The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1913-11-28

ing, you will not agree to it? To
| what? You are unreasonable. What
subject have l brought up?"
1T Is very true that we have drifted
too far apart to be as we were in the
beginning. But there is still some
thing left to me, and this something
shall cling to as long as / can. mean
to avoid the publicity, the open expos,
ure, the shame of-of-a neglected
wife,"
my Cod" whispered Gregory, fall,
ing back, then somebody has told you
about Springield-it was Franz"
II don't know what you mean," she
returned, apparently without emotion
What I mean Is, that | shall never
consent to divorce
"A divorce? Good heavens. Lucy,
are you mad? Do you think I want
a separation because you disown the
church? What have | ever done to
make you imagine such an absurdity?''
She answered gently, Eyes, it seems
l misunderstood. But you said you
wanted me to discuss the future in a
matter-of-fact way, and couldn't
think of the future as having any other
matter-of-fact solution"
Gregory was holly indignant Lucy,
if that is meant as an insinuation
against"
Mrs. Gregory raised her hand COM
pellingly. do not speak any name, y
she said, looking at him steadily. 81
can endure much" she went on, in a
milder tone, finding him silent; 81
often wonder if many women could en-
dure as silently-but there must never
be a name mentioned between us
Her manner was so unwontedly
final, that he stood looking at her, not
knowing how to resume the pressing
subject of his past. They were in that
same silent attitude when Grace Noir
came in from the hall.
Grace turned up the lights, and then
-"Oh!" 1t was impossible to prevent
an unpleasant compression of the
mouth at discovering Gregory so near
his wife. Am l in the way? / am
looking for company, and l heard t5H
doorbell-please excuse mel" she add
ed, biting off the words.
''Of course you are not in the way"
Gregory returned desperately. Com
pany, you say? And you heard the
doorbell-is Bob Clinton" He grew
white MY eyes are bad, for some
reason" he muttered, and switched off
the lights again.
How very dark you have it in
here!" said Grace reprovingly. "Of
course Mr.. Clinton has been shown
the back-parior, where it is light.
will go to him there, and leave you
two" she paused irresolutely, but
neither spoke.
Grace had no sooner gone than Greg
DRY with an effort found his voice.
Lucy, my conscience has tormented
me until it will not let me rest-about
YOU It's right to know something
more about my life than l have ever
told"
Right in there" said the maids
voice, from the hall, and Abbott Ash
ton and Robert Clinton entered the
half-light.
While Robert was greeting Mrs.
Gregory with exaggerated pleasure, in
order to escape facing her husband,
Abbott spoke to the other with an odd
sense of meanness, as if he partook.
by mere nearness, of the others cow
ardice. Il wish to speak to you for
a few minutes, Mr.. Gregory"
Gregory, like an animal brought to
bay, said, Il suppose you've some ex.
cuse about playing cards with Fran. -
More important than playing
cards." Abbott returned.
Gregory fought off the inevitable:
IF you refer to losing your position
at the public school" ... ...
No, Clinton has come home from
Springfield, and we have matter
It's pressing business" spoke up
Robert, who all this time had been
asking Mrs. Gregory if her mother was
well, if Simon Jefferson was no worse,
if Fran was hearty, if Grace Noir was
at homeland private business
Il have no business" Mr.. Gregory
exclaimed in fear, that my wife need
not know"
This is" cried Robert. Then re-
Numbering, he struck the keys a re-
sounding chord.
Mrs. Gregory was about to leave
| the room.
! mo, MOI" exclaimed Mr.. Gregory