The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1913-07-11
returned simply. as RathbOne left

returned simply. as Rathbons left
him.
Alone, he sat. unable 10 flx his Al.
tentlon on business. ashamed even 70
glance through the window.
Along IN the afternoon his sister
Dora's husband, a man several years
bobson's senior. walked thoughtfully
in.o the inner Office. Though on the
best OF terms, Bobson had u profound
respect for Stewart.
This is bad. Robert" said Stewart,
but II seems that for decency's sake
you might have taken some other
way"
Bobson, the chills playing sportively
down his spine, felt what was coming.
But you can't expect me 10 waive my
rights. continued Stewart.
Bobson raised his head to speak but
at his visitors hand, lifted to enioin
silence. he waited.
1T Is not right OF you" resumed
Stewart You always Dragged, you
know, even to Dora. that Tessie was
the best dressed woman In town.
don't deny that she is but meant
10 get Dora one or two things 10 make,
her work lighter-a new sewing ma
chine and gas range, when you paid
me, and II is hardly fair that she
should go without these things in or
der to satisfy Tessle's love for dress
II was S400. you know"
Four hundred dollars! Indeed, he
did not know. Bobson sprang from
his chair and paced the small office.
while Stewart grimly waited. He
would not betray Tessie even to the
family, but why, why
Man alive" he exclaimed, "Tll
make 1t right. Even If 1t ruins me-"
he muttered. But see here, Stewart"
he continued. Il only put that ad in
for a joke"
Well, hope you will enjoy IT," re-
turned Stewart unfeelingly.
Bobson was stunned. business can 4
go to thunder" said he between his
clenched teeth. as hinging on his hat
and coat he went by the back way to
his home. Finding the house locked
he enterd by the way of the cellar-a
trick that he knew
Tess. Tessie, girl!" he called loud
ly, softly, pleadingly, as he searched
each nook of the tiny house. Going
to the telephone he rang up his wife's
mother
She's not here" was the curt re-
ply, and he heard the click of the re-
,eiver as it was hung up. Dismayed
ne stood motionless. Tess mother
was clearly vexed at him. She, who
lad always taken his part-then he
vas indeed forlorn.
For hours he walked the floor or
lung himself groaning into a chair to
wait and to plan how to pay a debt Of
4, ,000 when he had invested all that
lis business would permit in their lit
le paradise of a home.
When the midnight train from Chi
ago pulled into the little station, Bob
on, who had hitherto been ashamed
0 show himself, was madly pacing the
lHtform, questioning party of re-
lrned theater-goers, the only passen-
ers to get off, whether his wife had
cen on the train.
Yes, she has left me, and | richly
eserve it," he muttered as he re- T
Irned home and staggerd blindlyJ /
ito the house. Haggard and worn he [
cached his home and switched on Z
lie light. L
You're out late, Bobbie," said a
oice, sleepily, and Bobson started and 4
most cried out from sheer nervous :
=
Tess, girl!' he cried, dropping on 4
IS knees and clasping the sleepy bun :.
die of lacey whiteness and vainly
,eking her face, which seemed hid :,
IN by the abundant auburn hair, can +
'u ever forgive me? l didn't know {
at you owed anything. On my soul, L
didn't. 1t was one of my cursedly fa
lotto jokes. 1t is my last, you may b
, sure" o,
Yes, dear, never mind'-the slim y
md passing lovingly through his hair =;
and, Bobbie, boy, she tried to ~
ised the bowed head, Il don't owe In
cent?" In
"Tess!" The burden of years 81
emed lifted from his soul. "Oh, but
shall make Rathbone and Stewart
lart for this!"
Why, Bobbie Bobson!" she ex-
timed, naively aggrieved; that was
practical joke!" r,
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