Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-02-24
MY MARRIED LIFE
By ADELE GARRISON

oieu DIS race grave and set l knev,
the gay bit of pretense / had thrown Mrs
Stewart did not convince Jack. had n,.,
tied about coming to spend the nivb, ,r,,.
her because l owed her a long visit. and 4,
was so far from my home to hers rh.
excuse satisfied Mrs. Stewart. but Joos
knew better. l could see II in his eve
This is, indeed. a surprise" he said 80.
daily holding out his hand to me. "I da
not hope to see you again before sailed-
ut is a glad surprise for me. too"
could not meet his eyes
1t seemed unbelievable that should MAJ.
Jack here, after conquerng my wish 70 -
to bid him good-by.
Mrs. Stewart beamed upon us both J.o.
was great favorte OF hers and 7 ,n.,-
she was very fond of me. For soma o,o..
reason of her own she had never uL..
Dicky. He had come into my life after INV
| mother had died, and Jack had eono -
South America Mrs. Stewart had ~
everything that was tender and consIdora,.
| IN the days following my mothers deo,h
but she had made no pretense Of takins
Dicky into her heart as she had lack
ut seems like old times to see vo, ,,r.
| together she said contentedly 'IlI ia,
| go down and arrange to have sumner TO- ss
| three served up here in my sitting room
| don't feel like seeing the boarders tonight
| and | know you don't"
81 am afraid won't he able TO s,av %,
| supper, Mrs. Stewart" Jack said gently
y why, Jack Bckett"' Mrs. Stewards evs.
| were round with amazement you told ma
| when you came in that you would"
| u Know apologetically, but | have tus,
recollected something that must be done
| had forgotten IL completely"
| periously. IF you must go, we'll ius, baya
supper n bit earlier that's all, You two
always had healthy appetites I'll wager
| you are hungry this minute. and | know 7
could stand snack of something. m 20
/ down and stir those lazy girls up, and sun.
per VIII be up here before you get through
saying 'how-do-youdo?' properly"
She hurried out Of the door closing n
behind her.
She's the same dear old bustler, isnt
she?' tried to make my voice nonchaant
did HE THINK"
Jack came over to my side.
| What is the matter, Margaret" no
said tensely. ~
Nothing at all" told the falsehooa
gallantly, but II did not convince Jack,
You can't make me believe that, Mar.
garet," he said gravely. II know YOU too
well. Tell me, have you quarreled with your
husband"
Jack has played the elder brother role to
me for so long that the habit Of obedience TO
him is second nature to me-
Yes" I said family.
"Over me?" The question was quick and
sharp,
nodded.
you showed him my letter? OF course,
I wished you to do So" ~
Yes"
How serious is the quarrel? see you
have bag with you"
ut depends upon my husbands attitude
how serious it is" replied "He made an
issue OF my not doing something which I
felt | must do. Then he lost his temper
and said things which, il they are to be
repeated. will keep me away forever"
I saw Jacks fists clench and into his
eyes there flashed queer light knew
what it was. Before he knew / was mar
red he had told me of his long secret love
for me. That he was fighting the tempta-
tion to let the breach between Dicky and
me widen, l knew as well as IL he had
| told me.
Another moment. however and he was
, master of himself again.
sit down." he commanded tersely, and
when I had obeyed he drew a chair close
to my side.
MY poor child" he said tenderly. Il
know nothing about your husband, so
cannot Judge this quarrel But am afraid
, |
, there must be lot OF giving up on both
sides. Now | know you to be absolutely
truthful. Tell me- Is there any possibility
|. that the overtures for reconciliation
ought to come from you?'
"He told me that II I went out Of thu
door l must go out OF 1t for good sag
( hotly, and could have bitten my tongue ou'
3 for the words the next moment
Jack drew long breath.
Did he think you were going TO see mer
, IF LIVE"
I 'T believe he had that idea. yes
: us he the sort of man who always say
g | what he means or does he say outrageoui
things when he is angry that he does no
| mean in the least?"
. HE, has a most ungovernable temper
A but he gets over the attacks quickly, ant
know he doesn't mean all he says
A That settles It," Jack sprang up ana
4 | going to a stand in the corner took hi
= hat and coat and stick.
e What are you going to do, Jack?'
a gasped
II am going to find your husband AM
q send him after you" he said sternly.
l. Jack. you mustn't" I said wildly.
o But / must" he returned firmly. "fo'
d have quarreled over me. l could not eros
s the water leaving you in an unsettled con
L | dition like this" E
! He came swiftly TO my side and took m!
e hands firmly in his.
Margaret, remember this, II die or ive
s all / am and all have is at your ser'ice
4 II die there will he enough. thank heaven
i to make you Independent of any one
h | live"
He hesitated for a long moment the'
stopped closer to me. -.
= This may be n caddish thing to do' ~ ~
II Is borne in upon me that ought 70 ,s ~
you this before go. I hope the settnn,
- of this quarrel will be the beginning Oh
D happier life for you. But If things snoun
d ever get really unbearable In your ll1e' ps
enough for divorce, mean, remember s,,s, .ns
the dearest wish of my life would pe IuI,,.s y,
d IL could call you wife. Good-py' "e'e
r, God bless and keep you" :.
e I.felt the touch of his lips against m'
II hair. .,.,,,,, nj,
II Then he released me and went quickly ou
J. Of the room.
J. (Copyright.)
4