Atlanta Georgian., 1913-03-12
:: Hunting a Husband

n FTER she had announced TO
| ~ Beatrice that the rescuer of the
Minor children from the burning
house had been Paul Maynard Helen
Robbins waited for some further COM
ment from her friend. If she had
counted upon a sensation following
upon her disclosure, she was disap-
pointed. Beatrice sat motionless. Ex-
cept for her irrepressible exclamation
of grief or CONSERVATION, she uttered
window at the lawn where the fireflies
were appearing in the soft September
dusk
At last Helens patience reached an
end. and she spoke.
Il hope 1 haven't shocked you, my
dear" she said with the least note OF
sarcasm in her voice. but you insisted
on knowing Perhaps l should not
have told you"
You were perfectly right" Beatrice
assured her in dull. emotionless voice.
Il brought the knowledge upon myself
I insisted upon your telling me-" She
paused. What I dreaded is true" she
muttered.
Her friend did not catch the last
sentence What did you say?'' she
asked.
Beatrice Is Hysterical.
Nothing" answered the widow. ST.
lence fell again on the dusk-filled room.
The hostess endured 1t as long as she
could. then sprang to her feet.
'I can't stand this!" she exclaim ed
with q pretense of gayety, going across
to the mantelshelf for matches. "Tll
be getting the blues myself if we sit
like a couple Of owls here in the dark
much longer. There!" as she lighted
the lamp on the table, that looks d
little more cheerful"
ut is better" responded Beatrice alb
sently. her eyes still fixed on the dark
rectangle of the window.
What is the matter, dear?" queried
Helen. You look wretched Are you
tired? Would you like me to help you
into bed?"
With stifed moan the widow buried
her face in her hands and burst into
tears.
oh" she sobbed, 81 want to 60
home. l want to go away from this
dreadful country and never come
back!"
So violent was her weeping that
Helen, after two or three vain attempts
to soothe her. ran out into the hall,
thereby almost colliding with DR.. Yea
ger. who was on his way to the floor
above.
Where is Dr. Haynes?" querled
Helen, breathlessly.
''He has driven down to the village
for the mail" answered the physician.
rs there anything I can do?"
"Oh!" exclaimed Helen. Beatrice is
having Mysteries, l think. Can't you
stop them?"
Without further explanation, DR.
Yeager turned and entered Beatrices
room. The widows face was still
buried in her hands, and her frame was
shaking with the violence Of her sobs,
but she was weeping more quietly,
though bitterly, and showed no signs of
hysteria. The physician stepped to her
side and laid a kindly hand upon her
shoulder
What IS the matter, Mrs. Minor?"
he asked, softly
She raised her tear stained face, CON
trolling herself with an effort.
II Want to See Mr.. Maynard. !"
81 want to see Mr.. Maynard" she
declared, looking her Questioner
straight in the eyes.
DIR. Yeager started vlolently-his
self possession leaving him for the mo-
ment You can not see Mr.. Maynard"
he began, because"
He got no further, for the woman In
terTupted him. HE is lying upstairs
I'LL know that" she hurried on "and
I must see him! I have something to
tell him. / must see him!"
Have you told her of his present
condition" asked the physician. turn
ing sharply upon Mrs. Robbins
| NO" stammered the frightened
| hostess. 81 haven't"
The physician took Beatrice Minors
trembling hands in his firm, cool clasp
| You are to go to bed now" he said
| hint