New Britain herald., 1915-10-05
A Tense Moment.

 MadSe," said Dicky. when we had calmed down after the distressing episode from whose danger his op- portune entrance had saved me. "Lil thinks you're just about the incest little piece of calico she has ever measured-those were her own words. She's planning frolic for the crowd some night at your convenience"
 That is awfully kind of her. Where did you see her. I prided myself on my careless tone, but Dicky gave me a shrewd glance.
 ''Why at the studio, of course. Her studio is on the same floor as mine, you know. Atwood and Barker and she and I are all on one f1oor and we often have a dish of tea together when we are not rushed"
 I busted myself with the coffee ma chine until could control my voice. How I hated these glimpses of the in- innate friendship which must exist between my husband and this woman!
 "I suppose we ought to have them all over some night" I said at last, ''but I'll have to add a few things to our equipment and wait until I get a maid"
 sThat will be fne," Dicky assented cordially, pushing back his chair Did the papers come? I'll look them over for a little. Whistle when you're ready and I'll wipe the dishes for you"
 He strolled into the living room, and I suddenly remembered that l had laid my letter from Jack on the table, with it's pages scattered so that any one picking them up could not help seeing them.
 had forgotten all about the letter. I had meant to show it to Dicky af- ter I had explained about Jack. It was not quite the letter for bride groom to find without explanation. I realized that
 Dicky Finds Jacks Letter.
 could not get the letter without attracting his attention. I waited, every nerve tense, listening to the sounds in the next room. I heard the rustling of the newspapers, then sudden silence told me his atten- tion had been arrested by something. Would he read the letter? I did not
 
 was too keen for that, but I remem- bered that the last page with its signature was at the top of the sheets as I laid them down. That was enough to make any loving husband reflect bit.
 How would Dicky take it? I won- dered. I was soon to know. I heard him crush the paper in his hand, then come quickly to the kitchen. I pre- tended to be busy with the dishes, but he strode over to me and clutching me by the shoulder with a grip that hurt, he thrust the last page of the letter before my face, and said hoarse- ly:
 What does this mean
 The last words of Jacks letter danced before my eyes, Dicky's hand was shaking so.
 "Till see you, dear. Always your Jack"
 Dicky's face was not a pleasant sight. It repulsed and disgusted me subconsciously I was contrasting the way he calmly expected me to accept his friendship for Lillian Gale, and his behavior over this letter. Five minutes earlier I would have ex. plained to him fully. I resolved now to put my friendship for Jack upor the same basis as his for Mrs Under. wood
 A Comparison Strikes Home. So I looked at him cooly. Have you read the letter?'' I asked quietly You know I have not read the let. | ter,' he snarled. Tt lay on the pa- | pers. I could not help but see this l this whatever it is," he finished lame 1 ly, "and I have come straight to you l for an explanation"
 Better read the letter." I advised quietly 1T give you full permission' I could have laughed at Dickey, ii I had been less angry He was SC l like an angry, curious child in his eagerness to know everything about 1 Jack. ~ You have no brother. Is this mar I a relative" ?"
 No" I returned demurely. | An old lover then, I suppose, g confident one I should judge by the