Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-10-07

1
II think it's a little better. Mr.
Wright. The doctor won't let me
come to the Office this week, though
"Of course not" answered Wright
quickly. But, Miss Dean, IL I were to
call for you In my car and take you
home, don't you think you could help
me out with few letters? You know
I simply can't let anybody else know
about that matter"
why, certainly, Mr.. Wright. / am
sure l can come, IL you really need
me-"
"I'll be round In ten minutes" an
swered Wright, and telephoned for
the chauffeur.
Halt an hour later Wright was con-
graduating himself upon his move.
He could not possibly have confided
to the public stenographer that he
was heavily tied up. His wife's father,
a cautious man of business. had gone
through his books and promised him
a substantial loan. This necessitated
a good deal of correspondence, and
only Daisy could help him. Before
she left that evening 1t had been ar
ranged that he should call for her
every morning during the ensuing
week and take her home at night.
He helped her from the elevator
into the street, where his car stood
waiting, and drove her to Dotsboro.
Cadman Green. posted at his club
window, looked down upon the sight.
"The poor chaps losing his head"
ne Uttered. Woman, too, / guess.
II I was one of Wright's clients who
come to him to invest their money for
them, I'd draw 1t all out before the
inevitable--yes, sir, the inevitable
elopement"
From her window Miss Susan Min
turn watched Daisy drive up with her
employer.
TITS disgrace to the neighborhood,
Robert" she said to her brother angri-
ly. "And It's going to be stopped"
Il can't stop It," Robert muttered.
Il know you can't" said his sister.
mimicking him. But I've done 1t.
wrote an unsigned letter to Austin
Clark yesterday"
Daisy had hardly got home that eve
ming when Austin Clark appeared be-
fore her, hot, indignant and declama-
tory.
Il want to know who the fellow Isl"
he Numbered, after he had launched
forth In bitter accusation against her.
See here. Daisy" he continued, a lit
tie more mildly as he realized that he
had aroused her spirit. this thing
isn't right. You and l are engaged,
and you are seen driving out every
morning with this fellow, and he
comes home with you at night. l
know who he Is, too. l can put things
together He's Wright"
He looked at her triumphantly, as II
he had made wonderful discovery.
III you had asked me in the begin
ming should have told you that IL was
Mr.. Wright" said Daisy quietly.
"But that makes 1t worse" snarled
Austin. 'Soe here. what business
have you to let your boss drive you
around town and make a talk of you
In this way? 1t reflects on me, too.
You ought to have seen the letter I
got this morning"
From whom"
81 don't know from whom. II isn't
signed. People don't sign that sort
OF letter"
And you dare-~you dare to make
such accusations against me on the
strength Of an anonymous letter. Aus.
TIM"
She would not dream now OF telling
him the simple explanation. The
thought that he should have listened
to invidious gossip instead of trying
to protect her was maddening She
drew his ring off her finger
II think we made a mistake, Aus.
tin" she said.
He swung upon his heel. 81 think
so. too" he answered with bitter en-
phasis. and slammed the door behind
him.
Daisy. with compressed lips, sat
brooding over his treatment of her
She was stunned by the malignity that
seemed suddenly to envelop her. But
she would fight 1t down. Her anxiety
over her employers affairs. her de-
sire to be loyal to him forbade any
other course. And never should he
know what she had suffered because
of him
She let him drive her to and from
the office for days. even after she
was able to walk That was youths
| unwise reply to envy. And daily Cad
man Green. seated at the club win,
dow. watched and waited for the elope
ment. Gradually. too. the news per
meated the gossipy little town
Wright alone remained serenely in liz,
norance Of what was being said All
he knew was that his wifes headaches
were more frequent than usual, and
his business worries overshadowed
| that fact.
In two or three days her father had
promised to place a substantial
amount to his credit. That would en-
able him to meet his obligations
Daisy knew 1t and reioiced with him
Miss Susan, watching like a cat for
her return each night had to admit
that the girl did not look like the vic
tim OF designing scoundrel.