Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1915-02-19
oopyrdsha lsa PubnoatOn Rights Rsserved) by David BeiasOo.

you ABOUT, without you, IL !
might. You see, this trouble comes
very near to US"
How does it come nea to you. my
dear?" Mary interrupted.
Mrs. Slade," Katherine set herself
bravely to what she knew would be
a bitter task. my father is virtually
a beggar. You know how we live!
People think we're rich. Well-we're
poor! We're getting poorer every day.
Every penny Is tied up in-politics.
My father was the first to see Mr.
SHADES strength. He is now living
on Mr.. SHADES future"
Mary nodded.
Mr.. Slade is a very important man."
Katherine went on, but no matter
how much people admire him he a
easily be ruined by a 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 nc excuse to be
offered, is there? 1t is a scandal. Po-
l~itically 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 l go away" Mary completed the
sentence. yes, and if l go away
know what that a No. I'm not
going away. Miss Strickland, you tell
your father and his friends, from
me-"
"Oh. no-please," Katherine object
ed. Il came quite alone, unknown to
him"
We'll, you might as well tell him
or anyone else that wants to know"
"Oh, no, l couldn't, Mrs. Slade. I
couldn't carry any messages. l came
here to find out" Katherine checked
herself. The situation was suddenly
becoming embarrassing.
We'll, now, you know" Mary an
swered, there won't be any divorce"
II see-yes-" and she took up her
gloves, preparatory to going.
I'm very SORRY" Mary explained,
that others should suffer through
this, but that's how it stands. For
once in his life Dan Slade is not 60
ing to have his own way" She smiled.
Nov, let's talk of something else. l
hear you draw pictures of your dresses
designs. Is that one of your own
gowns?"
"Oh, yes," Katherine replied, ami
ably. II often do little sketches for
the fashion magazines, and do busts.
a matter of fact, it's for money, for
clothes and things"
Il had no idea" Mary a all sym
pathy and understanding. You're so
young and need pretty things. That's
n of the joys I've missed-dressing
a daughter! You know" she began.
suddenly, Tive heard a great deal of
you. and you're not at all the young
lady l supposed you were. You're just
as simple and sweet and natural as
you a be. And your affection for
your father!"
Mary got up and, selecting the love-
lest rose from the cluster in the vase,
carefully wiped the stem and handed
it to Katherine.
Wont you stay for a bit of din
ner? Better have just a bite"
81 must CO." returned Katherine alb
sently. Somehow or other she hadn't
quite expected this sort of a visit.
II hope l haven't said anything to
trouble you," she fastened to add.
What ! said about this running Mr..
Slade is just an echo of what his
friends say"
MY dear child, you haven't hurt my
feelings. Perhaps you know some
thing I don't known" she asked, sud.
denly. do sit down again. Stay Just
a minute. I'd like to talk some more,
You're out in the world and I'm quite
alone. People aren't as frank with
me as they might be. Suppose I'm
your mother-just let me say it--and