The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-02-10

that he was sentimental and self.
willed, and all that. started out to
attract him. was tired of tho life
was living, the hard work. the loneli-
ness, and all the rest Of 1t. and made
up my mind to catch him II l could
I didn't think II was wrong then, but
do now. Besides" she went on. Pm
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
lif.."
Judge Brewster shrugged his shoul.
da,s impatiently.
"N boys of Is are not men they
nevor will be-" Looking down at her
kindly. he went on: "'Pon my word!
II l was aS. I'd let this divorce 60
through and marry you myself"
"Oh. tudgs!"
That was all she could say. but there
was gratitude In the girls eyes. These
we're the nrst kind words any one had
yet spoken to her. It was nice TO-
knew that some one saw some good
b her. She was trying to thiAk Of
something to say. when suddenly there
was the click Of . key being inserted
In yale lock. The front door opened,
and Howard appeared.
Well. judgsl" he exclaimed. this ID
Hurpriss!" "N.'' z %sta s.,.. +
The lawyer looked at him gravely.
euA- An WA. Al vn,,nO h>
said. Quissingly he added: You
lsok very pleased with yoursslf!"
This u the nrst oportunity 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:
$50 you're going abroad. eh!"
Yes. did Annie tell yeu! It's oaly
fos . few months"
The lawyer frowned. Tapping the
Aoor impatienuy with his cans. he
said:
Why are you goiaS away?"
Taken aback at the question, How.
ard stannersd:
'BscaHse-because-
Because want him to Co." inter.
rupted Annie quickly.
The lawyer shook his head. and look.
Ing steadily at Howard. he said
sternly:
"Irl tell you. Howard. my boy.
You're going to escape from the scan.
dalmongers and the gossfping busy.
bodies. Forgive me for speaking plain.
". but you're going away because your
wifs's conduct IL topic of converse.
tion among ysur friends"
Howard interrupted his..
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. angrily.
Annie advanced. and raised her hand
deprecatingly. Howard looked at her
as II now for the hrst time he realized
the truth.
ITO fisht the battle aloAe!" he
echoed.
Yes" said the Judge. you are Civ.
ing the world weapon with which to
s'rts~ nj your wifsi"
Howard was silent. The lawyers
words had struck home. Slowly he
Baid:
Il never thought of that. You're
right! I wanted to get away from 1t
I'LL. Father offered me the chance and
Annie told me to 60"
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. II never should have
consented to 60: was wrong"
Judge Brewster advanced and pat
ted him kindly on the back.
Good boy!" he said. Now. Mrs.
Jeffries. Ill tell your husband the
truth"
mol" she cried.
Then I'll tell him without your per-
mission" he retorted. Turning to the
young man. he went on: Howard,
your wife Is an angel. She's too good
n HDr L.. n