The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1914-05-20

She looked questionlngly, first at Kath-
crime, then at Hayes.
"I'll be back, auntie, in very few
minutes Hayes remarked. 1--WE got
to work on my car. This is Miss
Strickland" and he shut the door.
"Oh Miss Strickland" repeated
Mary, very much pleased, but very
much in awe of the senator's daughter.
You called On me- once before, but
l had a headache. I've often wished
since hadn't had it. Won't you take
off your things and sit down. It's very
kind of you to call"
Katherine thanked her and sat
down. She had not expected to find
such a sweet little woman in Mrs.
Slade. The woman was so little, so
fragile, so harmless and helpless in
appearance. Even the old-fashioned
cottage made its appeal to the girls
sensitive spirit; the shabby furniture
gave her a vision of what Slade's ear
lier life with this woman must have
been. Instead of her usual poise, she
found herself quite a little at loss
to know what to do or say before the
frank, sincere gaze of Slade's wife.
The questions she had meant to blurt
out soon after her arrival remained
mutely on her lips. Instead she found
herself answering the questions that
Mary Slade was asking.
She found herself telling the woman
of her own struggles against increas-
ing poverty, talking of her own hopes
and ambitions.
Mrs. Slade, l don't say this is a
social CALL" Katherine found herself
as frank as the woman at the other
side of the table.
"You-you know all about my
trouble, Miss Strickland?"
''Yes, that's what I'd like to talk to
you about, without offending you, if
might. You see, this trouble comes
very near to US"
How does it come near to you, my
dear?" Mary interrupted.
Mrs. Slade," Katherine set herself
bravely to what she knew would be
a bitter task. "My father is virtually
a beggar. You know how we live!
People think we're rich. Well-we're
poor! We're getting poorer every day.
Every penny is tied UP in-politics.
My father was the first to see Mr..
Slade's strength. He is now living
on Mr.. Slade's future"
Mary nodded.
"Mr. Slade is very important man."
Katherine went on, "but no matter
how much people admire him he can
easily be ruined by a scandal
81 haven't any desire to ruin my
husband" Mary protested, quickly.
"No, I'm sure you haven't" Kath-
crime was more at ease as the con-
versation progressed. "But you being
here and he being few miles away,
of course, there's no excuse to be
offered, is there? 1t is a scandal. Po-
litically and socially he's ruined unless
he comes back here, or you" Kath-
crime paused, for the simple reason
that she didn't have the heart to fin
ish.
"Or go away" Mary completed the
sentence. Yes, and if l go away
know what that means. No. Pm not
going away. Miss Strickland, you tell
your father and his friends, from
me-"
"Oh. no-please," Katherine object
ed. 81 came quite alone, unknown to
him."
We'll, you might as well tell him
or anyone else that wants to know
"Oh, no, couldn't, Mrs. Slade. ]
couldn't carry any messages. 1 came
here to find out" Katherine checked
herself. The situation was suddenly
becoming embarrassing.
'Well, now, you know" Mary an.
swered, there won't be any divorce"
Il see-yes-" and she took up her
gloves, preparatory to going.
I'm very sorry" Mary explained
that others should suffer through