The Detroit times., 1916-05-09

havior.
DR.. Clarke, following Esther into
the adjoining library. led her TO a
couch. But she protested Grossly
that -khe was not Ill enough IN lie
down. Choosing . chair, instead
she seated herself. In answer 10 her
hosts look Of puzzled inquiry. she
said:
I'm sorry to interrupt your din
ner. Please go back. told the
truth when I said I was not well
But that IL not the reason | left the
table. left because I don't like 10
dine with women who drink"
"But-" stammered the amazed
doctor.
Il am speaking OF Mrs. Sands"
went on Esther. almost hysterical
In her anger. Not content with
flirting apominably with my hus-
band. she is drinking heavily. l saw
her empty o whole glass OF wine At
single drargbt
DR. Clarke laughed aloud
why, my dear Mrs. Buliard," he
explained, that wine Is the mildes,
SORT Of Barsac. she could drink
quart Of IL without affecting her.
She -"
"The principle is the same snap
psd Esther. "aDd she was flirting
with"
Mrs. BullArc," said DIR. Clarke.
more grayely. Il ana an old man
old enough 10 be your father. ! am
interested In both George and your.
self. And l owe him my only child's
life So will you let me speak plain
ly. I've known Sylvia since she
was In pigtsfis. And there is not
IN atom Of harm in ner. She Is
eager for your husband TO make the
best OF himself But only because
she regards him as young man
with a great future She is not
liirting with him. She never bothers
10 nlrt with anybody. And. as for
her drink--why. . glass Of wine nj
thinner means nothing.
Your husband has a chace for .
wonderful career Sylvia. N I hap
pen to know. IL trying to help that
.areer along. Think twice before |
,ou antasorize her or do anything |
Use 10 injure Georges chances"
II don't want him TO succeed IL \
Ie has to owe IL to her. sobeed Es
her.
Before DR.. Clarke could answer.
Iyivia's voice came to them |
through the closed dinins-room door.
I1rx Sands was making an an |
to the whole tabieful !
M had therefore spoken more loud
y than vas her wont
IN. Billiard has just agreed to be
thief surgeon at the hospital" she
sajd Il propose . toast to his sue
less there"
The answering murmur OF approx
i and congrafulattons from the 9th
r guests was audible to Esther and |
o her host.
There said DR.. Clarke. in tri- |
'mph, that's the secret Of the 'nirta-
isn.' knew II all along. Sylvia |
old me. Isn't II splendid news
I'D rather not talk about II just |
low. II you don't mind" she an
wered stiffly.
When the others trooped into the |
library after dinner flor the men |
Id not linger. tonight. in the dining. |
oom) Billiard hurried across at once
o where his wife sat.
Grand news" he exulted. Ciori- |
,ns news. dear. I'll give you a thou
'and guesses.-
Il don't need to guess" said Es-
her. coldly. II heard your friend |
Mrs. Sands scream IL, through the
eeor. She also pro-
posed to drink in your honor. Or.
rather. in your dishonor.-
"But---Dut, Esther" ne said, crest
fallen. aren't you glad OF my ap-
Il hope you will succeed" she
kaid, but doubt whether you have
The experience for such an import.
ant post"
Put"
II don't wonder You are pleased
about H." she went on. for. Of
course. II viii bring you oftener into
cOntact with her And that seems
TO be the chief object"
"Estber." he cried, indignant.
How can you cay such an insane
thingy f."
Please take me home" she broke
In. wearily. such drinking bouts
dissust me. shall have 10 ask you
to attend these orgies without me,
after this"
Billiard made az though TO answer