Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1914-01-21
Her Rival
By OSCAR cox
By OSCAR cox

Mrs. Yer Beck was sitting in her
boudoir sewing when there was ring
at the doorbell. and few moments
later a maid handed her a telegram
addressed to her husband with the
book for signatures. Having signed
and the maid departed. Mrs Yer Beck
began to look at the envelope curious
ly. holding it up to the light as though
she might read what was inside All
this was merely doing something to
while away the time while she was
resisting temptation to read the tele-
gram, to which she finally yielded.
Before acting it occurred to her to
crafty her curiosity without her nus
band knowing it. She warmed the lit
tie gum with which the envelope was
sealed and drew forth the message.
The look on her face as she read it
would have sent a cold chill through
the bones of any husband. however
brave. The corners Of her mouth were
drawn down. and her lips were set
tight together. This was what she
read:
You can't see the widow this week
Come Thursday. the 18th. She's a Jim
dandy.
The message was signed with the
initials Of Mr.. Yer Beck's most init
mate friend. Of whose influence over
her husband the wife was distrustful-
a clubman. man about town, man
with the reputation of being rapid.
"rhursday. the l5th.' she said to
herself. Pm glad he gave the date
We shall see about this
Replacing the telegram in the en-
velope and pressing down the flap. she
took it downstairs and left it in the
salver for mail ON a table in the hall.
Then she returned to her boudoir and,
like Mrs. O'Shanter. spent the rest OF
the afternoon nursing her wrath to
keep it warm" But shortly before
dinner. realizing that it was necessary
to her plan that she should dissemble.
she dressed with her usual care and
by the time her husband came home
had steeled herself to receive him as
usual. She heard him pause in the
hall while he read the telegram; then
be came up and gave her the custom
airy marital kiss.
Anything new DOWNTOWN" she ask
ed carelessly.
mo. nothing special. The market is
better today. Have you anything on
hand for next Thursday night?"
thought so.'
"Yes," she replied. 1--WE promised
Kit I'll go over and keep her CON-
pany. She'll be alone"
"Oh, I'm sorry. l was going to pro-
pose that we 20 into the city. dine and
go to the theater.''
1.-The wretch!' said Mrs Yer Beck
mentally. He was not going to pro-
pose any such thing He asked the
question to end out whether he would
II he sees his widow he'll have to take
me along with him.
Pm sorry" she said aloud, but l
promised Kit wouldn't disappoint
her Well have to go to the city some
other night
Mrs. Yer Beck was standing at her
dresser putting on finishing touches.
Forgetting that her husband was be-
hind her and mirror before her.
though she spoke the words indiffer-
emily. she expressed her feelings in
her countenance Her husband saw
and wondered. Something had evil
IDENTIFY gone wrong. But he had learn
ed when things had gone wrong with
his wife to let her alone till the storm
had blown over. So he arose from
his chair. went downstairs and read
the evening newspaper till dinner was
served.
The next Thursday morning before
going to business Mr. Yer Beck asked:
my dear, are you going to Kits to-
night?
II am"
'"Then think III remain in the city,"
do so by all means. 1t will be very
dull for you here alone"
SO Mr.. Yer Beck remained in the
city, little dreaming that he was
mouse on whom the cat was to pounce
His wife knew that when in town be
dined at his club. and wherever he
went be would go from there Fortu-
nately for her there was q little restau-
rant opposite the clubhouse. and there
she went for dinner. sitting at ta-
bic close by window. She made a
frugal meal-not having any appetite
and spent half an hour after she had
finished waiting Then she saw her
husband come out to the club stoop.
stand mountaineering bored. she
thought-then stroll slowly down the
street Leaving the restaurant. she
followed him. He went to the theater
district.
He's going to meet her at the play
thought the shadowe-
Mr.. Yer Beck turned in at one of the
theaters His wife, keeping far enough
behind to permit him to get in. fol.
lowed and asked for single seat. The
clerk gave her an excellent one that
had just been returned. Mrs. Yer Beck
drew down her veil and entered She
would watch her husband and the wild
0w unrevealed. When shown to her
seat she was thunderstruck to find it
next her husband. He looked at her
curiously. but did not at FIRST recog-
niZe her through her veil.
Then suddenly she saw the name Of
the play on her program-"The Merry
Wif7Ow" lipht hrOko IN m hor