News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1914-10-14

Ell, Dick?" he said, not facetiously, bu
with trace of real pride.
There's no doubt about that" the
reporter agreed.
"And pretty finely decked out, too
Makes all those things herself. l don't
lsee 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
Iout 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 and loyalty when
his head should drop 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 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, heres
material for your talents and It's a
good tWohour Job"
He deposited On TIE table a bundle
of reports a1d maps and drew up two
chairs.
"What is the idea, Eoo?" asked Jane.
81 didn't know you had taken Dick
into partnership"
"Nor have l, but he has consented
to share a few OF the wonderful
phrases tina: he wastes on desert air
and turn them to some purpose. He's
going to help me draw UP final re-
port on the Pecos dana. It's my big
gest job and l want to make it sound
fmpressive-a sort CT literary classic,
you know"
A ring at the door startled Dick and
Jane.
"Tll CO." she said quickly, but Rey-
nolds interposed. lie stepped to the
door and admitted Mrs. Collins. The
scene was setting rapidly, but the viii
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 party" She looked at Jane,
but found no enlightenment there.
We'll, here l am" she continued.
'Tt's the best can do, getting ready
in 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 he looked
up, not at Jane, but at Dick. The
reporters face was blank.
well, maybe he isn't coming now"
Mrs. Collins added, and to Jane. Shall
! go?"
ooh, no." Reynolds interpolated
quickly. He's coming. He was de-
layed little"
He was smiling now. He looked at
his wife.
"You see met him just before l left
the Office. l don't know, though,
whether he can 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. l am sure he
will be very much occupied. But l
don't want you and Mrs. Collins to lose
your ride. Brand will lend you his
car"
"No, think I'll be going" said Mrs. |
Collins. Il don't think this is going |
to be a very good day for auto riding"
"Wait," Jane demanded There's |
Mr.. Brand now"
They heard the car stop in front. |
Jane started to the door.
"I'll co." said Reynolds, and his tone
suggested quite forcibly that no one
else would. The three stood as if pet
rified as he opened the door.
"What, you homer" said the aston
ished Brand.
"Then you didn't expect to see me?"
mo, and you know didn't" the mil /
1ionaire responded CURLY. He stood in
his big coat with fur cap in hand, an
Imposing figure, like some monstrous
bear at bay. He glanced from one to
the other. There was none of the
coward in Brand His sapient smile
added insult to injury.
"Quite little family gathering, he
remarked.
He looked particularly at Jane.
There was a searching keenness in
the glance as if he would ferret out
from her, if possible, the meaning of
the others presence. She met the !
stare fairly and openly without sign !
of embarrassment. If for moment
the millionaire had suspected some
trap the thought had vanished now.
He advanced and took the hand ex-
tended, then with a brief nod to Mrs.
Collins. turned to Dick.
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