Metropolis weekly gazette. (Metropolis, Ill.) 1???-19??, 1914-05-15
WHAT EDITH HEARD
Conversation Over the Wire That
Had It's Effect on
Four Lives.

What Is that-busy7 Won't you
please try again. have an appoint
ment to call this party at $50. and
am sure he win answer near this
time" The operators voice gave a
hurried assent. then silence.
Edith Harrington leaned YEARLY
against the side of the booth Suppose
he should fail her now7 But what was
the use OF getting such foolish ideas
in her head7 She was tired, over
wrought too much night work had
made her pessImIstic. After all. the
thing had gone too far, and she really
and truly eared-she realized this now
with all the force OF her nature.
Suddenly name spoken In q trem-
ulous girIish voice IN the next booth
arrested her attention II was such an
unusual name. and the manner in
which II was spoken. so familiar. al
most caressing what did IL betoken7
'1.addIs. Is that your Don't you think
you can make II In time to get home
tomorrow" There was pause. during
which Edith sensed. although she
could not hear. the reply that was be-
ing made. Then came the trembling
voice again.
Edith Harrington felt her breath
coming In quick. short gasps. A sud.
den heat seemed to enveiop her with
sitting embrace. Involuntarily. she
tried TO push open tho heavy door Of
the booth TO relieve the oppression.
but Il slipped from her neryeless hand,
as she heard the tones continue
but surely, Laddis. they will let
you OF tomorrow. II u three weeks
since have seen you. Mother has
been III. and have been tied down
with jamie until the last day or two.
and ! thought We could have little
outing together tomorrow No. I am
not trying to detail all the worries OF
the household. Oh. Laddis. don't you
want TO comet"
The last few words were almost
tragic In the depth OF feeling they be-
traycd
Edith could divine the answer, for
she heard the receiver hung up and q
nuf'ied hysterical sob follow. Shortly
after. she heard the door Of the booth
open. and looking Up. sax a slender,
girIish fisure. heavily yelled. pass
quickly. as though anxious 70 reach
the fresh air. For one Wild moment
she let her sympafhies rush out 70 this
unknown woman. whose heart vas evi
IDENTIFY full 10 the breaking point,
fought the temptation 10 follow the
forlorn fellowengerer Ia an cndeasor
TO give what aid She could. Then q
sudden revulsion OF feeling sursed
through her an she thought pr
the man. Could II be possibiey SD
denly crowdlng into her mind came
tiny bits Of consiefinx evidence.
A sudden. sharp ringing OF the phone
bell started her. In . fremor OF asita-
ton. ahe grasped the receiver In her
hand.
Hello. Edith. Is that you AufnIly
sorry 10 keep you waiting. but have
had an unusual rush Of business this
eyenlng--hase not thought Of getting
away yet. You are coming down on
the flrst train IN the morning, aren't
you. dear ="
Edith listened to his almost lncoher-
enf outpouring without comment A
sudden nausea had swept over her al
The sound OF hts voice that deadened
every other sense for tho time being
At length. she regained certain
amount OF composure and tried 10 an
swer him. but the words she most
wanted 10 say would not come.
What's the matter. Edith Your
voice doesn't sound natural You're
not sick. are you. denrf Tell me viii
see you tomorrow. ! must see you
What has come oysr you. Edith7" His
voice bore note OF real alarm,
Edith made another brave effort TO
control herself, but the note OF real
suffering was there a. she replied:
only that bitterness has come over
me. I.addis. which. ! suppose. every
one feels when faith has been de-
stroyed Ia one In whom she had TO put
perfect trust. accidentally overheard
your wife's conversation little while
ago, as she occupied the next booth.
and perhaps It IL not necessary for
me TO say anything further Good-by.'
For q few moments the man at the
other end Of the line gave vent to his
feelings In strong phrases. but a shaft
had been sent by Edith Harrington
that had gone home and which was
destined to work for gopd In the
mans nature.
The next morning an unexpected
telegram frightened dropping wife
TO the point OF transformation. and
sent her flying down on happy wings
OF expectancy with her two-year-oid
boy to meet a husband whom she
scarcely recognized, so tender was his
manner toward her and genuine his
Joy with the child. Buffalo Express