The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1914-01-23
Her Rival
By OSCAR cox
By OSCAR cox

Mrs. Yer Beck was sitting in her
bOudOir sewing when there was a ring
at the do0rbell. and a few moments
later q maid handed her Il telegram
addressed to her husband with the
hook for signatures. Having signed
and the maid departed, Mrs. Yer Beck
began to look at the envelope curious
~, holding 1t 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 u temptation to read the tele-
gram. to which she finally yielded.
Before acting 1t occurred to her to
crafty her curiosity without her hus-
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 1t
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 q Tim
dandy.
The message vas 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. a man
with the reputation of being rapid.
Thursday. the 18TH" she said to
herself. I'm glad he gave the date
We shall see about this"
Replacing the telegram in the en-
velope and pressing down the Zap. she
took 1t 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 .!
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 are 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.
mo. nothing special. The market is
better today. Have you anything on
hand for next Thursday night?"
Its coming" unused the lady. II
thought So"
YES" she replied. 1--WE promised
Kit I'll 80 over and keep her COM
pany. She'll .be alone"
"Oh, I'm sorry. l vas going to pro-
pose that We go into the city, dine and
80 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 find out whether he would
be able to get rid of me. III Ok him.
II he sees his widow he'll have to take
me along with him.
I'm sorry she said alond. ''but
promised Kit wouldn't disnppOint
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-
though she spoke the words indfffer-
emily. she expressed her feelings in
her ~c0untenance. Her husband saw
and wondered. Something had evi-
IDENTIFY gone wrong. But be 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,
nighty
Il 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 ponnce.
His wife knew that when In town he
dined at bis club. and wherever he
went he would 60 from there. Forth
nately for her there was q little restau-
rant opposite the clubhouse. and there
she went for dinner. sitting at q Ia
BILE close BY q 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 a moment-looking bored. she
thought-then stroll slowly down the
street. Leaving the restaurant. she
followed him. He went tn the theater
district. @
He's going to meet her at the play