Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-03-04
CHAPTER XV--ContInusd.

: don't say you have, Jane. I'm not
accusing you of anything. am Just
cooking at 1t from the outsiders point
N view. Honestly" he continued
warmly, u haven't a thought In the
world that you have done anything
wrong, but you may have Numbered,
and, Jane. when poor mans wife Sc
Sretly meets q rich man In her hus-
bands absence, it's going to take lot
Of love TO make him overlook II, and q
hot more to keep him from guessing
1t what's been going on"
His hand was still on the door
knob.
Don't you think / had better gor"
he insisted.
mo, don't"
The sound OF footsteps on tho walk
told them that further argument was
Gseless. It was Reynolds. He greeted
them both and came forward to kiSs
his wife
Why. how fins you look, honey" he
said We're you going out?"
He stood surveying her hat. her
face, her dress down to her well-shOd
feet, aa one might look over the fine
parts Of a thoroughbred. And that
b what she was.
Pretty fine looking wife I've got,
Oh, Dick?" he said. not facstiously, but
With a trace of real pride.
There's no doubt about that" the
reporter agreed.
And pretty finely decked out, too.
Makes all those things herself. don't
see how she does It, but she does"
Ostensibly to light a cigarette, Dick
turned away. He could not face his
friend or Jane while Reynolds spoke
those words that 30 palpabIy betrayed
bis wtfe's deception. His heart went
out TO Bob Who does not feel an
aching throb for the blinded husband;
the big man. good and true, who boasts
Of wifes enterprise and loyalty when
his head should droop with hers for
Ehame1 Dick thought of Brand and
felt the rushing Of his blood through.
out his veins. II the millionaire had
stepped In at that instant he might
have had need of more than suavtty to
save him from q fate that was Justly
his
Reynolds. oblivious to all these
thoughts, addressed his wife:
Don't let US interfere with your aft.
srnoon, dear" he continued Dick
and are going to work here. 80 you
iust teddle right along Come on. my
philologist," he said to Dick, here's
material for your talents and it's a
good two-hour job"
He deposited on the table @ bundle
Of reports and maps and drew up two
chairs.
What 10 the idea, Bob ?" asked Jane.
Y didn't know you had taken Dick
INTO partnership"
Nor have l, but he has consented
10 share a few OF the wonderful
shrases that he wastes on desert air
and turn them to some purpose. He's
going to help me draw up a final re-
port on the Pecoa dam. It's my big
nest lob and | want to make II sound
lmpressive-a sort OF literary classic,
you know.
A rtnG at the door startled Dick and
Jane.
III Co." she said quickly. but Rsy-
noids interposed. He stepped TO the
door and admitted Mrs. Collins. The
scene was setting rapidly, but the viii
lain seemed to have missed his cue
He was late.
why, Mr.. Reync Ids" exclaimed her
buxom neighbor, aren't you home
sariyf LOOKS like it's going to be
suite o party" She looked at Jane.
hut found no enlightenment there.
Well, here l am" she continued
.Tts the best / can do. getting ready
h a minute. Hasn't Mr.. Brand come
yeti"
Reynolds. bending over the papers
At the table. started slightly at the
question and paused as II doubling
whether he had heard Alright. The
amtle died from his face and he looked
no, not at Jane, but st Dick. The
reportsr's face was blank
"WsTi. maybe he emit coming now,
Mrs. Callins added. and to Jane. Shall
goT"
oh, no." Rey dds tntsrDoiatsd
suickIy. "Haa ennARE. He wa 10