The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1916-02-22

platonic infatuations, and the only
aftermath was a little extra devotion,
following upon few days of slight
enlargement. That was generally all
that told her that some passing fancy
had captivated her husbands brilliant
imagination, and Tom knew that she
knew 1t. When his first enthusiasm
about Hiloa Lagarde was followed by
an equally striking silence Mildred
Benton knew all was not well.
All was far from well, for Toms
platonic infatuation was rapidly de-
veloping iFto serious thing. Gossip
ing women spoke of Tom and Hilda.
Mildred went to Joe and Jenny.
Jenny was Joe's wife, and Joe was
Toms twin. The only noticeable thing
by which they could be distinguished
was that Joe had mustache, while
Tom had none. Joe had business
and was not in the least brilliant, but
he had no platonic tendencies at all,
and Jenny and he adored each other.
Mildred had never hidden from them
S~AAJ VA AACA A0oOd4O LCOulluk6.
It's dreadful, Joe," said his sister
in-law. "Of course, I'm not Jealous,
like some women, and l know he'll
come back to me, ashamed of himself
in few weeks, but hate to think that
my husband can find any woman at
tractive except myself, especially that
widow"
why don't you make her acquaint-
Hnce?" asked Jenny.
What! That creature? Why, II
couldn't respect myself if ever she set
foot inside my house."
/ Joe and Jenny had long talk with
Mildred. They pointed out the neces-
sity Of taking action. In fact, they
had both heard that Toms infatuation
was a serious thing, though neither
told Mildred of that. In the end Mil
dred succumbed to their suggestions
and placed herself in their hands.
Mrs. Hilda Lagarde received letter
the next dry, written in the incest
vein. Would she give the writer the
pleasure of her company to dinner on
the following evening at seven o'clock?
Mrs. Benton had heard SO much about
Mrs. Lagarde from her husband that
she felt they ought to know each
other.
Hilda Lagarde read the letter very
thoughtfully. She scented a trick.
She knew that her conduct with Tom
had not been entirely discreet. She
was as much an adventures as a
woman of her type could be. She had
married the rich old man for his
money. After he died the shock of
discovering that the money was hardly
existent had Infatuated her. She had
been left with the big house on her
hands and Toms sympathy had first
touched and then interested her. When
she discovered that Tom was rich, and
genius, and heard lying report that
he and his wife did not agree, she had
let herself indulge in thoughts of
catching Tom.
But above all she was discreet. She
had attained to social success in spite
of the misfortunes of birth. She
would not let that slip. Not for worlds
would she have endured publicity. She
had often wondered what sort of wom-
an Mrs. Benton was. She must see her,
spy out the land before she could go
further.
Trick or no trick, therefore, Mrs.
Benton's letter afforded her opportun-
ity. She wrote pleasant acceptance
and set out in q borrowed automobile
from the suburb in which she lived.
At seven O'Clock precisely Hilda La
garde, gorgeously attired, was admit
ted into the Benton apartment by a
neat servant, who respectfully took
her cloak and hat from her and pre-
ceded her along the hall toward a
closed door.
Hilda Lagarde was almost at the
door when she stopped aghast as a
shrill 1cream rang out from behind it.
How re lou lay your hands on
me, you monster!"
I'll sho7 you now! I've stood for
you long enough. lake that for a les
son!"
The terrified woman, rooted to the
doormat. card the thud of a mans
INST upon soft object, and then a
heavy fall. Faint means ensued.
i told you what you'd get some day,
you Jealous old cat!" Numbered Tom
Benton's voice. And If / have any
more trouble with you I'll do for you
once and for all"
You coward, to strike woman, let
alone your wifel know why you've
shaken me. You think you're going to
marry that peroxide blonde Of yours.
You're too old for her, with your dyed
hair"
TOO old, eh2" screamed Tom. Il
guess that don't matter. At least she
didn't seem to feel any objection when
] kissed her yesterday. That woman's
crazy over me and, what's more, she's