Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1915-01-15
By GERTRUDE STEVENSON


hts Rsserved) By David Belasoo.
you about. without offending you. II
might. You see, this trouble comes
very near to us"
How does It come near to you. my
dear?" Mary interrupted.
MRS. Slade," Katherine set herself
bravely to what she knew would be
bitter task. my father is virtually
beggar. You know how we live!
People think we're rich. Well-we're
poor! We're getting poorer every day.
Every penny ie tied up in-politics.
My father was the first to see Mr.
Slades strength. He Is now living
on Mr.. Slade's future"
Mary nodded.
"Mr. Slade Is very important man"
Katherine went on, "but no matter
how much people admire him he can
easily be ruined by scandal"
81 haven't any desire to ruin my
husband" Mary protested. quickly.
mo, I'm sure you haven't" Kath-
crime was more at ease as the con-
versation progressed. But you being
here and he being a few miles away,
Of course. there's no excuse to be
offered, is there? 1t is a scandal. Po-
ltically and socially he's ruined unless
he comes back here, or you" Kath
crime paused, for the simple reason
that she didn't have the heart to fin
ish.
"Or I 60 away" Mary completed the
sentence. "Yes, and II go away
know what that means. No. I'm moi
going away. Miss Strickland. you tel
your father and his friends, from
me-"
"Oh. no-please," Katherine object
ed. II came quite alone. unknown t
him."
well, you might as well tell hin
I or anyone else that wants to know
"Oh, no, l couldn't, Mrs. Slade.
. couldn't carry any messages. ! cam
here to find out" Katherine checke,
herself. The situation was suddenl
l. becoming embarrassing.
We'll, now, you know" Mary ar
y swered, there won't be any divorce.
II see-yes-" and she took up he
gloves, preparatory to going.
I'm very sorry." Mary explained
that others should suffer throug
d this, but that's how 1t stands. Fo
!. once 1. his life Dan Slade is not g
Ing to have his own way" She smile'
!" Now, let's talk Of something else.
;" hear you draw pictures Of your dresse
10 designs. Is that one OF your ow
n gownsf"
T. "Oh, yes" Katherine replied. am
I. ably. Il often do little sketches Il
r the fashion magazines. and ! do bust
n My friends think It's fad. when {
9. matter Of fact. it's for money, Il
d. clothes and things"
1t 81 had no idea" Mary was all syr
'e pathy and understanding. You're I
Or young and need pretty things. That
8. one of the Joys I've missed-dressir
In daughter! You know" she bega
suddenly, 1--WE heard great deal
h. you. and you're not at all the your
lady l supposed you were. You're ju
rs as simple and sweet and natural
b you can be. And your affection 4
70. your fatheri"
III Mary got up and. selecting the Low
n liest rose from the cluster In the vas
carefully wiped the stem and hand,
at It to Katherine.
re Wont you stay for bit OF di
Of ner? Better have Just bite"
Il must CO." returned Katherine a
re sently. Somehow or other she hadr
ID. quite expected this sort OF visit.
,r- Il hope haven't said anything
n trouble you," she hastened to nd
ou What ] said about this running N
- Slade is Just an echo Of what b
friends say"
ad my dear child, you haven't hurt n
en- feelings. Perhaps you know son
at thing don't know?" she asked, gu
lg. denly. do sit down again. Stay ju
h. a minute. I'd like to talk some moi
You're out In the world and I'm qui
w alone. People aren't as frank wi
ot me as they might be. Suppose I
ss your mother-just let me say it-a