Middletown transcript., 1914-11-07
CHAPTER xv-contlnued.

1ooklng at II from the outsiders point
OF view. Honestly" he continued
warmly, II haven't a thought in the
world that you have done anything
wrong, but you may have blundered,
and, Jane, when a poor mans wife Sc
cretly meets rich man in her hus-
bands absence, it's going to take a lot
Of love to make him overlook 1t, and a
lot more to keep him. from guessing
at what's been going on"
His hand was still on the door
knob.
Don't you think I had better gOr"
he insisted.
"No, l don't"
The sound of footsteps on the walk
told them that further argument was
useless. 1t was Reynolds. He greeted
them both and came forward to kiss
his wife.
Why, how fine you look. honey" he
said. Were you going out?"
He stood surveying her hat, her
face, her dress down to her well-shod
feet, as one might look over the fine
parts of a thoroughbred. And that
is what she was.
Pretty fine looking wife I've got,
eh. Dick?" he said, not facetiously, but
with trace of real pride.
There's no doubt about that" the
reporter agreed.
And pretty finely decked out. too.
Moboa oil fhora fbinoo horoaIF dons4
see how she does it, but she does"
Ostensibly to light cigarette, Dick
turned away. He could not face his
friend or Jane while Reynolds spoke
those words that so palpably betrayed
his wife's deception. His heart went
out to Bob. Who does not feel an
aching throb for the blinded husband;
the big man, good and true, who boasts
Of wife's enterprise nd loyalty when
his head should droop with hers for
shame? Dick. thought of Brand and
felt the rushing of his blood through
out his veins. If the millionaire had
stepped in at that instant he might
have had need Of more than suavity to
save him from a fate that was justly
his.
Reynolds, oblivious to all these
thoughts, addressed his wife:
Don't let US interfere with your aft
ernoon, dear" he continued. Dick
and ! are going to work here, so you
just toddle right along. Come on, my
philologist," he said to Dick, here's
material for your talents and it's a
good two-hour job
He deposited on the table a bundle
of reports and maps and drew up two
chairs.
What is the idea, Bob?" asked Jane.
Il didn't know you had taken Dick
into partnership"
Nor have l. but he has consented
to share a few Of the wonderful
phrases that he wastes on desert air
and turn them to some purpose. He's
going to help me draw up a fnal re-
port on the Pecos dam. It's nv big.
gest job and want to make It sound
impressiVe-a sort Of literary classic.
you know
A ring at the door startled Dick and
Jane.
''fll 90" she said quickly, but Rev.
nolds interposed. He stepped to the
door and admitted Mrs. Collins. The
scene was setting rapidly, but the vii
lain seemed to have missed his cue.
He was late.
why, Mr.. Reynolds" exclaimed her
buxom neighbor, aren't you home
early? Looks like it's going to be
quite a party" She looked at Jane,
but found no enlightenment there.
We'll, here am" she continued.
Its the best l can do, getting ready
in a minute. Hasn't Mr.. Brand come
yeti"
Reynolds, bending over the papers
at the table. started slightly at the
question and paused as If doubling
whether he had heard Alright. The
smile died from his face and lie looked
up, not at Jane, but at Dick. The
reporters face was blank.
We'll, maybe he isn't coming now"
Mrs. Collins added, and to Jane. shall
go?"
"oh. no." Reynolds interpolated
He's coming. He was de-
layed a little"
He was smiling now. He looked at
his wife.
ou see met him jest before / left
the office. don't know. though
whether he car take you riding or
not"
Jane was white. Her voice came as
cold as ice.
Why not?" she asked.
why, you see. Brand has an ap-
pointment here with Dick and me-a
business appointment, am sure he
viii be very much occupied. But I
dun't want you and Mrs. Collins TO lose
your ride. Brand Will lend you his
car"
mo think 1li be going. said Mrs !