Tombstone epitaph. (Tombstone, Ariz.) 1887-current, 1916-01-02
i love you. Lydia Why don't you
believe me?"
Because you haven't proved it,"
How can | prove it,"
sCfxa mo the fnrmuia


In her apartment in the town Lydia
was enjoying her afternoon cigarette
the next day when the maid showed
Mrs. Strange in. Lydia. who OF course
could not refuse to see her, prepared
uncomfortably for the interview.
While she was dressing she pictured
in her mind some awkward country
woman. some "gawk" Of a creature, as
she phrased it to herself. She was
surprised at the refined. delicate little
woman who stood before her.
She bowed Mrs. Stranger" she in
Quired.
Doris stood looking at her steadily
her hands clasped in front of her. DO
you love my husband" she asked.
Lydia Emmons, entirely at loss
how to answer, remained silent.
Il have not come to you to make
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. IL you want
each other, or give him back TO ne?"
wept Doris.
LYDIA looked at her. and an intense
curiosity stirred in her. She put her
hands upon the other voman's shout
ders.
your" she asked. He is not worthy
of you"
He is He isl" cried Doris indig-
nantly. 1t 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. | 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 resent
full child.
Very bad? Thoroughly vicious
and depraved2"
i don't pay heed 10 gossip unless
| have to. But people in our circles
are talking. That was why came to
you"
What would she think IL she knew
what Mortimer had asked her? Lydia
was suddenly appalled,.
Mrs Strange" she said quietly. Il
am not what the world would call a
good woman. ! suppose. Maybe am
naturally bad. or maybe never had
a dogs chance when l was girl But
/ am not as bad as some think. Do
4 you know, ] have often wanted an op.
| portunity to make some sacrifice, 10
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.
fdence.
''Oh. believe in you" she cried. Il
| am so sorry for what / said. You are
a good woman. and l shall tell every
body So
Lydia smiled and kissed her.
|
On the veranda of the club MORT.
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. Il was
growing dark, and a sort OF faded TO.
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 on her
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. 81
have brought the proof with me-tht
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 OF
the Reich company could not effect is
yours. You shall keep IT. and the pro
ceeds. as the proof OF my love"
'Morty." said Lydia quietly. did
you ever tell any other woman that
you loved herr"
Not as I 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 in
the world. and are the least deserving
of her" she answered. You are a
fool, Morty, Just a common little fool