New Britain herald., 1916-02-19

1 S the question:
 l Mrs. Stewards voice had all the enthusiasm of a general planning a ] difficult campaign. Through all my 1 terror flashed the whimsical thought | that my old friend was enjoying her self very much indeed, in spite of her real anxiety for me She and Lillian Underwood ought to be kindred spirits. They have the same forceful way of sweeping aside difficulties, the same air of enjoy | ing a contest in which their powers are taxed to the utmost I did not answer her. I felt as if things had been taken out of my hands. My terror at the possibilities of meeting between my husband and Jack Bickett had robbed me of initiative, almost of sanity. "Of course after that speech of his, you can't very well telephone him first said Mrs. Stewart, ref1ec- lively. But we must figure out some way so that you can go home to- night"
 She put out her hand hastily and patted my shoulder.
 Don't think I am inhospitable, my dear but if you are to be Teconciled' to your husband at all, you ought to get back home as quickly as pos sib1e."
 TT know" I said wearily. "But. ch Mrs. Stewart, I don't know what will happen when Jack and Dick meet"
 Her tone was sharp, imperative.
 
 ''Where Is He?"
 Jack said he was going to find Dicky and send him after me- I replied duly.
 Now the Lord have mercy on us!" she exclaimed. vehemently Did you tell Jack Bickett that you had left your husband?"
 He guessed it at once, and made me admit it." I confessed miserably.
 For stirring up a devils mess, commend me to T perfectly good woman with a Puritan conscience!'' commented Mrs Stewart caustically; then she walked to the telephone.
 What are you going to do? gasped.
 Undo some of this snarl. you've got yourself into if I can," she re- l pretty strong fibs, so if your con- science is going to trouble you, you'd better go downstairs while I tele- phone"
 "Oh, I can't leave this room," I cried alarmed
 All right, sit still, but don't you dare open your mouth, no matter what you hear me say"
 She took down the telephone re- ceiver, and spoke into it. Madison square 246S." With a throb of fear, l recognized my own number.
 I listened, frightened and fascinat- cd, to her side of the telephone con- versaton.
 Hello. Who is this? The maid? I wish to speak to MT. Graham, if you please"
 Mrs Stewart never said "please' without giving the full phrase. My mother had the same mannerism a eminder of the old-fashoned formal courtesy which had marked their early training.
 What? Mir. Graham not there? Where is he?"
 What Had Happened?
 She was plainly worried at the ] answers Katie was giving to her 1 rapid questions. But her anxiety was nothing to mine. I felt positive l terror at her next words. l Went out with a man? What 1 man? How long has he been gone Not five minutes? All right when | he comes in have him call Prospect, 1 719 if you please, Good-by."
 She hung up the receiver and turned to me, anxiety written on her face.
 DO you suppose he is with Jack ?'' ' asked, my voice trembling with terror.
 1T am afraid so," she answered l"But there is nothing to be done now but wait"
 I have spent many unhappy hours in my life, but never have I expert enced the utter misery and terror that swept over me when realized the full import of Mrs. Stewart's words.
 She drew her chair nearer to the fire and sat down. But I could not remain still. I sprang to my feet and began to pace up and down the oom.
 Mrs Stewart is a very wise wo- man. Instead of offering any pro- Itest, she looked at me with grim ap- proval.
 That's right she said. CT don krow anything that's better fol taking the edge off of things thar walking up and down. l wish l haC a dollar for every mile I have travel 1 ed up and down my room when have been worried.
 I did not answer her. I felt as i , I were walking through red-hot flames Nothing else mattered to m' but the answer to this question:: What had happened when m! . husband and my brother-cousn me } e"ch other for the first time?"