The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-28
CHAPTER xV-Continued.

accusing you of anything. l am just looking at it from the outsiders point of view. Honestly" he continued warmly, T haven't a thought in the world that you have done anything wrong, but you may have b1undered, and, Jane, when a poor mans wife se- cretly meets rich man in her hus- bands absence, it's going to take lot of love to make him overlook it, and a lot more to keep him from guessing at what's been going on."
 His hand was still on the door knob.
 Don't you think I had better go?" he insisted
 NO, I don't"
 The sound of footsteps on the walk told them that further argument was useless. It was Reynolds. He greeted them both and came forward to kiss his wife.
 Why, how fine you look, honey" he said. Were you going out?"
 He stood surveying her hat, her face, her dress down to her well-shod feet. as one might look over the fine parts of a thoroughbred And that is what she was.
 Pretty fine looking wife I've got, eh, Dick?" he said. not facetiously, but with trace of real pride.
 There's no doubt about that" the reporter agreed.
 And pretty finely decked out, too Makes all those things herself. 1 don't see how she does it. but she does"
 Ostensibly to light cigarette, Dick turned away. He could not face his friend or Jane while Reynolds spoke those words that so palpably betrayed his wife'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 wife's enterprise and loyalty when his head should droop with hers for shame? Dick thought of Brand and felt the rushing of his blood through out his veins. If the millionaire had stepped in at that instant he might have had need of more than suavity to save him from fate that was justly his.
 Reynolds, oblivious to ell these thoughts, addressed his wife:
 Don't let us interfere with your aft ernoon, dear" he continued. Dick and l are going to work here, so you just toddle right along. Come on, my philologist," he said to Dick. here's material for your talents and it's good two-hour job"
 He deposited on the table a bundle of reports and maps and drew up two chairs.
 What Is the idea, Bob?" asked Jane. 'I didn't know you had taken Dick into partnership"
 Nor have I, but he has consented to share few of the wonderful phrases 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 Pecos dam. It's my big gest job and I want to make 1t sound impressive-a sort of literary classic. you know"
 A ring at the door startled Dick and Jane.
 "Ill go," she said quickly, but Key holds interposed. He stepped to the door and admitted Mrs. Collins. The scene was setting rapidly, but the vil- lain seemed to have missed his cue. He was late.
 Why, MT Reynolds" exclaimed her buxom neighbor. aren't you home early? Looks like it's going to be quite a party" She looked at Jane. but found no enlightenment there.
 Well, here I am" she continued. "Its the best I can do, getting ready in a minute Hasn't MT. Brand come yeti"
 Reynolds, bending over the papers at the table, started slightly at the question and paused as if doubting whether he had heard alright. The smile died from his face and he looked up, not at Jane, but at Dick. The reporters face was blank
 Well, maybe he isn't coming now," Mrs. Collins added, and to Jane. Shall go?"
 TOh, no," Reynolds interpolated quickly. "Hes coming. He was de- laYaA a little :,