The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-10-07

snare ny WHICH 10 Trap I'LL. uedTu
something of his recent attentions to
Ethel since she had begun her vindi-
cation. and some of my intimate
friends, who knew that I was interest
ed in her. began to look upon me with
commiseration. Now and again I
asked Ethel how she was getting on
with her vindication, and she said that
Nell was simply green with envy and
jealousy.
l have never believed in defensive
warfare. 1t is military principle
that the advantage preponderates to
the attacking force. l considered
bringing the matter to a focus by tell
ing Ethel that if Nell was green with
envy and jealousy nothing more was
required and there was no further ne
cessity for her playing Mr.. Franklin
In the matter; also that she had been
reported to be engaged to him and all
the surprise she could wish for would
occur when her real engagement with
me was given out, with the wedding
soon to follow. But did not Ethel
know all this without my telling her?
And if she knew it what was to be
gained by telling her?
If Mr.. Franklin was destined to win
in the game-as l strongly suspected
he would-the end would be Ethel's
giving me rigmarole about her hav-
ing unwittingly, unknowingly and un-
Intentionally got into an unfortunate
position and that she was obliged to
give pain to me or Mr.. Franklin and
she was absolutely crushed; also that
she had loved him and he had loved
her till that horrid Nell Blanchard had
come between them and made all the
trouble. Then under such distressing
circumstances l would be expected to
do magnanimous, noble part by re-
lieving her of her frightful embarrass-
ment by releasing her without blame.
One day | received note from Eth
ell chiding me for not having been to
see her for week. She simply called
my attention to the fact without COM
ment l replied that the fall trade
was at its height, and 1 was working
nights. l received another note stat
ing that | had not worked every
night, for had been seen at the thea
ter in company with a pretty girl a
few evenings before. My reply to this
was a confession. The young lady
had taken to the theater had once
been flame" Of mine. She possessed
certain letters had written her when
thought I loved her, which I was de-
sirous to get into mr. ssessi0plpe-
forlxs; .,..is;@sazs.,-4ed . IA order to do
TINS I must dissemble. When I had
won her confidence I could the better
devise a scheme for securing the let
tiers.
was quite sure this would bring
matters to climax, and it did. Ethel
wrote me to come and see her at once
engagement ring had given her.
thought over my next move and de-
cided to go to see her. I found her
very much troubled, though she en-
deavored to conceal evidence Of the
fact. Her face was heated, her eyes
were restless and her bosom heaved.
"Why did you not tell me Of this
former love AFFAIR."" she asked in an
accusatory tone.
Because supposed 1t was off long
ago."
"And now it's on again."
To this l made no reply. I looked at
the ceiling
UNLESS you wish to break with me
you must drop it at once"
II have not yet recovered my let
ters."
"Your letters! Nonsense!'
There was another silence. I took
my eyes from the ceiling and directed
them out through window.
"Well, what are you going to do?"
Ethel asked.
responded in a quiet, reflective tone
that If she would not object to my
letters being used against me after my
marriage with her l would let them
remain where they were. would call
the next evening upon the lady pos
sessing them and endeavor to persuade
her to give up all idea Of there ever
being anything between us.
as it necessary that you should call
to do that? Can't you writer"
IT committed myself in these letters
I am anxious to secure and I should
use diplomacy in the matter, Just as
you have been diplomatic in setting
yourself right between Franklin and
Nell Blanchard By the by, how is that
affair progressing?"
l looked at her with cold stare.
81 have finished it." she replied rue
fully.
Indeed It's pity 1 had not taken
up mine earlier; then they would both
have been ended together"
81 thought you said you would end
the matter ut once"
IT said | would endeavor to do So"
She had taken hold of her engage
ment ring and was toying with it.
knew she was meditating taking it off
and handing it to me.
"You would not have me treat girl
who loves me harshly, would you?
You know how you have been situated
with regard to Franklin"
There was long silence. I thought
it time to bring the matter to focus.
II will make you a proposition" l
said. drop Frank lin without a word,
written or spoken, and I will do the
same in my own case"
Another long silence. at the end Of
which she put out her hand to me. l
clasped it. drew her to me and that
was the end of paying of old scores.
BY this time the rush Of the fall trade
was over and we were married within
a month. We passed over the border
dividing the single from the married
state, and prenuptial nonsense gave
way to antenuptial conditions.