The Lamar register., 1917-09-26

anything by it. They have wives and
homes to go to when it's all over. But
have 1? You're as glad to see me as
If / hnd smallpox. Maybe we've made
"a mess Of things, but married life isn't
what young girls think it is. A wife
must learn 10 give and take"
I've given. What have I takenf"
she asked him in a voice that quivered.
I'd made an inpatient gesture. "Oh,
don't be so literali l mean that since
we're man and wife, It's up to you TO
he little more-broad-gauge in your
views"
''In other words, you want me to ig-
more your conduct. Is that II? I'm
afraid we can't argue that Ed"
"AIl right; don't let's try TO argue
it," he laughed, with what he consid-
cred an admirable show Of magnanim-
ity. 81 hate arguments, anyhow; I'd
much rather have goodnight kiss"
But when he stopped over her Alalre
held him of and turned her head.
"Nol she said.
You haven't kissed me for"
Il don't wish to kiss you"
Don't be silly" he insisted. Come,
now, | want kiss"
Alairc thrust him back strongly, and
he saw that her face had whltened.
oddly enough, her stubbornness an
gered him out Of all reason, and he
began n harsh remonstrance. But he
hnlted when she cried:
"Wait, | must tell you something,
Ed. It's all over, and has been for a
long time. We're going to end IT,"
END itT'
I'VE can't 20 on living together. Why
should weT'
"So7 Divorce? Is that itT"
Alaire nodded.
"Well, I'll be dr. Ed was dunn
founded. Isn't this rather suddenY"
he managed TO inquire.
"Oh. no. You've suggested it more
than once"
Il thought you didn't believe in di-
vorces-couldn't stomach 'emG What's
happened?"
Il have changed my mind"
"Humph People don't change their
minds in u minute" he cried nngrily.
is there some other MANI"
Now Ed Austin had no faintcst idea
that his wife would answer in the aflir-
native, for he had long ago learned 10
put implicit confidence In her, and her
life had been so open that he could
not imagine that it held a double in
tercst Therefore her reply struck him
speechless.
"Yes. Ed" she said quietly. There
is another man."
1t was like her not to evade She
had never lied TO him.
Eds mouth opened; his reddened
eyes protruded. well" he stum-
mered. "Well :" Then after a moment:
who is it, the greaser or the COW
boyY" He laughed loudly disagree
ably. 1T must be one or the other. for
you haven't seen any men except them.
Another man, Well, you're cool about
it,"
Il am glad you know the truth"
Muttering to himself. Ed made a
short excursion around the room. then
paused before his wife with sneer on
his lips. Did it ever occur to you that
| might objecti" he demanded.
Alaire eyed him scornfully. What
right have you TO objectT
Ed could not restrain a maleyolent
CLEAN of curiosity. SAY, who is it?
Amt / entitled TO know that muchT"
As Ainire remained silent, he let his
eyes rove over her with kind Of angry
appreciation. ''Nuu'rr pretty enough to
staTluCde su- r.-n' Do admitted
''Yes, and you've got money. too. I'll
bet it's the Ranger. Huh We're
tarred with the same stick"
you don't really believe that" she
told him, sharply.
"Why not7 You've mad enough op-
portunity. l don't see anything Of you.
Well, l was fool to trust you"
Alaire's eyes were very dark and
very bright as she said: 81 wonder how
1 have managed to live with you as
long as have. knew you ereweak.
nasty-so l was prepared for some
thing like this. But l never thought
you were a downright criminal until
"Criminsl? 'RotI"
"How about that Guzman affair?
You can't go much lower, Ed, and you
can't keep me here with you"
81 can't keep you, eh?'' he growled.
swell, perhaps not. I suppose you've
got enough on me to secure a divorce,
but l can air some of your dirty linen.
Oh don't look like thatl l mean IL