El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1914-04-21
In the Web of Life
ANew Short Serial Story
By VIRGINIA TERHUNE Van DE WATER
Author of The Two Sisters" etc.

New York, but was frequent visitor in his
I aunt's home.
It was on one Of these many visits to
! HOmewood during his boyhood that he had
| met and fallen in love with Edith Hale Sc
had been mere slip of girl at that time
while he was TOO young TO think Of mar
riage. But he had waited through the wears
that she had spent with her mother in Fu-
rome finishing the education that had baen
begun in New England boarding school
The four years in Europe had been in lieu
of the college education that most girls re-
ceive. John Hale did not like women's col
leges, Vet ne wanted MS only daughter to
have all the advantages his wealth could
procure for her. This thought had recon
ciled him to -FOUR winters without his wife
and child. winters which he spent in hotel
in the city Each summer he iran across
to Europe for three months of vacation from
business and Of travel with his family
Edith Hale had been back at home but
six months when Thomas Merton asked her
three months before she gave him a definite
answer. He was sure that his fate rested
entirely with her for blunt John Hale had
granted him permission to seek Edith's hand
when Tom with old fashioned ideas Of what
of his love for her. At the end Of their con-
fidentiaI talk together John Hale laid a
kindly hand on Toms shoulder.
moist 4 have always dreaded parting from
my girl but il she must marry, and I sup
nose girls will do it'-with an attempt at
y Iaugh-"I would rather that it shouid he
to you than to any one else"
''You honor me very highly, sir" Tom
worthy the trust you have in me"
L do honor you" the elderly man said
'fOr no higher honor could be shown any
man than to trust him with the happiness
Of such a girl Edith-my only girl too
remember. But I'm glad it's you, Tom, and
I don't say it because you had q little money
left to you By your father, nor because you
are making comfortable living from your
business, but because you are a gentleman
by birth and at heart
Il used to be afraid that Edith might
take a fancy to Ralph. They have known
each other since they were children, you
know, although his absence at college and her
absence in Europe kept them apart a good
deal. Yet rather suspected the lad was in
love with her, but discouraged him by
never approve Of that match.
a sGSi that that you are fond of him and
all that, but Tom, he lacks stabil-
ity. He has no definite business, though he
plays at the law little but ne IS too Will
ing to have his mother support him And
don't like his principles, my boy, nor his
This conversation had taken place some
weeks before Tom Morton started for Bal
timore to pay Ralph's debt to Mr. Price He
recalled it as he telephOned to the Hale
home after Ralph had left him. Tom Nor
ton and Edith Hale had been engaged now
for q fortnight. 1t was Constance Medford
who answered the telephone She would
call Edith at once, she said But he checked
her TO ask a question first
Constance" he said, Edith is well and
happy. isn't she 90
''Why. Of course she is" Constance re-
piled. ''Why shouldn't she Beg"
Thee man laughed nervOusiy- oh. I don't
know, only / have just had disappoInt-
ment and it has upset me a little perhaps
find myself called out OF town on bust
ness. I viii tell Edith this myself. but
just thought would mention it to you now.
for If she is depressed or disappointed you
viii cheer her. 1 know"
"Of course, will try to-" the girl agreed
reassuringly. Now wait while call Edith
minute later the listener at the New
York end Of the wire heard the voice OF the
girl he loved
Yes" said the voice. you want to
speak to me, Tom2 Aren't you coming out
TO dinner2''
Il can't. Edith" he replied guardedly,
mindful Of chance listeners on the wire
Business takes me out OF town tonight
"Cht' There was q note OF mingled sur
prise and regret in the sweet voice. Cant
You put 1t Off Surely what you and I were
going to talk about IS more important than
any old business. isn't it2'
TO us-yes indeed it is" the man said
with tender laugh. ''but-I simply have
to 90 away Edith. I'll be back in plenty OF