The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1916-11-08
SUPPER FOR TWO
BY EARL sILVERs.

VI qhlbc u AAAht bNAcAN 7'''
engaged to Jack Abbott, Olive Akin
son had displayed a cordial liking for
Bert Overton. But after she had given
her word to Jack, Bert had gradually
been forgotten, until. shortly after her
marriage, his name was little more
than a memory. But Jack Abbott
nursed a deep resentment toward the
man he had defeated in the race for
olives hand.
81 never liked him and / never
will" he said. 81 hope that we shall
never see him again"
There is really no need to worry.
Dsirs. Jack answered, placidly. Bert
has gone into business in Chicago and
doesn't expect to come East for
years"
After that the other mans name
was not mentioned in the Abbott
household. Mr.. and Mrs. Jack lived
in blissful peace.
But one afternoon ia early summer
Mr.. Jack reached bone at about
three O'Clock. He had hoped TO find
Olive ready and willing for set or
two of tennis before supper, but he
was doomed TO disappointment. No
Olive awaited him.
Did Mrs. Abbott say where she was
going7' he asked the maid.
Eyes, SIR" the girl answered. shes
gone to the city and will not he back
until this evening. She told me to
tell you that you had better eat supper
alone"
Mr.. Jack frowned. Tennis seemed
suddenly TO have lost its charm, 50 he
wandered into the library in search
of book with which TO while away
the time On the open desk in the
corner he saw letter addressed to
his wife. The handwriting looked I'M
familiar. and he absentmindedly
picked up the envelope. Moved by
sudden impulse, he slipped out the
single sheet Of paper Il contained and
glanced over Its contents.
Suddenly his eyes contracted his
lips forming in a straight. thin line.
He read the letter carefully, from be-
ginning to end. an expression Of won
der on his clean-cut face.
Dear Olive" he read. Il shall be in
New York wednesday for a days Wis
IT, Then l must hurry back to Chi
cago. But before / go. l simply must
see you. VIII you meet me at Man
ley's at four o'clock? We can have II
little supper for two and talk over Old
times. Hurriedly yours. Bert"
For a long time Mr.. Jack Abbott
gazed at the writing before him. II
seemed hard to believe that his wife
would disregard his wishes; would uc-
cept an Invitation from man whom
she knew he did not approve or But
she had done It. The letter and her
absence were conclusive evidence.
Mr.. Jack neither read nor played
that afternoon. lie walked from the
library to the porch and into the IL
brary again.
When Mrs. Jack reached home. he
had worked himself into an unusual
state Of mind. But he resolved to be
calm
Hello, dearr" There was not the
slightest hint of guilt in Mrs. Jacks
big blue eyes. am sorry 1 couldn't
get home. but / promised II very dear
friend that l would dine out"
Where did you go2'
To Manley's."
"Oh, supper for two eh7" He
could not keep the sneer out Of his
voice. and she looked at him In won
der.
whats the matter, dear?' she
asked. Didn't you want me to COR
He smiled grimly ut her apparent
innocence.
You know how | feel about such
things" he answered, with n, hint of
dignity in his tone.
Il didn't think you'd care at ALL
She seemed puzzled.
Didn't think I'd care" He flushed
angrily.
"Other people do It," Her tone wns
, a trife defiant. II don't see why I
should not?"
Yes" he said cynically, sin these
modern times woman may do al
most anything. But you know how 1
feel toward the man, and | think that
you might at least have said some
thing to me about it before meeting
him"
Il don't know what you mean She
looked at him wonderingly.
There's no use in beating about the
bush" He arose. Perhaps 1 shouldn't
nave done It, but l read letter Of