The Detroit times., 1913-05-12
CHAPTER TWELVE.
(Continued.j

II should not have ventured ON this
srrand had II not been that the need
was very urgent. You will remember
that when your husband went west he
took with him q young man by the
name OF Walsh"
II was An unlucky start, for Vir-
sinia's face hardened percsptibly. He
was immediately conscious OF this,
even while be did not divine the rea-
son for It. He bit his lip, angry with
ssmself that he had not arst made his
appeal to her pity Then his pride
came to the rescue this WAS not the
rrst hostile Judge he had confronted.
Walsh was only recently married
when he Joined the company; he was
u stranger here. but, I believe, q man
of excellent antecedsnts; however, the
really serious part Of II Is, that his
wife Is quite alone and entirely friend
less"
Il have no patience with him for
leaving her" said Virginia.
1T Is hard to condone," admitted
the lawyer.
1t seems to me. Mr.. Benson, that
since he was too careless to think or
hs wife's happiness himself some
|
his duty"
II am aware his judgment in the
matter may readily be called into
question, Mrs. LAndray. but | suppose
he expects to make his fortune" lie
was bent on agreeing with her. he
| felt her anger but was unable to de-
termine a motive for H."
And 30 make amends for all his
selfishness? AS II he ever could"
cried Virginia In 4 tone OF keen ex.
asperation.
Benson picked up his hat and
smoOthed the crown nervously. Her
manner was inexplicable.
II wonder you did not advise him
as to his duty" added Virginia.
Il. Mrs. Landray? Why, never
spoke ten words to the man In my
life until the day before the company
left: then he came to my once and
placed one or two small matters OF
1,,,siness in my hands
oh" said Virginia haughtily. Your
advice was reserved for your friends
and clients"
Really, Mrs Landray." answered
Benson quietly, Il am very unfortu-
nate In that I seem to have offended
you, but l assure you / am quite In
the dark as to what my misdeeds
are
But Virginia was In 10 mood to ex-
plain: indeed, she considered him
quite unworthy Of any such frank.
ness, which would have argued an In
timacy she did not admit.
Just now you we're speaking to me
OF Mrs. Walsh" she said, with swift
change Of position, and with a polite
Nh passive interest. What more have
you 10 tell me of herr"
while l quite agree with you that
Walsh was singularly negligent of her
happiness in going west and in leav.
ing her here among strangers, still
he fact remains he did go, but that's
not the worst of It, II seems-and
Mrs Walsh told. me this with the
:eatest reluctance-it seems that the
money he had put aside f,r her sup
port In his absence has been lost in
some speculation of his brothers, in
whose hands the money was left. As
pearly az can gather, Mrs. Walsh IS
absolutely penniless. She has ap-
Quite at q loss to know what to sug-
1
ployment here Of some sort Benson
paused, and rubbed his chin refec'
lively and q tribe ruefully. The
whole matter IL rather out or my line;
but she Is so manifestiy lady that
should say II narrowed her chances
very materially; naturally, too. she Ia
flushed and Inundated by the whole
circumstance, and IL hardly able TO
hink for herself. hoped thought
you might be willing to see and ad-
wise with her. l know have no right
O impose this upon you, still you have
nothing to fear from her, In the way
pf becC ming q dependent, I mean: she
s In no sense an object Of charity; on
he contrary she shows commend
able pride and entire independence OF
spirit: but she Is very young and in
Experienced, really scarcely more than
child. l thought you might be able
% suggest something she could do.
hardly know what, but surely there Is
some occupation she can take up until
such time AZ her husband can make
suitable provision for her." he con.
tluded, hesitatingly. Il didn't know
rhom to turn to, until l thought OF
kou."
There was pause during which
Virginia considered the matter in all
ts lights. At another time her SYM
bathies. which were always generous.
hsould have led her to prompt action,
but now, with the idea Of the decay
f the family fortunes firmly implant-
d In her mind, she was reluctant TO
axe q step that might involve her In
Any way.
Benson's face fell. He had expected
something different Of her. He half
rose from his chair.
II fear l Was entirely too hasty."
here was palpable disappointment in
Ifs manner which he did not attempt
70 conceal.
mo. no." said Virginia quickly. Il
vas only wondering II knew Of any
Thing"
Then You will see herr" he was
immensely relieved
''Oh, yes, I will 20 out to her." aud
lhe turned swiftly to the door, but no
Stained her by q gesture.
III you will permit It I will ask her
% come here 70 you; probably she win
prefer to see you alone. I'll Just step
Town to the mill; wish to sss Pax
a." hs said.
Virginia sisnihed her assent, and
aking up his hat and gloves no hur-
He'd IRON the room and. q moment