The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-02-07

so does Capt. Clinton"
THE captain suspects everybody"
she laughed. ITS his business to
suspect. AS long as you don't believe
that visited Underwood that night"
The Judge shook his head as ii puz-
zled
"Candfdly. ! don't know what to
think" Seriously, he added: 81 want
to think the very best of you, Annie.
. but you won't let me-"
She hesitated a moment and then,
quickly. she said:
IL suppose I'd better tell you and
have done with it-but I don't like
to"
At tnat moment servant entered
and handed the lawyer a card.
"The lady wants to see you at once.
SIR"
To see me-" asked the lawyer IN
surprise: ''are you sure ne hasn't
core for Mr.. Je~~ies?"
mo. SIR; she asked for YOU"
Annie sprang forward
us II Mrs. Jefiries?" she asked.
EYES," he replied.
Let me see her. Judge" she ey.
claimed eagerly; "J'll tell her who It Is
and she can tell vo1-she's woman
and I'd rather. Let me speak to her
please"
Addressing the servant. the lawyer
said:
ASK Mrs. Jeffries to come up"
fn fc hn
II see no objection to your speaking
to Mrs. Jeffries. Alter ALL she is your
husbands stepmother. But am free
to confess that don't understand you.
| am more than disappointed In your
failure to keep your word. You prom
ised definitely that you would bring
the witness here tonight On the
strength Of that promise made state
ments to Capt Clinton which l have
not been able to substantiate. The
whole story looks like an invention on
your part"
She held out her hands entreat-
ingly.
Its not an invention! Really,
Judge! Just little while longer!
You've been SO kind. so PATIENT"
There was a trace of anger in the
lawyers voice as he went on
Il believed you implicitly. You we're
so positive this woman would come
forward"
"she will-she will Give me only
few minutes more!" she cried
The lawyer looked at her as II puz-
zled.
"A few minutes?" he said. Again
he looked at her and then shook his
head resignedly. well. It's certainly
infectious!" he exclaimed IT believe
you again"
The door opened and Alicia appeared.
The lawyer advanced politely to greet
her.
Good evening. Mrs. Jeffries."
Alicia shook hands with him, at the
same time looking inQuiringly at An
ME. who, by quick gesture. told her
that the Judge knew nothing OF her
secret. The lawyer went on:
Mrs. Jeffries. Jr., wishes to speak
to you. I said thought there'd be
no objection; you don't mind. May
she?"
YES" murmured Alicia.
Your husband was here" said the
Judge.
MY husband!" she cried, startled.
Again she glanced inquiringly at An.
ME and tried to force a smile.
Yes" said the lawyer; he'll be
glad to know you're here. I'll tell
him." Turning to Annie, he said:
when you're ready. please send
; and"
Very we'll, Judge"
The lawyer went out and Alicia
turned round breathlessly.
MY husband was here?" she ex-
claimed.
Eyes"
You've told Mr.. brewster nothing?"
Annie shook her head.
II Couldn't" she said. 81 tried to-
but couldn't. 1t seems so hard, doesn't
it?" Alicia laughed bitterly and An
ME went on: II was afraid you weren't
coming."
The train was late!" exclaimed AL.
icia evasively, 81 went up to STAN
ford to say good-by to my mother"
To say good-by?' echoed her com.
psnion In surprise.
yes said the other tearfully. 81
nave said good-by to her-I have said
good-by TO everybody-to everything
10 myself must give them all up
| must give myself up"
oh. 1t isn't as bad as that, surely?"
Alicia shook her mead sadly
Yes" she said; I've reckoned 1t
all up. It's total loss. Nothing will
be saved-husband. home, position,
good name--all will go. You'll see.
shall be torn into little bits of shreds.