New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1914-07-22

We SoASiuS4uS. ana Oegdl ALREADY 20
long for her company. Yet she would
have to be told every detail. conyinc-
ed the apparent fraud was justiiable.
l rather dreaded the look in her eyes
when she first heard the proposal and
her questioning me. While l still
hesitated. fearful of refusal. the sun
shining upon her face awoke her sud
denly. She Strengthened up instantly.
but her eyes smiled as they met mine.
was asleep" she said in surprise.
For how long?''
Nearly two hours
And you have sat there quietly all
that time?'
That is nothing. ! was tired. but
not sleepy. Besides. had so much
to think about"
You mean regarding what you shall
do with me- and she arose to her feet.
1T is time now did something for
myself
Wait, please" and extended my
hand. almost forcing her back upon
the settee. LET me say word first
before you decide to 60. All told
you last night about myself is true.
with one exception. have money
and profitable work in view. Seer
and held before her the two bills.
She gazed at them with wide open
eyes, half convinced Of some legerde-
main.
"A thousand dollars!' she exclaim-
ed bewildered You! Why. what
does it all mean?''
Yes, and $4,000 more promised
when complete work that ought not
to require to exceed two months.
was not without money in the restau-
rant. only could not ask the cashier
to change 50 large bill. Sit down
again, please, and let me tell you the
story"
She did so almost reluctantly. as
though doubling my sanity. but |
could note change in the expression
of her face as l proceeded. told it
slowly. carefully. pausing to explain
each detail to her questioning. yet
was not interrupted more than once
or twice. Somehow. as thus repeat
ed the proposed scheme to another. it
did not appear quite as easy or hon
orable as when faced it alone
That's the whole story" ended,
rather lamely. What do you think
of it?'
I'll hardly know with slow hest
f9fiOn "1f iS vorv CTR
She pressed one hand to her fore:
head. her eyes on the ground. l watch
ed her, an unasked question trem-
bling on my lips. Suddenly she look
ed up again. her cheeks flushed.
You were going to suggest that I
go with you. were you not?" she asked
swiftly. THAT play the wife's part?
Why didn't you ask it?'
Because lacked courage" replied
frankly yet leaning eagerly toward
her. II was afraid you would take
such proposition wrongly
And you see nothing wrong in
carrying out your part? You mean to
"a to CarrOllton with some one-a WO-
man?"
I IL agreed to the terms-yes."
She drew long breath, her eyes
upon mine.
Then Il will go Also" she said sober
~ and held out her hand
You mean that?''
"Yes-why not? Surely it is as right
for me as for you. You wished me to
say yes. did you not?'
Ny face must have answered. as my
lips failed. but she went on swiftly:
Then will go: only remember it is
acting. mere play in which have
certain part to perform. We are to
be friends throughout it all-actors on
the stage. There must be no misun-
derstanding about this"
l had recovered my voice now. reaIiz-
ing all she meant and anxious to re-
assure her.
Certainly. There will be no mis-
take, Mrs. Bernard. That was why 1
hesitated to ask you. for fear you
might misinterpret my purpose"
I'VE go tonight? l shall need cloth
ing
"Of course. That was what this
money was advanced for. to outfit u.s.
How much will you need?'
She thought moment, a little line of
perplexity between her eyes. finally
naming sum which surprised me.
Not more than that?'' exclaimed.
Surely that is not enough
"Oh. yes it is.' laughing. There
will be no dressing. All need do is
appear neat.'', I
We sat there and talked it over. de-
Gliding exactly our course OF action At
8 o'clock l left her. hunted up the
nearest bank and got change for my
bill. Then gave her the amount ask
ed. and we separated. to meet again
: late that afternoon at the depot | felt
no doubt as to her being there on time.
Ny day was a busy one. as had to
visit my boarding house. buy needful
clothing and arrange for transporta-
ton.
At the very moment specified called
up Vail on the phone. ard he respond
oC5i