The Parker post., 1913-09-13

miliar footing in
their household, and that she was to
bestow less time and attention upon
him.
why, Walter" protested Edna,
half amused and wholly amazed, Bill
ly and / have been brought up like
brother and sister, and had never
been separated until he went west
few years ago. l couldn't get up the
didn't care for you
But you are not brother and sister,
and | tell you frankly it maddens me
to see him appropriate you as a mat
ter of course, and | will not permit
you to drive with him as frequently
as you do.
Further argument followed, but
Walter was peremptory in reiterating
his commands. He left the city that
night on a business trip, and in his
absence Edna made her plans quietly
and unalterably.
walter, she said Goldly on his re-
turn, II think it advisable that we
not because he is anything to me, but
because of your stand in this matter"
''If you desire a separation" he
said in low, strange voice, you shall
have one"
She was a little startled and piqued
by his ready acquiescence.
There is one point" he said, you
hn1 l.
rated altogether from Lillian
''Walter! AS if l would put feath-
er between you two. She shall come
to you as often as you desire"
The next day he moved into apart
ments, and Edna's aunt came to her.
1t was the time of year when nearly
every one was out of town, and the
few who came to the house supposed
Walter to be absent on one of his fire.
qaent business trips.
AS she sat alone in her boudoir,
pondering over the estrangement, she
heard the patter of little steps in the
hall. and she lifted her head expect
antly. Lillian had been spending the
day with her father.
'Oh, mammal" exclaimed the little
girl, excitedly. 81 had such a lovely
time. We all went on the river in a
big boat-and-"
Who went with you?" asked Edna,
quickly.
Papa and his friend"
What friend?'
"A new friend, JESSIE"
Lillian" she said, angriIy, don't
ever mention that Jessie's name to me
again"
Jessie was lovely to me! I like
Jessiei"
So the intriguing Jessie was winning
her child's affections as we'll as her
husbands. She decided that she would
not allow the child to go to her father
again. She spent miserable night
When the summons came for Lillian
again the next morning, Edna, who
loved her child passionately. had not
the heart to refuse Lillian's pleading.
Towards dusk as she was beginning
to be anxious at Lillian's prolonged
absence, Doctor Brandon, an old
friend, was announced.
why, DOCTOR" she cried. delighted
ly, 81 didn't know you had returned
81 came home a few days ago and
have been. trying to call, but have
been prevented Are you quite well?"
he asked.
ooh. yes, very we'll I want you to
stay until Lillian comes She has
grown So"
Il came to tell you about Lillian. I
have just come from-her fathers.
She is slightly ill-no, don't be
alarmed. It's very slight disorder,
but the weather has changed so sud
denly, thought it prudent for her to
remain indoors for day or two. She
wants you-in fact won't stay tonight
without you. May l take you back
with me? My carriage is here
Doctor Brandon she exclaimed
isn't you first name Jesse?"
why, yes" he replied in surprise.
And were you up the river with
Walter and Lillian yesterday"
Yes; the child asked me what my
name was, and I told her Jesse, and
she proceeded to call me that to my
delight and her fathers Distress"
He wondered at the radiant face up
lifted. AS they came into Walters
apartments she heard a door open
Walter" she said, yearningly, Il
know. now. how you felt about
Billy"
Dear" he said when she was re-
leased from his embrace, will you
stop those awful proceedings?"
Darling, | never began them!
simply couldn't"
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