The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-06-30

dominant personality. We can't make
these big fellows to order"
What l can't understand" COM
planned Hubbard, throwing the stub
of his cigar into the fireplace, SIS why
they can't get on together
Take it from me, gentlemen. it's
her fault" exclaimed Merritt, as much
in favor of Slade as he had previously
been opposed to him, now that Fannie
was appeased with the money for her
trip to Europe.
She's preparing to desert him
now" Strickland assured them. Its
irrevocable"
We'll, we can't blame him for be-
ing deserted" agreed Hibbard
You bet we can't. Ny wife de-
serted me- declared the colonel with
an attempt at facetiousness, and she
didn't do it day too soon, either
I've gone right ahead ever since"
Now, then" went on the industri-
Gus Merritt, three of us own papers,
These are our points: Mrs. Slade is
.-er-er-a woman who has no sympa-
thy with her husband-shuns public
life-is never seen-refused even to
see me. And no sympathy for him.
don't forget that"
Yep. Just like my wife," grunted
the colonel
Il don't see how the public can
blame him. declared Hubbard.
They can't" asserted Hart.
why, she's semi-invalid." amend
ed Strickland.
"My wife hasn't seen her out since
she drove him out of the house five
weeks ago." declared Hart.
Good! Well use that" exclaimed
Merritt, eagerly. "A semi-invalid-
when she's ready to be moved she
will be taken away at her own request.
I'll publish it myself. III start the ball
a-rolling. Why. gentlemen, the world
ought to pity that man."
Hayes had stood the conversation
as long as he could.
DO you realize that you're attack
ing this woman unjustly?" he broke
in, walking into the middle of the
group
This is not at all true"
You keep out of this game" warned
Strickland.
We'll, boys, we're all agreed" de-
clared Merritt. Its one for all.
then"
And all for one," added Hibbard.
excitedly.
Hip! Hip" began Merritt, when
the door opened and the butler an
nounced:
Glade
The hurrah that had been on each
mans lips died a sudden death. They
looked at each other in CONSERVATION.
Mrs. Slade!" gasped Merritt.
"Whew!"
The eyes turned toward the door
, saw a tiny, gray-garbed woman. with
| great, questioning Drown eyes, neSi-
/ tating in bewildered fashion as she
found herself confronted by a room
! full of men. Her gown with its tight
basque and full skirt was dowdy and
badly cut, in marked contrast to the
| fashionable, clinging gowns of the
! women who had graced the room a
short time previous. Her white gloves
were fraction too short to meet her
short sleeves, and left exposed thin
+. dTIllS anu pOlulSO clOO"S oVl TIC tcA'
der face, with its sweetly expressive
mouth, was unchanged. The lovely
eyes were more appealing, as filled
/ with wistful shyness, they gaZed about
the room.
I'm afraid it's a little late for me
to come" she managed to say, as the
senator came up to her with out
stretched hand.
This is an unexpected pleasure,
the senator assured her with an UT
bane smile. Gentlemen, Mrs. Slade.
Why. my dear madame" and Mer
rift greeted her effusively, I'm GLAD
to know that the reports to the sena
tor have been exaggerated. Your
health is now-er-"
"Oh, l never felt better in my life
SIR" Mary declared. puzzled that h'
should ask such a question.
Hayes fastened to the little WON
ans side
"Oh, Rob-" she exclaimed, relieved
to see a familiar face. AS she turnet
to Hayes, Slade appeared at the smok
ing-room door, and as he recognized
the dowdy little figure his eyes dark
ened and an angry scowl appeared OF
. his face. Strickland saw the expires
| sion and fastened to urge the men t,
follow him into the dining-room.