New Britain herald., 1916-02-15
How Jack Said "GOOd-by."

thrown Mrs. stewart did not convince Jack. I had prattled about coming to spend the night with, her because ] owed her a long visit, and it was so far from my home to hers. The eN- cuse satisfied Mrs Stewart, but Jack eyes
 This is indeed a surprise lie Sai' cordially, holding out his hand to me. ..I did not homo to see you again be- fore I sailed"
 Tt is a glad surprise TOT me- too' I could not meet his eyes
 It seemed unbelievable that l should 1neet Jack here after conquer ins my wish to go to bid him good-Dy.
 Mrs Stewart beamed upon us both. Jack was a great favorite of hers, and I knew she was very fond Of me. For some queer reason of her own she had never liked Dicky. lie mad come into my life after my mother oieu' and Jack had gone to south Anericd' Mrs. Stewart had been eVerythins that was tender and consldera'e III the days following my mothers oeath' but she had made no pretense or tax iner Dicl5v into her heart as she hao Jack.
 Tt seems like old times to see you two together she said contenteoiy. "sI'11 inst % down and arrange to have supper for Us three served up here in my sitting room. ooh fee! like seeing the boarders tonlsh' and I know you don't.
 1T am afraid I won't be able 10 stay for supper, Mrs stewart JACK said gently.
 "Why. Jack Bickett!' Mrs. Stew arts eyes were round with amaze rnent.. You told me when you came that you would
 "I know" apologetically but I nave just recollected something that must be done. I had forgotten it completely
 ''Nonsense," Mrs Stewart returned jnperiously. eff you must go, we'll Just have supper a bit earlier, that's all. You two always had healthy appetities I'll wager you are hun gry this minute, and I know I could stand a snack of something, I'll go down and stir those lazy girls up, and supper will be Up here before :ou get through saying how-do-yOu- CO properly"
 She hurried out of the door, clos ing it behind her.
 She's the same dear old hustler, isn't she ?'' tried to make my voice nCn-chalant.
 Did He Think-?"
 Jack came over to my side.
 What is the matter, Margaret?' he said tensely.
 Nothing at all." I told the false hood gallantly, but it did not con- vInce Jack
 You can't make me believe that, Margaret" he said gravely 'T know you too we'll Tell me, have you quarrelled with your husband ?'
 Jack has played the elder brother role to me for so long that the habit of obedience to him is second ma ture to me.
 "Yes,' I said faintly.
 "Over me-" The question was quick and sharp.
 l nodded.
 You showed him my letter? Of course, I wished you to do so.''
 Yes"
 How serious is the quarrel? I sec you have a bag With you.' "It depends upon my husbands attitude how serious it is re- rlied He made an issue of my rot doing something which I felt I | must do. Then he lost his temper and said things which if they are l to be repeated will keep me away | fcrever!'
 I saw Jacks fists clench, and into l his eyes there flashed a queer light. 1 I knew what it was, Before he knew I was married he had told me of his ! long, secret love for me. That he was fighting the temptation to let ! the breach between Dicky and me widen I knew as we'll as if he had l told me.
 Another moment, however and he was master of himself again. Sit down. he commanded tersely, 1 and when I had obeyed he drew a chair close to my side. My poor child,' he said tenderly, ! "I know nothing about your hus- ] land so I cannot judge this quarrel ! But I am afraid in this marriage i game you will learn that there must | be lot of giving up on both sides. , Now I know you to be absolutely truthful. Tell me, is there any possi- i rility that the overtures for recon 1 clliation ought to come from you?'
 .He told me that if I went out of
 1he door, l must go out of it fer
 good" I said hotly, and could have 1 bitten my tongue out for the words ! the next moment.
 Jack drew a long breath. i Did he think you were going tt
 see me?''
 If I Liyc-'
 II believe he had that idea, yes" ''Is he the sort of man who alway! ! says what he means or does he saH l outrageous things when he is angry ! that ht, does not mean in the 1east?' He has ;t most ungoVernable tenn | per. but he gets over the attacks quickly, and I know he doesn't mear all he says
 That settles it." Jack sprang up
 and going to a stand in the cornei Lii l.,4 l ticl-