The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-04-24

her." she went on, still watching MN
through half closed eyes. WAS she |
unfaithful to you? Was"
Good God, Yvonne!" he cried, an
angry light jumping into his eyes-the
eyes that so recently had been ablaze
with love.
I'VE must never speak of-of that
again." he said, a queer note OF hoarse-
ness in his voice. Never, do you I'M
derstand?" He was very much shaken.
Forgive me-" she pleaded, stretch
ing out her hand to him. Il am fool
ish, but | did not dream that was be-
ing cruel or unkind. Perhaps, dear,
il is because | am-jealous."
There is no one-nothtng to be
jealous Of" he said, passing hand
over his moist brow. Then he drew
nearer and took her hand in his. He
lounged again on the arm of her chair.
She leaned back and sighed contented-
ly. the smile on her red lips growing
sweeter with each breath that she
took. He felt the blood warming once
more in his veins.
For a long time they sat thus, look
| ing into each others eyes without
speaking. He was trying to fathom
the mystery that lurked at the bottom
of those smiling wells; she, on the
other hand, deluded herself with the
idea that she was reading his inner
most thoughts.
| 81 have been considering the advis-
ability of sending Frederic abroad for
a year or two" said he at last.
| She started. She had been far from
right in her reading. Nov? This
winter"
Yes. He has never been abroad"
Indeed? And he is half European,
too. 1t seems-forgive me, James.
Really, you know, cannot always
keep my thoughts from slipping out.
You shouldn't expect 1t, dear"
Il suppose 1t is only natural that
you should inquire" he said resignedly.
"Of my servants" she added point
eddy.
He flushed slightly. 81 dare say I
deserve the rebuke. It will not be
necessary to pursue that line of in
quiry, however. / shall tell you the
story myself some day. Yvonne. VIII
you not bear with met"
She met the earnest appeal in his
eyes with a slight frown Of annoyance.
who is to tell me the wife's side
of the story?"
The question was like blow to him.
He stared at her as II he had not heard
Alright. Before he could speak, she
went on coolly:
Il dare say there are two sides to
1t, James. It's usually the case"
He WINGED. There is but one side
to this one" he said, harsh note in
his voice.
"That is why l began my inquiries
with Mrs. Desmond" she said enig-
matically. But sha'n't pursue them
any farther. You love me; that is all
care to know-or that require"
81 do love you." he said, almost i'm
ploringly.
She stroked his gaunt cheek. Then
we may let the other woman-go
hang, eh?"
He felt the cold sweat start on his
brow. Her callous remark slashed his
finer sensibilities like the thrust Of q
dagger. He tried to laugh. but only
succeeded in producing q painful gri.
mace.
And now" she went on. a. II the
matter were fully disposed of, I'VE will
, discuss something tangible. Ell! Fred
eric"
"Yes," said he, rather dazedly
Frederic"
II am very. very fond Of your son
James," she said. How proud yoy
must be to have such q son."
: He eyed her narrowly. How much
]. Of the horrid story did she know? How
much Of it had John Desmond told Il
D his wife?
!, 81 am surprised at your liking him
: Yvonne. He Is what I'd call q din
cult young man."
3 Il haven't found him difficult"
Morbid and unresponsive."
q mot by nature. however. There 4
q joyousness, light-heartedness II
his character that mas never got be
r yond the surface until now, James,"
Until now?"
r Eyes. And you talk Of sending hin
away. Why?"
. He has wanted to 60 abroad 70
:. years. This Is a convenient time 70
l. him to CO."
But l am quite sure he will no
r care to 60 at present-not for awhile
at least"
Q And why not, msy I ask"
Because he Ia In love-"
Q 1n Lowell" he exclaimed, his Jaw se,
:, ting hard.
K HE is in love with Lydia"
q 'T1l put a stop to thati"
t And why, may aski" oh
a mimicked.
n "Because-why-"hs burst out, bu
/. instantly collected himself. HE 1
y not in a position to marry. that's oil"
o "Financiallyf"
He swallowed hard. yes"
r "Poof!" she exclaimed, dismissin
D the obstacle with a wave of her sir
b hand. "A cigarette, please. There
another reason why he shouldn't go
d an excellent one"
a THE reason you've already given
sufficient to convince me that he ough
l.