Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1912-02-09
"WeIl7"

to be instituted If so. when? And
could | give him any information on
the subject? asked him who wanted
the information and he said the read.
ers OF his paper--the people, believe
he said over million of them. Just
think, Howard over a million PEG.
pie, not counting your father your
friends and relations, all waiting to
know why you don't get rid of me,
why you don't believe me to be as bad
as they think | am"
Howard raised his hand for her
to desist.
"Annie-please!" he pleaded.
that's the fact, isn't it?" she
laughed.
mo"
His wife's head dropped on the table.
She was crying now.
I've made hard fight, Howard"
she sobbed, but I'm going to give up.
I'm through-l'm through"
Howard took hold of her hand and
carried it to his lips
Annie. old girl" he said. with some
feeling, 81 may be weak, | may be
bind, but nobody on top of Gods green
earth can tell me that you're not the
squarest, straightest little woman that
ever lived! | don't care a damn what
one million or eight million think.
Surprising you had received letters
from Underwood supposing you had
gone to his rooms to beg him not to
kill himself-what of it? 1t would be
for good motive wouldn't it? Let
them talk all the bad of you they want.
| don't believe a word of it--you know
l don't"
She looked up and smiled through
her tears.
You're so good, DEAR she ex-
claimed Eyes, | know you believe in
me" She stopped and continued, sad
ly; But you're only boy, you know.
What of the future. the years to
Gomez Towards face became Sc
rious, and she went on: You see
you've thought about it, too, and you're
trying TO hide it from me But you
cant. Your father wants you to go
abroad with the family"
"Well?"
He waited and looked at her curl
ously as if wondering what her an-
swer would be, He waited some time,
and then slowly she said
Il think-you had better go!'
'You don't mean that" he ex-
claimed, in genuine surprise.
She shook her head affirmatively.
Yes, | do" she said your father
wants you to take your position in
the world, the position you are entitled
to, the position your association with
me prevents you from taking
Howard drummed his fingers on the
tablecloth and looked out of the win
| dow. 1t seemed to her that his voice
no longer had the same candid ring as
he replied
"Yes, father has spoken to me about
1t. He wants to be friends, and u
He paused awkwardly, and then add
| ed: 81 admit I've-Ive promised to
consider it, but"
| Annie finished his sentence for him:
You're going to accept his offer,
Howard. You owe it to yourself. to
your family, and to-" She laughed
as she added: u was going to say to
millions OF anxious readers"
Howard looked at her curiously. He
did not know If she was testing or in
earnest. Almost impatiently he ex-
claimed:
"Why do you talk in this way against
your own interests? You know I'd
like to be friendly with my family,
and all that But it wouldn't be fair
to you"
I'm not talking against myself,
| Howard. | want you to be happy, and
you're not happy You can't be happy
under these conditions. Now be hon
est with me-can YOU"
"Can your he demanded.
NO she answered, frankly, mot
unless you are" Slowly she went on:
whatever happiness I've had in life
owe to you, and God knows you've
had nothing but trouble from me.
| did wrong to marry you, and I'm
willing to pay the penalty. I've evened
matters up with your family; now let
me try and square up with you"
l. "Evened up matters with my fam
ily?" he exclaimed in surprise. what
do you mean?"
With smile she replied ambigu-
ously:
ooh. that's little private matter of
my own" He stared at her, unable
70 comprehend. and she went on,
Eravely: Howard. you must do
what's best for yourself I'll pack
your things. You can go when you
| please
Concluded next week.