El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-09-22

Fletcher senior, to the effect that
= she and Mary must discuss Berts
silence and absence, it was not until
the day after the baby's return from
the hospital that the grandmother
again introduced the subject. Then
it was to suggest that Mary call up
the firm for which Bert was working
and ask how soon he was expected
home. Mary hesitated- She did not
like she admitted, to seem to spy upon
her husbands actions
But you need not tell who you are
said her motherinlaw. Just say that
you are a friend and want to know
when he'll be in town again. They
may think you're some lady wantin' to
ask him to an afternoon tea" she ad-
ded grimly, trying to smile at her own
effort at a joke.
But Mary did not smile To her the
whole situation was humiliating. The
older woman looked at her sympa-
thetically.
7 know all this is hard for you,
my girl" she acknowledged. But
you'll soon know that it amt any
harder than something I've been doin.'
And when you know all I've been
dom you'll see why I amt able to do
The little money have is goin' fast.
If I lose every cent, it'll be my sons
fault"
Mary took the speakers hand in
hers with an impulse of pity. She
felt that the mothers suffering was
far greater than was hers, for the
mother loved her son in spite Of all
his sins, while the wife felt a posi-
tive revulsion at the thought of him.
Don't speak Of your not being
she protested. You do more al
ready than you should. How could
We get along without you?-and yet
here I am not your own blood, but
only a daughterinlaw"
Yes, but you're many times bet
ter to me than my own child is. and
If it hadn't been for him you'd not
be IN the straits you're in now. But
talkin' over matters don't help just
now You go out and telephone
Mary did not return for nearly two
hours She had not adopted her
motherinlaw's suggestion. She dis
liked double-dealing of all kinks and
instead Of telephoning had gone right
down TO Berts supposed place Of bus
mess Here she saw the president Of
the company and asked him bluntly,
though with averted eyes, if he could
tell her when her husband would be
back in New York.
My mail from him may have gone
I want to communicate with him if
possible, but if he is coming home
soon I will wait"
The silence which followed this re-
mark caused her to look up in sur
prise. The presidents perplexed eyes
were fixed upon her
Mrs Fletcher" he said, flushing
embarrassedly, Pm a man who be-
heVes in going straight to the point,
so i feel 1t my duty to tell you that
your husband left our employ almost
year ago I know nothing, there
fore, Of his whereabouts
Mary started to her feet. Left your !
employ she exclaimed. Il did not !
know he had given up this businessI'
A half-Smile twisted the mans Inns
Well he said reluctantly, again I /
must speag the truth and say that he 1
hardly gave the business up, so much 4
as it gave him up"
But" faltered Mary, how could |
that be? He had put so much money I
into the concerni Surely then he still I
has an interest in itr'
The expression Of CONSERVATION on l
the face of her companion checked /
her She stepped forward suddenly I
and unconsciously laid her hand on 4
Please. please" she begged. tell
me all the TRUTH Didn't my husband
put money into this business?"
The president looked her straight
in the eyes. I will tell you the truth"
he said, although I hate to do it.
Your husband was only an employe of |
this concern, he never put a cent into
1t, and he was discharged'-he hes
account Of drunkenness. I'm
sorry 10 have to tell you this Mrs. |
Fletcher, but YOU asked for facts"
Thank you" murmured the wife, |
Unsteadily she walked toward the Of
flee door which the president opened
for her He watched her cross the
corridor and signal the elevator, nor
did he return to his office until the
car and its burden had dropped from
his sight. Then he shook his head.
Internal cur" he muttered. That's
the kind of a man who often gets a
brave wife. But how a woman like
that ever married that scoundreI is
another Of lifes many mysteries"
Mary Fletcher walked toward the
elevated road unconscious Of the cold
wind that was wrapping her skirts
about her ankles and chilling her TO
the bone. It brought no color to her
face, and people who passed her won
1ered II she were i'll. YEARLY she
the steps Of the elevated road,
bought her ticket-with her motherin-
aW money, she reflected-and passe6
)ut to the platform to await the up
own train. AS il Numbered into the
itatlon she stepped aside to allow the I
passengers to alight. A low
destination from man who had al
most passed her caused her to look up
with a start In front of her stood !
Jordon Craig-a little heavier, a lit
lie grayer than of old, but with a look !
n his eyes that made the woman |
,atch her breath.
y our she whispered,-''YOU?"
1hen suddenly she was conscious of
Ter shabby clothing. of how old and 1
worn she must look, and she tried to |
Jury on But Craigs hand was ]
tretched out and she could not ignore
I; she laid her trembling hand has ,
ny INTO his. but she did not return
ne grasp of his strong fingers.
W mere are you gOing?" he asked ! {
uiSkIy: Are you staying in town.
Aes, she began-I am'-She J
hecked herself. This man must NOT
NOW where she was.
All aboardr shouted the guard
=
she drew her hand away, hurried on J ,
ne train. and the gate slammed shut
harply behind her
u L. -. 4