The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1912-06-21

SELL ne Saln, testify.
Annie went up to him and laid her
hand affectionately on his shoulder.
With tears in her eyes. she said
Let me tell you something, Judge.
His father was right when he said I
took advantage of him. l did. Isaw
that he was sentimental and self.
willed, and all that. | started out to
attract him. was tired of the life I
was living, the hard work, the Ioneli.
ness, and all the rest of it, and | made
up my mind to catch him IL could.
didn't think it was wrong then, but
do now. Besides" she went on, I'm
| older than he is-five years older. He
thinks I'm three years younger, and
that he's protecting me from the world.
| took advantage of his ignorance of
life"
Judge Brewster shrugged his shout
ders impatiently.
IF boys of 25 are not men they
never will be-" Looking down at her
kindly, he went on: Pom my word!
If was rs, I'd let this divorce go
through and marry you myself"
"Oh, judge!"
That was all she could say, but there
was gratitude in the girls eyes. These
were the first kind words any one had
yet spoken to her. 1t was nice to
know that some one saw some good
in her. She was trying to think of
something to say, when suddenly there
was the click of key being inserted
N q
and Howard appeared.
Well, judge!" he exclaimed, this is
surprised"
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
How do you do, young man." he
said. QuiEzingly he added: You
look very pleased with YOURSELF"
This is the first opportunity I've had
to 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, eh?"
Yes. did Annie tell you? It's only
for few months"
The lawyer frOwned. Tapping the
floor impatiently with his cane, he
said:
Why are you going away"
Taken aback at the question, How
ard stammered:
"Because-because-
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'll tell you, Howard, my boy.
You're going to escape from the scan.
dalmongers and the gossiping busy
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain
", but you're going away because your
wifs's conduct is topic of conyersa-
ton among your friends"
Howard interrupted him.
You're mistaken, Judge; I don't
care hang what people say"
Then why do you leave her here to
fight the battle alone?" demanded the
Judge, angriIy.
Annie advanced, and raised her hand
deprecatingly. Howard looked at her
as if now for the first time he realized
the truth.
To fight the battle alone?" he
echoed.
Yes" said the Judge, you are Civ
ing the world weapon with which to
strike at your wife,"
Howard was silent The LAWYERS
words had struck home. Slowly he
said:
Il never thought of that. You're
right! wanted to get away from it
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. Il never should have !
consented to go; was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat |
ted him kindly on the back. I
Good boy" he said. Now, Mrs.
Jefries, I'll tell your husband the
truth"
Not" she cried.
lnen III tell him without your per-
he retorted. Turning to the
young man, he went on: Howard.
your wife is an angel! She's too good
woman for this world She has not
hesitated to sacrifice her good name,
her happiness, to shield another WON.
an. And that woman-the woman who
called at Underwood's room that night
was Mrs. Jefrries, your stepmother."
Howard stared back in amazement.
It's true, then. l did recognize her
Voice!" he cried.
Turning to his wife. he said: "Oh.
Annie, why didn't you tell me! You
saved my stepmother from disgrace,
you spared my father! Oh. that was
noble Of you!" In low tone he whis-
pered: Don't send me away from
you. Annie! Let me stay and prove
hat I'm worthy of youI-
To the young wife it all seemed like
dream, almost too good 70 ha rsal