Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1915-01-08

she -Ansiiy managed - ga he vsrl
out.
"Auntisi" II was not necessary for
Hayes 10 fsign surprise. for, although
he knew the situation, he had been
confident that such . thought had
never entered Mary SHADES purs-mind-
cd thoughts.
The psnt-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 30 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
wormwood that she had already tasted.
Sometimes l wonder" Mary con-
tinued. renectively, sometimes I'm
almost positive that-No! Slade isn't
that sort Of . man. My husband isn't
that sort Of q man. Rob-"
"No, OF course he isn't"
You didn't know what was going
to say" she objected.
"Yes, I did. About women"
HE never noticed any other wom'
an" she told herself positively.
NO." Hayes agreed.
you haven't heard Of anything like
that. have your" she questioned.
mo. no, I haven't" Hayes was nnd.
ing the REORGANIZATION 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
tently. Would you tell me If"
mo. | would mott" asserted Hayes
vigorously. Haven't you got enough
trouble nowY"
But Robert, you are my friend
aren't your You ought to"
He was saved from any further
questions along that unwslcoms line
by the sound OF the doorbell and q
moment later Merritt opened the door
without ceremony.
Welt" Hayes was far from cor
dial.
"I beg your pardon for entering &C
abruptly" Merritt was the same old
talkative. suave. good-fellow. I'm-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 oi
me-"
Mary was politely Indifferent and
Hayes. with back turned. was tapping
his foot uneaBily on the noor Alto
gether not the warmsst welcome Q
man ever received.
This man 10 likely to publish any
thing you may say. auntie." Hayes
warned over his shoulder.
"oh. come now. Hayes" objected
Merritt. I'm here on perfectly
friendly visit well remember thit
little place." and he looked about. 20
stopped here some years ago and Mr.
Slade brought US . drink Of water
slade was in his shirtsleeves, / rs
member Big man. slads!" and hs
eyed Mrs. Blads inquiringly. "Bis
mani" he exclaimed again a. Mary
remained silent. her features giving
no clew to her feelings.
We'll. my wife has gone OF TO Eu'
rope on q long-eItended tour" Msr
ritt was determined TO make converse
tion II he had to do Il alone. I'm
quite alone. In fact. we're In the same
boat-alone."
I'm not" Hayes burst forth
Thank God. I've got my troubles. but
I'm not married. so I'm not quite
alone"
Merritt laughed good.natursdiy, glad
at any kind Of response.
Pardon me. Hayes" he cleared his
throat nervously. I'D like to talk with
Mrs. slade."
"oh. all right" and with his hands
thrust into his pockets. Hayes strolled
leisurely into the kitchen.
MY dear little woman" Merritt be
gan In his most engaging manner. AZ
soon as Hayes had left the room. you
have my deepest sympathy and mos,
profound respect. Your position ID
touching. II you1l excuse me for say
ing It. can see your side OF II. too
Now the point 10 this: A week sgo
when you called at the senator's house
slade had Just said you were going
East TO live permanently. must say
very few women-very few-would do
as much for q man. For instance. Mrs
Merritt, know, wouldn't / needn'i
tell you that the whole community will
admire you for your reserved dignity
II you 90, Mrs. Slade."
I'm not going" Mary's voice was
ominously quiet
You're going to oppose the di
vorceT
Yes came the soft answer.
Cro BE coNTINUED)