Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1915-02-12
she finally managed to ger the word

out.
"Auntie!" 1t was not necessary for
Hayes to feign surprise. for, although
he knew the situation, he had been
confident that such a thought had
never entered Mary SHADES pure-mind-
ed thoughts.
The pent-up emotion OF days broke
and Mary sank sobbing into chair,
burying her face in her hands With
the expression of the thought that
heretofore she had never admitted
even to herself, her self-control van
ished and she cried out desperately:
We'll, what do you think he wanted
that divorce for so suddenly"
People usually do get divorced
when they can't get on, don't they?
Hayes was willing to lie to shield her
from the knowledge that he knew
would be the bitterest part of all the
wormwo6d that she had already tasted.
Sometimes | wonder" Mary con-
tinued reaectiyely, sometimes I'm
almost positive that--No! Slade isn't
that sort of man. My husband isn't
| that sort of man, Rob.
mo, OF course he isn't"
You didn't know what l was going
to say" she objected. .....-
Yes, | did. About women"
He never noticed any other WON
an" she told herself positively.
NO" Hayes agreed.
"You haven't heard of anything like
that. have your" she questioned.
mo, no. haven't" Hayes was f1nd.
ing the cross-examination extremely
trying, convinced as he was that Mary
must be saved from the knowledge OF
Katherine at any cost III there were
anything, you'd hear it. Don't worry"
Robert" and she looked at him In
tsntly. Would you tell me If"
mo. / would not!" asserted Hayes
vigorously. Haven't you got enough
trouble now?"
"But, Robert, you are my frieno'
aren't you? You ought to"
a He was saved from any further
questions along that unwelcome line
by the bound Of the doorbell and .
moment later Merritt opened the door
without ceremony.
WE'LL" Hayes was far from cor
dial.
81 beg your pardon for entering 10
: abruptly" Merritt was the same old
: talkative, suave, good-fellow, Tm-your-
} friend Merritt, but was bound to see
: Mrs. Slade. I'm for the Slade family
but I'm for all the Slade family, SO
hope you won't make stranger OF
me-"
, Mary was politely Indifferent and
Hayes, with back turned. was tapping
: his foot uneasily on the floor. Alto
, pether not the warmest welcome
4 man ever received.
Y This man is likely to publish any
t thing you may say, auntie," hayea
y warned over his shoulder.
8 "Oh, come now. Hayes" objected
h Merritt, Pm here on perfectl!
8 friendly visit. l well remember THU
l. little place." and he looked about. :"
G stopped here some years ago and MI
Slade brought us a drink of water
: Slade was in his shirtsleeves, l re
+ member Big man, Slade!" and h
eyed Mrs. Slade inquiringly. Bill
d mani" he exclaimed again as Mar.
J. remained silent, her features giyinl
d no clew to her feelings.
It We'll, my wife has gone OF to Eu
rope on a long-extended tour" Mel
h rift was determined to make converss
l. ton II he had to do 1t alone. TN
Quite alone. In fact, we're in the sam
e bcat-alone." /.
n I'm not" Hayes burst forth
ID Thank God, I've got my troubles. bu
I'm not married, SO I'm not quit
10 alone"
u Merritt laughed good-naturedly, gla
at any kind of response.
I'd Pardon me, Hayes" he cleared hi
at throat nervously I'D like to talk wit
Mrs. Slade.'
y. "Oh, all right" and with his hand
er thrust into his pockets. Hayes strolle
I'd leisurely into the kitchen.
rt my dear little woman" Merritt b
to gan in his most engaging manner, .
n soon as Hayes had left the room. "Yo
IS have my deepest sympathy and mo
i'd profound respect Your position
touching, If you'll excuse me for 50
ut ing it. l can see your side OF 1t, to
w. Now the point is this: A week al
let when you called at the senator's nous
Mt Slade had just said you we're goil
Ike East to live permanently. ! must 81
to very few women-very few-would \
lat as much for a man. For instance, MI
g." Merritt, | know, wouldn't | needl
gu tell you that the whole community W
to admire you for your reserved dignity
les II you go, Mrs. Slade."
ut Pm not going" Mary's voice "
be- ominously quiet.
Ter You're going to oppose the
led vorce?"
be yes" came the soft answer.
n" (TO BE CONTINUED)