Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-01-14

trouble" Doris went on. But. you
see, | love Mortimer, and we have nc
children. So that will make it easier"
Easier for what?"
ITO let him divorce me-"
81 will answer you truthfully," said
Lydia. Il do not love your husband
at all"
Then why is your name coupled
with his constantly? Why does he
spend all his time with you? Oh,
won't you either take him, if you want
each other, or give him back to me?"
wept Doris.
Lydia looked at her, and an intense
curiosity stirred in her. She put her
hands upon the other woman's Shout
ders.
why does he mean so much to
you?" she asked. He is not worthy
of you"
He is! He isl" cried Doris indig.
nantly. at is | who am not worthy
of him. | have not been able to live
as he wished me to live. He is my
husband, and it is my duty to make
him happy. l want a chance to try"
Lydia Emmons was still more as
founded. "But-but | don't want to
rob you of him." she stammered. Tell
me, Mrs. Strange, what sort of woman
do people say that | ann"
Bad" sobbed Doris, like a resent
full child.
Very bad? Thoroughly vicious
and ~depraved?"
Il don't pay heed to gossip unless
! have to. But people in our circles
are talking. That was why | came to
you"
What would she think if she knew
what Mortimer had asked her? Lydia
was suddenly appalled,.
Mrs. Strange" she said quietly, II
am not what the world would call a
naturally bad, or maybe | never had
a dogs chance when | was a girl. But
| am not as bad as some think. Do
you know, | have often wanted an OPP
portunity to make some sacrifice, to
show that there is some good in me.
1t isn't much of a sacrifice so far as
your husband is concerned, Mrs.
Strange-but I'm going to make it.
am going to bring him to your feet
forever"
Doris looked up swiftly into the
others face, and she put her hands
in Lydia's with the same childlike con,
tidence-
oh, l believe in you!" she cried. 81
am so sorry for what said. You are
a good woman, and | shall tell every
body So"
Lydia smiled and kissed her.
T. 4 y
On the veranda of the club Morti.
mer Strange was waiting for Lydia
EmmOns. He had been waiting most
of his spare time during the past three
days, and he was uneasy and per.
picked at not having seen her. 1t was
growing dark, and a sort of jaded no.
nance was growing in the mans
soul.
And when at last she came the spu
rious passion that leaped up in his
heart threatened to sweep him from
his bearings. She was dressed all in
white, and there was a look IN he1
face that reminded him, though he
did not know why, of Doris in the days
Of their courtship
She sat down at his side and they
two were together at last. as Morti
mer had hoped. He took her hand.
"Lydia!" he cried ~exultantly. "a
have brought the proof with me-the
proof for which you asked"
He drew the paper from his pocket
and gave it to her.
Here is the value of a million dol
lars" he said. What the brides oil
the Relcn company could not effect is
yours. You shall keep it, and the pro
ceeds, as the proof OF my love"
"Morty," said Lydia quietly, Ibid
you ever tell any other oma that
you loved herr"
Not as | tell you" he answered.
Your wife, then. You didn't care
for her when you asked her to share
your life in the long ago."
Mortimer wriggled in his chair
why do you mention my wife?" he
asked.
Because you have the best wife il
the world, and are the least deserving
OF her." she answered. You are g
fool, Morty, just a common little fool
You are going to get the worst turn
ing down that you have eve had. You
are going to be made to see yourself
as you area little man in a big part
who has lost his bearings and taker
the spurious for the real. Go home II
your wife. Morty. and ask her forgive
ness upon your Bonded knees, because
you need it badly"
The mar rose, furious, trembling
"You led me on. ever if | am {
fool" he shouted. What was you
game. then? You have thrown away
a fortune. Where do o come in?'
Lydia laughed Jelly. 81 was prom
Used ten thousand to get this for thu
Reich company, that's ALL" she an
swered, handing him the paper.
7 NapoIeon's Brother.
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