El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-11-09
THE HUSBAND QUESTION
Blanchard Tries to Escort the Widow, but She Escapes Kim
By VIRGINIA TRIBUNE VAN DE WATER

a moment. nobody moved. Then Helen
made q little sound between z laugh
and a sigh
"Heighol' she said. Beatrice. dear.
You have made me want to cry, and
yet I love the feeling" She tried to
laugh, and Robert Maynard turned TO
her and spoke softly But Beatrice.
in the silence Of the room. caught his
words That was one Of my WIfe's
favOrite songs" ne murmured-
John robbins said nothing, but
Henry Blanchard remarked prOsaiCauy
that he believed that it was raining as
nsLrd as even As Beatrice noted Paul
1laynard's silence she lifted her eyes
to his and found him gazing at her
with an expression that thrilled her.
For half a minute his eyes held hers,
then he smiled sadly
Thank your he said, so low that
nobody but herself heard him
without a word the widow arose
from the piano stool and came toward
the fire 1T is time was going home,
Helen, she said gently Her voice
and manner were subdued, and Henry
Blanchard noted it.
Now, see here" he said briskly Il
believe you've been singing and play
ing sad things until you've given your
self an attack OF the blues. I move
that We have some real music now
something jolly. i mean he corrected
himself, something that we can all
singr
"Oh, nor gasped Helen. I'VE don't
want ragtirne and nonsense after such
treat as Beatrice has given US Do
We, Iohn2 turning TO her husband
for the confirmation which she was
sure would come from him
No said John, we don't want any
ragtime- But would like TO hear
Paul Maynard sing Danny Deever.'
Pau wouldn't sing.
mot tOnightl7 declared Paul, clos
ing the piano with emphasis that be-
tOkened determination some other
time, perhaps, but not tonight"
Beatrice turned toward him impul-
slvely- Why didn't you tell me you
sangg she asked IF / had known il
/ never would have Ventured TO air my
poor little voice in your presence
II am very glad you did not know
he returned. merriIy. FOR then we
would all have missed delightful
hour"
The pensive mood was over, and the
hustle Of preparations for departure
began
How are you going homer queried
Robert Maynard OF Beatrice as she
came downstairs elOaked and hooded.
Tor departure Ny brother could have
brought over his car had he thought
Of your having no conveyance I don't
doubt he can even now telephone down
to the Cedar Cliff for IL"
Beatrice paused just before she
reached the lower step and smiled
down at the man standing below her
you're very generous with your
DrOtnerS car she t61Sed-
But you can't walk on night like
thisi' insisted Robert
Certainly not" she answered cool
". I 90 not expect To-"
Henry Blanchard stepped quickly
forward.
mrs Maynard" she said. '1et ms
walk home with yOuI"
But before Beatrice could reply
Helen laughed out merrily
My dear uncleg' she exclaimed.
do you suppose we think so little
Of this dear girl as to let her walk
anywhere in such weather as this3
John has just gone for the horse
Hark, there he is noW-" as the sound
Of wheels was heard
All came out on the veranda to
speed the parting guest but Henry
Blanchard kept close to her As he
fastened the rubber apron on her side
of the carriage. he whispered a SEN
tence meant for her ears alone
ST shall see YOU tomorrow" he said
And the widow, with a sinking Of
heart, wondered if the others, stand
ing by, had heard the sibilant utter
ance