale lock. The front door opened,
and Howard appeared.
Well. judge!" he exclaimed. this ia
q surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
How do you do. young mani" he
said. Quixsingiy he added: You
look very pleased with yoursslfl"
This IL the nrst opportunity I've had
o thank you for your Kindness" said
Howard. cordially.
You can thank your wife. my boy,
not mel" Changing the topic. he said:
so you're going abroad. chr"
Yes. did Annie tell your It's only
for = few months"
The lawyer frownsd. Tapping the
door impatisntly with Aia cane, he
said:
Why are you going away
Taken aback at the question, How
ard stammered:
"Because-bscause-"
Because l want him to CO." inter
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head. and look
Ing steadily At Howard. he said
sternly:
I'm tell you. Howard. my boy.
You're going to escape from the scan
dalmonsers and the gosAlping busy
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
~. but you're going away because your
wife's conduct Is a topic OF converse
ton among your friends"
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken. Judge; don't
care hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here 70
fight the battle alone?" demanded the
judge. anErily.
Annie advanced. and raised her hand
deprecatingy. Howard looked At her
as If now for the nrst time he realized
the truth.
ITO night the battle alonsrs h.
echoed
Yes" said the Judge. you are riy-
ing the world . weapon with which Ia
strike at your wife!"
Howard was silent The lavyer's
words had struck home. Slowly he
said:
Il never thought Of that. You're
right! wanted to get away from n
all. Father offered me the chance And
Annie told me to go"
Annie turned to the Judge.
Please. Judge" she said. don't say
any more" Addressing her husband.
she went on: He didn't mean what he
said, Howard"
Howard hung his head.
He's quite right. Annie" he said,
shamefacedly. II never should have
consented to 90; l was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back.
Good boy!" he said Now. Mrs.
Jenries. I'll tell your husband the
truth
MOI" she cried.
Then I'll tell him without your per
mission" he retorted. Turning to the
young man. he went on: Howard.
your wife 10 an angel She's too good
a woman for this world. She has not
hesitated to sacrifice her rood name.
her happiness. to shield another wom-
an. And that womAn-the woman who
saiied at Underwoods room that night
was Mrs. Jeffries. your stepmother!"
Howard stared back in Amusement.
It's true. then. did recognize her
roics!" he cried.
Turning to his wife, he said: "Oh.
annie, why didn't you tell me! You
ayed my stepmother from disgrace,
'ou spared my father! oh, that was
loble OF you'll" In low tone he whis-
'ered: Don't send me away from
'ou. Annie! Let me stay and prove
hat I'm worthy of you'll"
To the young wife It all seemed like
dream. almost too good TO be real.
he dark. troubled days were ended.
! long life. bright with Its promise Of
was before them.
But what of the future. Howardr-
he demanded. gently.
Judge Brewster answered the ouss-
ON.
I've thought Of that" he said.
Howard, Will you come into my once
nd study law! You can show your IA
aer what you can do with q good wife
} second your efforts"
Howard graspsd his outstrstchsI
and.
Thanks. Judge. l accept" he replied.
earthly.
Turning to his wife. he took her IN
q arms. Her head fell ON his shout
Or. Looking up At him shyly and
Milling through her tears. she muir.