Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1914-02-18
Her Rival
By OSCAR cox

O1Ao- fCl btNh was SltlluE LEI
boudoir sewing when there was a ring
at the doorbell. and a few moments
later 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. ALI
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 hus-
band knowing 1t. 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 1t
would have sent 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:
1Ou CStn gee tne WiuOW tnlS 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. a man about town, man
with the reputation of being rapid
AgThrrcdor he 1Efh - he cofd m
herself. Pm glad he gave the date
We shall see about this"
Replacing the telegram In the en-
velope and pressing down the Zap. she
took it downstairs and left it in the
salver for mail on 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 1t 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
he came up and gave her the custom
airy marital kiss.
Anything new DOWNTOWN she ask
ed carelessly.
"No, nothing special. The market Ii
better today. Have you anything on
hand for next Thursday night?"
Its coming" unused the lady. II
thought So"
YES" she replied "rve promised
pany. She'll be alone"
"Oh, I'm sorry. l was going to pro-
pose that we go into the city, dine and
60 to the theater."
1.-The wretchr' said Mrs. Yer Beck
mentally. HE was not going to pro-
pose any such thing. He asked the
question to find out whether he would
be able to get rid Of me. I'll fix him
II he sees his widow he'll have to take
me along with him.
I'm sorry" she said aloud. "but /
promised Kit l wouldn't disappoint
her. Wen 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 indlffer-
emily, she expressed her feelings in
her continuance. Her husband saw
and wondered. Something had evil
IDENTITY 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 I'll 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 he
dined at his club. and wherever he
went he would go from there. Fortu-
nately for her there was a little restau-
rant opposite the clubhouse. and there
she went for dinner. sitting at a ia
BILE 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 moment-looking bored, she
thought-then stroll slowly down the
street Leaving the restaurant, she
followed him. He went to the theater
district
Hes going to meet her at the play"
thought the shadower
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
ylerk gave her an excellent one that
had just been returned. Mrs Yer Beck