The Dermott news. (Dermott, Ark.) 1910-1977, 1914-08-27
she finally managed to get the word


"Auntie!" 1t was not necessary for
Hayes to feign surprise. for, although
he knew the situation. he had been
confident that such a thought had
never entered Mary SHADES pure-mind-
ed thoughts
The pent-up emotion of days broke,
and Mary sank sobbing into a chair.
burying her face in her hands. With
the expression of the thought that
heretofore she had never admitted
even to herself, her self-control van
ished and she cried out desperately
Well what do you think he wanted
that divorce for so suddenly"
People usually do get divorced
when they can't get on, don't they"
Hayes was willing to lie to shield her
from the knowledge that he knew
would be the bitterest part of all the
wormwood that she had already tasted
Sometimes | wonder" Mary con.
tinued. refectively. sometimes I'm
almost positive that-No' Slade isn't
that sort OF a man. My husband isn't
that sort OF n man, Rob.
NO, OF course he isn't"
You didn't know what | WIS going
to say" she objected
Yes. l did. About women"
HE never noticed any other WON
an" she told herself positively.
No" Hayes agreed.
You haven't heard OF anything like
that. have you" she questioned.
NO. no. haven't" Hayes was ind
ing the cross-e1amination extremely
trying. convinced ~ he was that Mary
must be saved from the knowledge OF
Katherine at any cost. III there were
anything. you'd hear 1t. Don't worry. :
Robert" and she looked at him in,
tently Would you tell me If"
NO, l would mott" asserted Hayes
vigorously. Haven't you got enough
trouble now"
But Robert. you are my friend.
aren't YOU You ought to"
He was saved from any further
questions along that unwLlcome line
by the sound OF the doorbell and a
moment later Merritt opened the door
without ceremony.
Well" Hayes was far from cor
dial.
II beg your pardon for entering SO
abruptly" Merritt was the same old
laxative. suave, good-fellow. Im-your-
friend Merritt. but was bound to see
Mrs. Slade I'm for the Slade family
but I'm for all the Slade family. 30
hope you won't make stranger OF
me"
Mary was politely Indifferent and
Hayes with back turned. was tapping
his foot uneasily on the floor. Alto
gether not the warmest welcome n
man ever received
This man Is likely to publish any.
.hing you may say. auntte." Hayes
warned over his shoulder.
"Oh. come now. Hayes" objected
Merritt. I'm here on perfectly
friendly visit. | well remember this
little place." and he looked about. i
stopped here some years ago and Mr..
Slade brought US drink of water.
Slade was In his shirtsleeves. | re-
member Big man. Slade," and he
eyed Mrs. Slade inquiringly. Big
man" he exclaimed again as Mary
remained silent. her features giving
no clew to her feelings.
Well. my wife has gone OF to Eu,
rope on a long extended tour" Mer-
rift was determined to make converse.
ton II he had to do 1t alone. I'm
quite alone. In fact. we're in the same
boat-alone.
I'm not" Hayes burst forth,
Thank God. I've got my troubles. but
I'm not married. so I'm not quite
alone
Merritt laughed goodnaturedly, glad
at any kind OF response.
Pardon me- Hayes" he cleared his
throat nervously. I'D like to talk with
Mrs. Slade."
"Oh. all right" and with his hands
thrust into his pockets. Hayes strolied
leisurely into the kitchen.
MY dear little woman" Merritt be.
gan in his most engaging manner. as
soon as Hayes had left the room You
have my deepest sympathy and most
profound respect. Your position Is
touching. II you'll excuse me for say
Ing IT, | can see your side OF II. too
Now the point is this A week ago
when you called at the senator's house
Slade had just said you were going
East TO live permanently. | must say
very few women-very few-would do
as much for a man. For instance. Mre
Merritt. | know. wouldn't. needn't
tell you that the whole community will
admire you for your reserved dignity
II you go Mrs. Slade."
I'm not going" Mary's voice was
ominously quiet.
You're going TO oppose the al
vorce7'
Yes" came the soft answer.
tTO BE CONTINUED
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