Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-06-19

the door when he entered to enjoy
the charm OF her, then he crossed to
her side with all lovers eagernesss.
Her eyes beamed on him with tend
erness as she welcomed him and gave
him her lips.
How much do you love me?' she
queried, measuring an inhniteslmal
space with her tiny hands, That
much"-then, stretching her two
arms wide and purring forth her
musical laugh-"Or that much?"
Freneau came within the circle Of
her arms, holding her to him, ex-
claimed: THE width of the whole
world is not big enough to measure
my love for you" And he meant it..
Releasing her tenderly to her pill
lows on the couch, he continued: I've
had such a wonderful day on the
market, Gloria. | cleaned up pile.
By Jove, it was thrilling. If | can
only keep this up you won't have to
be ashamed of your poor husband.
And, thank God, | shall have you to
work for Just see what I've brought
my little mascot with the first spolls
of war" He tossed leather case
into her lap.
Opening two shrine-like doors,
Gloria gurgled in delight at the string
of pearls within. She made him clasp
them about her throat. Then she
leaned forward to thank him with a
kiss: she saw the corner of a large
sealed envelope in his inner pocket
She pulled it forth impudently.
Whats this? More business, or
love letters2"
A dull NOTED red began to surge
up Freneau's face. She spoke SC
much truer than she knew. 1t was
the packet of letters he was taking
to Lois. He had pocketed them to
make sure that he should not leave
them behind.
Gust business documents connected
with my trip" ne said, as naturally
rs he could Gloria accepted the ex-
PLANTATION in perfect faith. 1t, did not
occur to her to suspect him of any
deciet. She put the envelope back
in his pocket, making a little gesture
of disgust, ugh! l hate your old
business! How long must you be
away"
Zone whole week, dearest little
love-" he murmered brokenly. I'm
afraid it will never pass for me, but
take good care of your precious self
and get those wonderful roses back in
your cheeks. | will write and tele-
graph you every day"
Then his face darkened and he
hung his head before her as he
added: 81 can't give you any address
to write to me, as | shall be jumping
about so, but I'll telephone you"
When the hour grew late and the
nurse began to frown he told her
he must leave. She stood up sadly
and they chung together for last
embrace. He felt that he could moi
let her go. The cup of his happiness
was a cup of bitterness filled with
the dregs of his own perhdy.
Freneau went to his rooms in a
new mood. Gloria's trust had touched
him more than Royce's threats. He
was furious at himself and at Lois
He started to the telephone to cal
her up and tell her to do her worst
he would not go away~with her. A:
he was about to take the receiver of
the hook he looked at his watch. Il
was late; she would have started fol
their trysting place by now. He
caught a glimpse of himself in q
mirror and loathed the face he saw
He vowed that he would redeem hi:
soul. He would begin at once. He
would meet Lois at the pavilion ano
tell her that he would carry no fur
Their the chains of intrigue.
On his way to the little classic
stone pavilion near the Soldiers anc
Sailors monument, where Lois hac
agreed to meet him, his car broke
down. He took that as further rea
son for not making the journey. H.
left the chauffeur to correct The
trouble and went ahead on foot.
Gloria had retired after Frenea,
left her, but lay tossing about or
her pillows unable to sleep. The moor