Evening star., 1912-09-08

good deal more than the newspapers had stated He
looked Older and thinner The his forehead
though healed now, had obviously been wounds of size
and depth, and he still carried his right in sling
The curly brown hair that had suggested his familiar
nickname sheared off closely and there traces
of other cuts on the top and back of his head.
But more noticeable than any of these minor evils,
which time would assuage and almost eface, the
expression in Wavertons eyes and mouth. In the
old days he seldom absolutely sober, and
his air of good humor and thorough enjoyment
of life had deceived people into credting him with
qualities he either did not possess could conceal most
effectuay where his wife concerned. Now, 1T was
a cold self contained who met the lawyers polite
inquiries to his convaescence and he spoke in a
straightforward manner that Curtis found positively
surprising
Waverton seemed to become aware of a scrutinizing
glance Il somewhat changed person since my
accident, Mr. Curtis he said at has left its mark
me, you have seen for yourself no doubt mean to
look into my affairs put everything in order, and go
away for long rest. Will it matter if | sign papers
with my left hand?'
@Not in the least provided your signature is attested
dyes, my right wrist sprained and dsocated and
that is far worse than break, everybody knows.
Can you with to my bank? | called at the
bank this morning. and the teller explained that he had
little of in the past that my ilterate scraw
needed some explanation. OF course, don't blame
him; but this matter should be put right.
Certainly. l had no idea you were SO knocked
about. sorry now, Mr. Waverton, that we did not
appeal to your wifes sense of fair play
"Great Scott, Mani what pea?'
3The proceedings might have been delayed There
is no knowing what might have happened in the new
conditions
3But wished no obstacles whatever to be imposed.
I telegraphed my explicit instructions.
"Of course, of course. | acted on them without re-
serve
aIIas not everything been for the best? l am Free
and Mrs Waverton is free, and gather from your last
letter that she will receive nearly thousand dollars
year from the trustees She has nothing to grumbe at
now, Surelyo'
Curtis still puzzled; but he did not want to
quarrel with good client. "Your wife he began.
Waverton broke in curtly. "Please remember that
she has ceased to be my wife.
@Well, then, the former Mrs Waverton is very
charming woman, and it might have been possible for
both of you to make fresh start in life
"Not bit of it! No charming women for me!
Who secceeds to the property? This divorce compi-
Gates matters bit, doesn't it,?
The lawyer lifted his hands in panied astonishment
"Obviousy, the estate is yours absolutely, he said,
4yours to do with as you WILL subject pro-
vision made by the court for Mrs. Waverton and the
child. Your cousin, were he alive, would have to be
considered, Perhaps but, he dead, It's dspos-
ton rests with you Yet young man like you need
not be seriously perpexed about your successor You
have had sufficiently narrow escape on this occasion
to warrant immunity from further mishap for long
time
@But how about my will?"
4As you are aware, the disposition made on your
marriage created trust for Mrs. Waverton and her
chdren-if any
"Does that hold good now?'
@Assuredly, until you alter it. Shall take fresh in
strastons'' s%
The lawyer dropped the he had taken in his hand
by force Of habit. "You mean that the old will is to
stand?" he said genuinely bewildered
ayes, of course. l may be scamp; but don't in
tend to rob that infant The child succeeds to every
thing take it, with life interest for her mother
Exactly. You will not be angry with me if | say
that you have closer grasp of affairs now han-er-
before your accident, Mr. Waverton
@The actual fact is that my head is in wfirl for
get things l don't know my belongings some
times told you conscious of change, and, for
the part it takes that shape, forgetfuness. At
any rate am not bemused with drink, and that counts
for something. Now how can l escape from New
York, week, fortnight?'
cla a1la R1 he | ac-