El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-06-25

for it." she muttered between set teeth.
Yes, she was angry with him for
having taken a little too much liquor,
but she was. perhaps uncOnsciously,
also vexed at the knowledge that he
had destroyed her ideal of him as a
probable husband. He had, in fact
upset her plans.
And while she thus mused Mrs Rob
bins stopped in to see her on her way
home from a shopping expedition.
Beatrice was not overjOyed at Helen's
visit, but she welcomed her pleasantly,
wondering meanwhile If her caller had
come to ascertain if Henry Blanchard
had been here last night If So she
would find Beatrice on her guard.
To her surprise, however. Helen
chose another method of irritating her
friend and possible aunt-in-laW
My dear" she said, after she was
comfortably seated and had begun TO
sip a cup of the tea which Beatrice
always had served at this hour of the
afternoon. I have come to talk to
you with regard to something 1 heard
a Few days ago. Is it true that you
went driving with Robert Maynard2'
1t is true" said Beatrice stiffly.
And pray. why should I not go with
Mr.. Maynard If I chOose?'
For Your Interests.
Now, dear" protested Helen. don't
get cross at my asking such an limo
cent question as that Were I not
FOND Of you and interested in him 7
would pay no attention to the matter
But / was so pleased to hear that you
are encouraging the dear fellow that I
tell you so"
Encouraging him." exclaimed Bea-
trlee Indignantly. Upon my word.
Helen, that is a peculiar term to use
IN this connection. Your matchmaking
tendencies cause you to appear actu-
ally ridiculOusi Just because A man
whom have met a few times asks
me to so for a drive with hin, and
we stop for tea on the way home Won
of such a thing"
But her friend laughed good ma
turedly.
"Ah. Beatrice" she Knocked. IF there
were not some truth in my assertion
you would not get so angry 1t is
only the truth that hurts. Won know
And. my dear" dropping her banterfn1
zone ana looking tenderly symDathetfc
am so glad TO think that you are
good to poor Robert. He deserves II
Which" she added significantly. .is
more than can say for some men"
Beatrice looked at her, perplexed.
What do you mean?" she asked.
oh. nothing. except that Robert was
very generous husband and always
gave his wife everything she wanted
which is not what most husbands do
for their wives. Perhaps I appreciated
1t more because all the men in nv fam
of course nv husband
even dear old uncle Henry will rinch
a silver dollar until the eagle on If
screams with anguish"
Saw Through Her.
Then Beatrice knew that Helen had
come with the purpose of Iessenina-
Henry Blanchard's chances with the
widow by representing him as pars;-
monious, and with the intention of fur
thering Roberts suit by extollins- his
liberality. And, although Beatrice saw
Helen's game, she could not help won
dering il. after all, there might not he
some truth in her statements. Had not
Robert taken her to supper and brought
her home in a cap, given her costly
violets and taken her to tea, while
Henry Blanchard had never done any
thing except call on her? Was their
conduct really indicative of the char
acters of the two men? And then. sud
denly, she resented anew Helen's in
reference
1T is no concern of mine whether
any man is St1ngy or not" she said
loftily. "And as for Robert MAYNARD.
he cares no more for me than I do for !
goodness knows, I'm not
breaking my heart for any widower?"
Helen looked grave. "I think" she |
said, that he cares a great deal for |
you. You are the only woman to whom
he has paid any attention since his 4
wife's death"
We'll" announced Beatrice. her tenn /
per still ruling her tongue, Il am tired !
Of hearing of his wife, anyway and !
besides that, would not trust any
nan who is as fond of liquor as he is
Since when" queried Helen, coldly. /
have you become such a stickler for
-emperancc2 did not notice that you
iisapproved of my husband and Robert
ZACH tskinS a highban when we were
1t supper a. the Plaza"
No" retorted Beatrice. Il did not
mind. nor should I ever mind if a man
ook only one drink and no more. But |
'our friend, the widower does not stop
1t one-more's the PITY"
In her excitement Beatrice had
spoken loudly and excitedly. Before
Helen could reply the drawing room
'orueres were swept aside and the
Maid announced to the startled pair:
Mr.. Mayuard!S