Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1918-06-07
THE TRUTH
BY JACK LAYTON.

L
be sure that he had loved the first
wife best" she said. And II she had
known, when visiting Aunt Elizabeth
that the best looking young man In
her aunts social club belonged to that
unfortunate though interesting class,
Celia would at once have discouraged
his attentions. But Aunt Elizabeth
forgot to mention the fact Of widow
hood, and when Celia found out, II was
too late TO turn back, love had claim
ed her for its own.
During the first idylllc months after
marriage, Celia settled down in con-
tentment; Tom Brantford's affection
was too evident and true to cause dis
satisfaction In even a doubtful heart
Cheerfully his second wife took up
the homemaklng task, where II had
been interrupted.
City life was very different from the
quiet routine Of her home village. the
women seemed differently gowned, too
Celia wondered wistfully II her white
ruined frock might not be too simple
or II pink and blue cambria was really
suitable as morning wear for Tom
Rrantford's wife. II was Aunt Eliza
beth who first raised the question.
MY dear" she said during one OF
her calls. "why don't you patronize
Lucy's dressmaker? Lucy was always
dressed stunningly, don't wonder that
Tom was proud TO take her about,
one met them everywhere. Toms po'
sitlon should warrant more than coun'
try muslins and cambrlcs."
CelIa's lovely face flushed, and when
Aunt Elizabeth had gone. she went and
stood before the small framed photo
graph of the homes former mistress
and intently studied its gracefully
rohed outlines. Eyes. Lucy had been
stunningly gowned. and her halr"-im-
patiently the new wife touched her
own rebelllous wavy locks-"her hair
was irreproachable In it's arrange,
ment. What was It that Aunt had
said. TON was so proud to take her
about. one met them everywhere"
With sense of awakening, Celia
looked back over the past blissful
months. why, Tom had not taken her
anywhere. Every evening they had sat
together in what had seemed sweet
understanding silence.
Lucy and Tom" the connection OF
names brought new and poignant
pain. Lucy had been an accomplish
ed college graduate, Lucy's acquaint-
ances. Celia realized In her RETROSPECT
ton, had not called upon her. Could
II he possible that Tom was ashamed
OF his new wIfe's inslgnlHcance?
whlningly the curly dog crept into
ner lap. Cella's eyes filed with sud
den tears.
perhaps he is good to you," she
murmured, because - you were
Lucy's."
Impulsively she arose to her feet
She would 60 back to the country
home: she would not take second
place in Toms heart. Then she paused
halfway up the stair, a new purpose
had come to her. No, she would stay
STAY 10 triumph. even over Lucy. The
plan was unbearable. but she could MOI
leave her husband. He must sc made
nroud of her. Several times that eve
ming Tom RrantfOrd glanced perplex:.
edly over his cigar at his strangely
constrained wife. Each day his per
plexlty grew, as in dignlfied silence
| CelIa went about her duties. But at
length she approached him almost gay
". He was busy at the time with
garden trellis. and as Tom looked from
his wife's animated face to her fauit'
lessly modish gown, he whistled.
81 hone you like my dress" Celia
soid suddenly distant, II have been
making alterations In my wardrobe.
Every NICE" Tom muttered abSentIy
II WINS difficult to put pride aside. to
20 more than half way In meeting
Lucy's friends. But Celia not only &C
complished this feat, but managed Sc
we'll that her place was often vacant
at the dinner table, while Tom waited
her return from a "tea."
But with all Celia's successes, she
was not happy. For she was falling
In that greatest triumph, her husband
love.
Into Toms eyes a shadow grew, be-
tween his brOws a frOwn deepened
Her most elaborate toilets brought
forth no expression Of admiration, and
among her many social invitations
there was none from him. Surely ne
could not now feel Inundated by her
comparison to his formSr wife. Then
one day he came to her.
81 am going away on business" he
announced, and without further WORD
departed.
After the closing Of the front door
Celia went to her room, hopelessly she
tossed aside her beautiful gown and
Skinned into the old simple muslin
Down to the garden she went there
70 throw herself beneath a spreading
free. while the ruffies Of the muslin
dress were wet with bitter tears.
Cecilia. dearest" Unexpectedly ex'
claimed her husbands vibrant voice
81 must know the reason Of all this
and she told him.
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