Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1915-02-26
CHAPTER xI-contInued.

II came out here today to remon-
strate with you for living In this
house." slade blurted out, after
pause, "but-I've sort Of changed
my mind" and he reached for the
pickle Jar. These pickles fairly
make my mouth water. They're very
good" he went on, appreciatively.
"Well, what's changed youH" Mary
refused to be diverted by the subject
Of dinner at noon or the all-impor-
tant matter Of pickles.
"You know I'm kind Of glad to see
the place again. and you know,
like this stew" and he proceeded to
busy himself with the matter Of eat
ing-anything to gain time under
Mary's merciless, persistent question
ing.
Have a biscuit" suggested Mary,
"and-tell me why you came out
here"
Slade looked longingly toward the
window, as II he expected to find an
inspiration for q suitable answer
there.
why, the old rosebush out there
yet, holding the fort!" he exclaimed
II must have a look at It," and leav-
ing his dinner, he went over to the
| window.
Mary hurriedly refilled his plate
with stew the moment his back was
turned.
81 declared" He was still enthusing
over the rosebush. quite bush!"
He was beginning to feel more at
ease. He had the satisfied feeling
that comes to every man when his
stomach is full. He felt very benign
toward Mary, even toward Katherine
and Hayes.
I'll tell you what am going to do,
Mary" he began. "You like this
house-always did. Well, you can
stay here. l won't oppose 1t. There's
nothing in the world you want
wouldn't give you-nothing. Now
what can do for you? What eau
l."
Mary shook her head and laughed
quietly.
why, Mary" Slade was distressed
at having his patronizing advances
treated In such a manner.
"Oh, Dan, DAM" Mary laughed
mockingly, unable longer to concea
I, her feelings. Slade realized in an In
stant that Mary knew everything.
well. I'll tell you one thing!" b
3 blurted out. Il never cared buttoI
4 for that girl-if that's what yo
a mean swear / didn't"
: who said you did, DAM" Mary
A manner was provokingly calm.
|. II never did! I'm not that kind @
man. and you know It," he Pre-
a tested.
Who's accusing you? never met
toned her name. But, Dan, she's yer
young and very pretty, and l don
blame you as long as you were goin
to try another wife. You might a
4 well have had one who was youn
Y and pretty"
a Slade pooh-poohed vigorously.
- 81 hope the next one you get wi
- be Just as pretty. for your sake"
- There isn't going to be ne'
one" protested Slade. after the mai
ner OF all men.
q "oh. yes there is; you've got II
T, idea now. The mere fact that yo
- missed this time will keep you at 1t
I've got enough" Slade saw thi
!, frankness was the only way out
a. II. I'm not going to make a DEVILS
40 fool OF myself again"
Don't let your coffee get cold" r
minded Mary, tantalizingly. NO
y Dan. you wanted me to go away, al
will. I've made up my mind"
er But don't want you to go away
'n Slade demonstrated. I'VE can arranl
70 everything right here and now. Th
IS. determination Of yours is pretty su
as den. isn't it?"
wv Not as sudden as your change
40 mind when you first came into tn
'u- room today"
10 well, where are you going?"
"Oh. / don't know" Mary reptile
lit indifferently. What does become
n divorced women"
pr Now, Mary, don't talk like tina
It amt natural from you" This tir
ed Slade was doing the pleading. "Y
nd can't go Off alone like this"
ee- "oh, can't /? I could a week al
'u- or an hour ago. Why can't now7
Ill. can't wait to pack my things"
ge Slade gazed at his wife in ANA
ment. II the patient rug on whi
he had thoughtlessly trampled 80 10
had suddenly been transformed II
he snarling animal. Slade could I
ot. have been any more surprised.
sci why, Mary, see here" he beg
ed. then stopped. "oh, hi. what's
,as use? You meet me half way in
ed, way I want to live, and you'd bet
mt come home. Well open the house
he town again, and well make the b
as Of things. There! Well make
ard best OF things"
ind How can we?" argued Mary.
NOT was old-fashioned and behind
mo times and held you back week a
be why wouldn't now? Try as hard
the I might, you said couldn't help y
I'm Just the same today as I wa,
week ago. l haven't changed q
I'm Just the plain little dud alwI
was. What's true Monday is I
0eu Tuesday. We can't get back to VIII