The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-01-28
i love you, Lydk. Why don't you
believe me?"
Because you haven't proved it,
How can | prove it?"
"Gfvo mo tho eo-x-,,tu

HOW can | prove it?"
Give me the formula"
In her apartment I'm 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 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.
CURED
Doris stood looking at her steadily,
her hands clasped in front of her. do
you love my husband?" she asked.
Lydia Emmons, entirely at a loss
how to answer, remained silent.
Il have not come to you to make
trouble" Doris went OIL. But, you
see, | love Mortimer, and we have no
children. So that will make it easier"
Easier for what?"
ITO let him divorce me-"
Il 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, if you want
| each other, or give him back to me? 2"
wept Doris.
Lydia looked at her, and an intense
curiosity stirred in her. She put her
hands upon the other woman's shoul
ders.
why does he mean so much to
your she asked. He is not worthy
of you"
HE is! He isl" cried Doris indig.
nantly. 1T is l who am not worthy
Of him. l 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. l 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
do people say that | ann"
Bad" sobbed Doris, like resent
full child
Very bad? Thoroughly vicious
and depraved?"
Il don't pay heed to gossip unless
l have to. But people in our circles
| are talking. That was why / came to
you"
What would she think If she knew
what Mortimer had asked her? Lydia
was suddenly appalled,.
Mrs. Strange" she said quietly, II
am not what the world would call
good woman, suppose. Maybe / am
naturally bad, or maybe / never had
dogs chance when / was girl. But
| am not as bad as some think Do
you know, have often wanted an op-
! portunity to make some sacrifice, to
| show that there is some good in mes
| 1t isn't much of 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 thu
others face, and she put her hands
| in Lydia's with the same childlike con.
| fidence.
"Oh, believe in you'll" she cried. 'T
am so sorry for what l said You are
| good woman, and l shall tell every
body So"
Lydia smiled and kissed her
On the veranda of the club Morti.
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. It was
growing dark, and sort of jaded ro-
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 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-the
proof for which you asked"
He drew the paper from his pocket
and gave 1t 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"
mot as 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