The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-27
Il love you, Lydia. Why don't you
believe me?"
Because you haven't proved it"
"How can / prove it,"
Give me the formula"

could not refuse to see her, prepared
uncomfortably for the interview.
While she was dressing she pictured
in her mind some awkward country
woman. some "gawk" of a creature. as
, she phrased it to herself. She was
surprised at the refined, delicate little
woman who stood before her.
She bowed. Mrs. Stranger" she in.
quired.
Doris stood looking at her steadily,
her hands clasped in front of her. do
you love my husband?" she asked.
Lydia Emmons, entirely at q loss
how to answer, remained silent.
Il have not come to you to make
trouble" Doris went on. But, you
see, love Mortimer, and we have no
children. So that will make it easier"
Easier for what?"
ITO let him divorce me-"
II will answer you truthfully," said
Lydia. Il do not love your husband
at ALL"
Then why is your name coupled
with his constantly? Why does he
spend all his time with you? Oh,
won't you either take him.. if you want
each other, or give him back to me?"
wept Doris.
Lydia looked at her, and an intense
curiosity stirred in her. She put her
hands upon the other woman's Shout
ders.
why does he mean so much to
| you?" she asked. 'He is not worthy
of you"
"He is! He isl" cried Doris indig.
nantly. 1T is l who am not worthy
Of him. I have not been able to live
as he wished me to live. He is my
| husband, and it is my duty to make
him happy. want a chance to try"
Lydia Emmons was still more as
founded. "But-but | don't want to
rob you of him." she stammered. TELL
me, Mrs. Strange, what sort of woman
do people say that ann"
Bad" sobbed Doris, like a resent
full child
Very bad? Thoroughly vicious
and depraved?"
81 don't pay heed to gossip unless
have to. But people in our circles
are talking. That was why I came to
you"
What would she thi.k If she knew
what Mortimer had asked her? Lydia
was suddenly appalled,
Mrs. Strange" she said quietly, II
am not what the world would call a
good woman, l suppose. Maybe am
naturally bad, or maybe l never had
a dogs chance when I was q girl. But
l am not as bad as some think. Do
you know, I have often wanted an op-
portunity to make some sacrifice, to
show that there is some good in me.
1t isn't much of sacrifice so far as
your husband is concerned, Mrs.
Strange-but I'm going to make it.
am going to bring him to your feet
forever"
Doris looked up swiftly into the
others face, and she put her hands
in Lydia's with the same childlike con.
fidence.
ooh, believe in you!" she cried. II
am so sorry for what said. You are
good woman, and shall tell every.
body So"
Lydia smiled and kissed her.
|
On the veranda Of the club Morti
mer Strange was waiting for Lydia
Emmons. He had been waiting most
Of his spare time during the past three
days, and he was uneasy and per
picked at not having seen her. 1t wat
growing dark, and sort of jaded 70
nance was growing in the mans
soul.
And when at last she came the spu
rious passion that leaped up in his
heart threatened to sweep him from
his bearings. She was dressed all II
: white, and there was a look on hel
face that reminded him, though hi
did not know why, of Doris in the day.
Of their courtship
She sat down at his side and the.
: two we're together at last, as Morti
mer had hoped. He took her hand.
"Lydia!" he cried exultantly. &c
have brought the proof with me-th'
proof for which you asked"
He drew the paper from his poke
and gave it to her.
Here is the value of a million dol
lars" he said. What the brides o
: the Reich company could not effect II
yours. You shall keep 1t, and the pro
ceeds, as the proof of my love-"
, "Morty." said Lydia quietly. "dit
you ever tell any other woman tina
Q you loved herr"
, mot as tell you," he answered
g Your wife, then. You didn't car,
for her when you asked her to shar,
s your life In the long ago?"
Mortimer wriggled in his chair
why do you mention my wife?" h,
:. asked.
Because you have the best wife il
a the world, and are the least deserving
s Of her. she answered. You are
fool, Morty, just common little foo
o You are going to get the worst turn
S ing down that you have ever had. Yo,
# are going to be made to see yoursel
n as you area little man in big par,
l. who has lost his bearings and takel
r the spurious for the real Go home +
l. your wife. Morty, and ask her forgive
Y ness upon your Bonded knees, becaus
a you need it badly"
t The man rose. furious, trembling
e You led me on, even If | am
t. fool" he shouted. What was you
e game, then? You have thrown ava
a fortune. Where do YOU come in /?