The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-03-28

threw herself upon the couch, an ac
30 childish, so dlsdainful that FOR
full minute no one spoke. but stared
Mt her. each with a different emotion
Lydia's eyes were flashing. Her lip'
parted. but she withheld the angry
words that rose to them. Broods eX
pression changed slowly from dul
anger to one OF incredulity. which
swiftly gave way to positive JOY. His
wife was jealous!
Frederic was biting his lips nerv
ously. He allowed Lydia to pass MIN
on her way out, scarcely noticing her
80 intently was his gaze fixed upon
Yvonne. When Brood followed LYDIA
into the hall to demonstrate. the young
man sprang eagerly to his stepmoth'
er's side.
Good Lord. Yvonne," he whispered.
that was a nasty thing to say. What
lwin Lydia think? BY cad, is 1t pos
slble that YOU are Jealous? or Lydia?'
"Jealous?" cried she, struggling with
her fury. Jealous Of that girl! Poof!
why should be Jealous of her? she
hasn't the blood OF potato
Il can't understand YOU" he said In
great perplcNity. "Nou-you told me
tonight that you are not sure that
you really love him. You"
She stopped him with quick ges-
ture. Her eyes were smoldering.
Where is he? Gone away with her?
Go and look, do
They're In the hall shall take
her home. never fear. fancy he's try
ing TO explain your insinuating-"
She turned on him furiously. Are
YOU lecturing me? What n tempest in
a teapot"
"Lydia's as good as gold, She"
Then take her home at once"
sneered Yvonne. This is no place
for her"
Frederic paled. You're not trying
to say that my father would-Good
Lord Yyonne. you must be crazy
Why. that is impossible! lt-if |
thought-" He clnChed his fists and
glared over his shoulder, missing the
queer little smile that fitted across
her face.
"You do love her. then" she said,
her voice suddenly soft and caressing.
He stared at her in complete bewil'
derment
"l-I-Lord. you gave me shock.
He passed his hand across his moist
forehead 1T can't be so. Why, the
very thought of it
Il suppose shall have to apologize
to Lydia" said she, calmly. Your faith
ther will exact it OF me. and | shall
obey. Well, am sorry. How does
II sound. coming from me? I am
sorry, Lydia Do say it prettly?'
II don't understand you at all,
Yvonne. adore YOU, and yet, by
heaven, IL actually believe | hated
you just now. Listen to me; I've been
treating Lydia vilely for long, long
time. but-shes the finest, best, dear
est girl in the world lou-even YOU,
Yyoune-sha not utter word
against
Ale! What heroics." she cried
ironically. You are splendid when
YOU are angry. my son. Yes. YOU are
almost as splendid as your father. He,
too. has been angry with me. lie. too,
has made me shudder. But he, too,
has forgiven me. as YOU shall this in
stant. Say it, Freddie. You do for
give me? was mean, nasty, ugly,
vile-oh. everything that's horrld. |
take il all back. Now. be nice to me!
She laid her hand on his arm. an
appealing little Carcss that conquered
him in a flash He clasped her fingers
in his and mumbled incoherently as
he leaned forward, drawn resistlessly
nearer by strange magic that was
hers.
"You-you are wonderful" he muir
INJURED Il knew that you'd regret
what YOU said You couldn't have
meant H."
She smiled. patted his hand gently
and allowed her swimming eyes to
rest on his for an instant to complete
the conquest. Then she motioned him
away. Brood's voice was heard in the
doorway. She had, however planted
an insidious thing in Frederic'S mind,
and il would grow
Her husband re-cntered the room,
his arm linked in Lydia's. Frederic
was lighting cigarette at the table.
You did not mean all that YOU said
moment ago. Nvonne, said Brood
levelly. Lydia misinterpreted your
Jest You meant nothing unkind. |
am sure" He was looking straight
into her rebellious eyes. the last
gleam OF defiance died out OF them
as he spoke.
Il am sorry. LYDIA darling she
said. and reached out her hand to the
girl, who approached reluctantly. un-
certainly. Il confess that | was jeal-
Gus Why shouldn't be jealous
You are SO beautiful. so splendid.
She drew the girl down beside her.
Forgive me. dear" And Lydia. whose
honest heart had been so full Of re
sentiment the moment before, could