Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-09-12


that the advantage preponderates Il
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 wal
required and there was no further ne
cessity for her playing Mr.. FRANKLIN
In the matter; also that she had beer
reported to be engaged TO him and al
the surprise she could wish for would
occur when her real engagement witt
me was given out. with the wedding
soon to follow. But did not Ethe
know all this without my telling her,
And if she knew it what was to bt
gained by telling her?
If Mr.. Franklin was destined to wiz
in the game-as l strongly suspected
he would-the end would be Ethel,
giving me a rigmarole about her hav
ing unwittingly, unknowingly and un
Intentionally got into an unfortunate
position and that she was obliged e
give pain to me or Mr.. Franklin anc
she was absolutely crushed; also thai
she had loved him and he had loved
her till that horrid Nell Blanchard hat
come between them and made all the
trouble. Then under such distressing
circumstances l would be expected to
do n magnanimous. noble part by re
lieving her of her frightful embarrass
ment by releasing her without blame.
One day ! received n note from Eth
el Gliding me for not having been te
see her for a week. She simply called
my attention TO the fact without com
ment l replied that the fall trade
was at its height. and I was working
nights 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
| few evenings before. My reply to thi,
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 loved her. which 1 was de.
! sirous to get into my possession be
| fore being married. In order to dc
this ] must dissemble. When I had
won her confidence could the better
devise scheme for securing the let
tiers.
was quite sure this would bring
matters to a climax. and it did Ethe
wrote me to come and see her at once.
If / delayed she would send back the
engagement ring l had given her.
thought over my next move and de-
cided to go to see her | found her
very much troubled, though she en-
deavored TO conceal evidence of the
|
were restless and her bosom heaved.
why did you not tell me of this
former love affair."" she asked in an
accusatory tone.
Because I supposed It was of long
ago"
And now it's on again"
To this I made no reply. I looked at
the ceiling.
Unless you wish to break with me
you must drop it at once"
81 have not yet recovered my let
, tiers"
Your letters, Nonsense"
There was another silence. took
my eyes from the ceiling and directed
them out through a 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 I would let them
remain where they were. l 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 1t necessary that you should call
to do that? Can't you writer
IT committed myself in these letters
I am anxious to secure and l 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:"
/ looked at her with cold stare.
IL have finished it." she replied rue
fully.
Indeed. It's a pity had not taker
up mine earlier; then they would boil
have been ended together"
81 thought you said you would en'
the matter at once"
! Il said would endeavor TO do So"
She had taken hold of her engage
: ment ring and was toying with 1t.
knew she was meditating taking it OF
! and handing it TO me.
, You would not have me treat gir
who loves me harshly. would you
1 You know how you have been situate
l with regard 10 Franklin
There was n long silence. l though
J, it time to bring the matter TO focus.
II will make you Il proposition
j said. Drop Franklin without a wore
j written or spoken, and l will do tn
e same in my own case"
d Another long silence. at the end {
/ which she put cut her hand TO me.
clasped it, drew her to me and tn;
e was the end Of paying off old score
y BY this time the rush Of the fall trad
: was over and we were married with
e a month. We passed over the bord'
: dividing the single from the Marie
state. and prenuptial nonsense ga
J. way to antenuptial conditions.
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