Sharp County record., 1914-06-19

4.C~ together too fa-
miliar footing In
their household, and that she was to
bestow less time and attention upon
him.
why, Walter" protested Edna,
half amused and wholly amazed, Bill
ly and l have been brought up like
brother and sister, and had never
been separated until he went west a
few years ago. couldn't get up the
least sentiment for him even If l
didn't care for you"
But you are not brother and sister,
and | tell you frankly 1t maddens me
to see him appropriate you as a mat
ter of course, and / will not permit
you to drive with him as frequently
as you do.
Further argument followed, but
Walter was peremptory in reiterating
his commands. He left the city that
night on a business trip, and in his
absence Edna made her plans quietly
and unalterably.
Walter she said coldly on his re-
turn, II think It advisable that we
separate. Not on Billy's account,
not because he is anything to me. but
because of your stand In this matter"
III you desire separation" he
said in a low, strange voice, you shall
have one"
She was little startled and piqued
by his ready acquiescence.
There is one point he said, "you
have overlooked. I cannot be sepa-
rated altogether from Lillian"
Walter! As II would put a feath-
er between you two. She shall come
to you as often as you desire"
The next day he moved into apart
ments, and Edna's aunt came to her.
It was the time Of year when nearly
every one was out Of town, and the
few who came to the house supposed
Walter to be absent on one Of his fre.
ouent business trips.
As she sat alone In her boudoir,
pondering over the estrangement, she
heard the patter Of little steps In the
hall, and she lifted her head expect
antly, Lillian had been spending the
day with her father.
"Oh, mammal" exclaimed the little
girl, excitedly. "I had such lovely
time. We all went on the river In a
big boat--and-"
WHO went with your" asked Edna,
quickly,
Papa and his friend"
What friendY'
"A new friend, Jessie"
Lillian" she said, angrily, don't
ever mention that Jessie's name TO me
again"
Jessie was lovely to mel like
Jessiel"
SO the intriguing Jessie was winning
her chlld's affections as we'll as her
husbands, She decided that she would
not allow the child to 20 to her father
again She spent a miserable night
When the summons came for Lillian
again the next morning, Edna, who
loved her child passionately, had not
the heart TO refuse Lillian's pleading,
Towards dusk as she was beginning
10 be anxious at Lillian's prolonged
absence, Doctor Brandon, an old
friend, was announced.
why, DOCTOR" abe cried, delighted.
ly, 'T didn't know you had returned,
II came homo a few days ago and
have been trying TO call, but have
been prevented. Are you quite wellH"
he asked,
"Oh, yes, very well want you to
stay until Lillian comes. She has
grown 90"
II came TO tell you about Lillian
have Just come from--ber fathers,
She Ia slightly ill-no, don't be
alarmed, res very slight disorder,
but the weather has changed no sud.
denly, thought II prudent for her 10
remain Indoors for day or two, She
wants you--ln fact, won't stay tonight
without you, May take you back
with meY My carriage Ia here"
Doctor Brandon" she exclaimed,
ian't you first name Jesee1"
why, yea he replied IN surprise
And we're you up the river With
Walter and Lillian yesterday"
Yes the child asked me what my
name was and told her jesse and
she proceeded TO call mo that TO my
delight and her fathers distress"
He wondered at the radiant face I'D.
lifted, As they came into Walters
apartments she heard a door open,
Walter" she said yenrningly, ~
know now how you felt about
Billy"
Dear" he said when she was 70.
leased from his embrace, Twill YOU
stop those awful proeeedinss7"
Darling, ! never began thoml Il
simply couldn't"
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