The Taney County republican., 1913-12-25

DeSlOW less time ana attention upon
him.
why, Walter" protested Edna,
half amused and wholly amazed "Bil'
ly and have been brought up like
brother and sister. and had never
been separated until he went west a
few years ago, | couldn't get up the
least sentiment for him even if l
didn't care for you"
But you are not brother and sister,
and tell you frankly it maddens me
to see him appropriate you as a mat,
ter Of course, and will not permit
you to drive with him as frequently
as you do.
Further argument followed, but
Walter was peremptory in reiterating
his commands, He left the city that
night on a business trip, and in his
absence Edna made her plans quietly
and unalterably.
Walter, she said coldly on his re-
turn, 81 think it advisable that We
separate. Not on Billy's account
not because he is anything to me, but
because of your stand in this matter"
III you desire a separation" he
said in a low, strange voice, you shall
have one"
She was little startled and piqued
by his ready acquiescence.
There is one point" he said, "you
have overlooked. cannot be sepa.
rated altogether from Lillian"
walter! As II would put feath-
er between you two. She shall come
TO you as often as you desire"
The next day he moved into apart
ments, and Edna's aunt came to her.
II was the time OF year when nearly
every one was out Of town. and the
few who came to the house supposed
Walter to be absent on one OF his fire.
quent business trips.
As she sat alone in her boudoir,
pondering over the estrangement, she
heard the pattcr OF little steps In the
hall, and she lifted her head expect.
antly, Lillian had been spending tn,
day with her father.
"Oh, mammal" exclaimed the little
girl. excitedly. 81 had such a lovely
time. We all went on the river in a
big boat-and-"
who went with you?" asked Edna
quickly.
Papa and his friend"
What friend?"
"A new friend, Jessie"
Lillian" she said, angrily, don't
ever mention that Jessie's name to me
again"
Jessie was lovely TO me! I like
Jessie"
So the intriguing Jessie was winninr
her child's affections as well as her
husbands She decided that she would
not allow the child to go to her father
again. she spent a miserable might
When the summons came for Lillian
again the next morning, Edna. who
loved her child passionately, had not
the heart to refuse Llllian's pleading
Towards dusk as she was beginning
to be anxious at Lillian's prolonged
absence, Doctor Brandon, an old
friend, was announced.
why, DOCTOR" she cried, delighted.
ly, Il didn't know you had returned.
u came home a few days ago and
have been trying to call, but have
been prevented. Are you quite weIl?'
he asked.
"Oh, yes, very well. | want you to
stay until Lillian comes. She has
grown So"
II came to tell you about Lillian !
have Just come from--her fathers.
/ She is slightly ill-no. don't be
alarmed. It's a very slight disorder,
but the weather has changed SO sud-
denly, thought II prudent for her to
remain indoors for day or two. She
wants you--in fact, won't stay tonight
without you. May | take you back
wi'h me? My carriage is here"
Doctor Brandon" she exclaimed
isn't you first name Jesse?"
why, yes" he replied in surprise
"And were you up the river with
Walter and Lillian yesterday"
yes; the child asked me what my
name was, and told her Jesse and
she proceeded TO call me that to my
delight and her fathers distress"
He wondered at the radiant face up
lifted AS they came into Walters
apartments she heard a door open
Walter" she said, yearningly, 81
know, now. how you felt about
Billy"
Dear" be said when she was re
leased from bis embrace, will you
stop those awful proceedings?"
Darling. never began them!
simply couldn't"
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