The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1916-04-11

| -@@%~@-
man enough to enjoy the pastors dis
courses. Lawson was an educated
man. Together they had frankly dis
cussed the advantages and disadvan-
tages of crime. John Mannering was
shsewd enough to see that he could
not win a man Of intellect by plati-
tudes But all the while Lawson pre-
tended gradually to be convinced, Sc
cretly he was planning another stroke.
If only he had Elise. She had left
him six years and more. None of his
old pals could trace her. II she would
take him, he would live a decent life
for her sake. He had not many re-
grets, but the corruption Of her mind
was one of them.
And he told Mannering, hurting out
the truth. The clergyman realized
what he had not seen: The released
convict needs feminine influence, the
ministrations of some woman to re-
deem him from his tendencies. At
once he made up his mind.
Harry" he said, laying his hand
on his shoulder, come up to my house
as my guest for day or two. Well
thrash all these matters over then,
and If your wife's in the parish Wen
trace her. If she isn't-well, talk to
my wife, and get her point of view.
l always consult her about things"
You'll get me there and hold q
prayer fest over me-" growled Law
son.
Not a word, my boy. Well have
grace before meals, but you don't have
to join in. It only lasts minute, any
way And you can stay away from
bedtime prayers"
I'll come for the evening, them"
Lawson growled.
Come at five, then" said the pastor
heartily. Don't mind how you look.
Mrs. Mannering is used to my friends"
At five o'clock Lawson was at the
pastors house. The maid, who ad-
mitted him, knew all about him, evil
IDENTIFY, for she said, smilingly:
"Mr. Mannering has just had call
to go out, Mr.. Lawson, but If you'll
wait in the living room, Mrs. Manner
ing will be home in a minute"
Lawson waited. He began to feel
uncomfortable; he wished he had not
come. The hyposcrisy of his role was
getting on his nerves. And then-the
thought of Elise made him physically
Ill He wanted her with all the
strength of his better nature.
Good evening, Mr. didn't catch
your name"
A acknowledgement young woman
stood smiling before aim. He rose to
his feet sheepishly. He looked into
Elise's face. The recognition was mu-
tual.
He saw the look of horror upon her
features. She swayed, as II she were
about to faint. But he caught her in
his arms.
"Elisel You! / have wanted you
these six years. Where have you
beenP Why did you hide from me?
You are coming with me-"
She struggled free "Don't!" she
whispered. 81 am John Mannering's
wife. And he does not know"
The mans look was as wild as
hers. His wife? You divorced me?''
Eyes. l tried to be faithful, but
he-Mr. Mannering made me q good
woman. He knows / was-not every
thing good, but he does not know l
had husband. And he does not be-
lieve in divorce"
Lawson shouted exultantly. HE
doesn't! Then you are mine, Elise.
I'll tell him. Listen, now! Keep
calm! If you are changed, gone on
the good track, I'm ready to also. I'm
bit tired of the old life. Help me,
Elise, and we'll fight together"
Harry! You don't know what you
are saying. Listen, now!" she went
on rapidly. II love him. Do you I'M
derstand that? He is the only man
who has ever shown me what goodness
is. He loves me. You won't-you
won't ruin his lief wouldn't go with
you If he turned me away. You would
gain nothing. And think! He has
helped you. He has spoken of you to
me. Harry, for my sake"
why should give you up?" cried
the man brutally. Il want you. I'll
make you love me. If can't, at least
I'll smash things. I'll pay him back
In his own COIN"
Harry, you're mad! He has only
helped you. If he hadn't brought you
here you would never have known.
Harry, the-the babies are upstairs.
can't lose them. / can't-my God,
Harry, you must"
She reeled, and again he caught
her and held her. He looked incred-
ulously into her face.
Kids? Two Of themT
She nodded family. The mans pas
sion seemed suddenly to leave him.
you always wanted kids. didn't
you, Elise?" he said.
Harry" she sobbed, they are all
In the world to me-they and he"
The struggle on his face was pitiful.
Then suddenly he clapped on his hat
and strobe toward the door.
I'm going" he said, hating. "Pm
going, Elise. God bless you. And I'm
going to think Of you and-and run
straight If can"
A moment later the door had closed
behind him.
Copyright. 1916. by W. G. Chapman.)