The Washington times., 1918-04-29
Part ons-(continued)

Even the tall, severe footman
could barely suppress a smile a. he
handed the acknowledgements miS-
sive TO his master II was 50 PAL
pably a letter from a lady; a billet
doux. Fancy him having love let
ters-and under her very nose!
This was the thought that was pass
ing through the funky's mind. He
had a proper disrespect for his mas
ter.
sEh-what! A letter for me-
PanKbouTne took Il from the silver
salver and turned II over and over
hssitatingly. -Yes-it certainly 10
a letter" he concluded. with vain
attempt to thrust 1t Into his coat
pocket
aNo doubt about It, said Twssdls-
DUN, dryly.
Pangbourns's face was expressive
Of guilt. He had recognized the
handwriting, also his nostrilS had
been greeted by a familiar perfume.
He did not know why he should fesl
guilty; probably II was merely a
formal note making an appointment.
but he felt his wife's eyes upon him.
and he knew that George Tweedle-
dunn was laughing.
Gets Edgar In "Dufeha
won't you read your letter, Ed
Ear?" asked Violet with Suspicious
calmness.
sEr-yes-of eourse-but it's moth
ing important. Why should II be,
you know" He fumbled In his pock-
ct and again produced the letter
"The young woman said there was
a. - "a
"No--no answer"
i As PanEbourne read his letter his
face was a study OF conflicting emo
lions.
He was recalled to his senses by
his wife.
your letter seems to me interest
ing, Edgar" she said sourly.
"ICs-its from a man." he NUT
tered, as he thrust the missive back
into his pocket.
Tweedledum burst into laugh.
'You dog" he roared, you sly dog.
ave know you"
"No-pon my word-no," return
ed Panbourne, with a huttered
giEgls and a nervous glance at his
\ wife. Cant = man have letter
sent him."
Tweedledum's further facetious
remarks were cut short by the an
nouncement that dinner was served.
A Quiet Meal
During the meal PangbournO
hardly spoke, aid when he did his
remarks were not to the point
He was in a fever OF excitement,
and II seemed impossible for him to
sit still He tuEged at his beard,
D.
lively to his pocket. Twice he
spilled his wine, much to Violet's
annoyance. He was like q school
boy with the consciousness OF
pleasant crime upon him. Never In
his life had he received such a let
ter!
Dinner over, Violet returned to
the drawing room. leaving the two
men together. Then Pangbourne's
restraint broke down.
You might join Violet, George.
he said. II want to answer that
letter, don't you know"
TweedIedum obeyed with alacrity.
He was assured that things were at
least sailing we'll He clapped Pans-
bourne on the back a. he went out
"a sly dog" he repeated.
Its all right, W." he cried,
when he reached the drawing room
Il bet Lillian has sent him q pretty
letter. and he's simply revealing in
the new experience. Sent me out
so that he could write his answer.
l wonder what he'll say?"
Violet pursued her lips. Anxious
as she was to obtain her divorce,
she had, womanlike, felt q certain
pleasure in her husbands moral rec
titude. Now that they appeared to
be on the highway to success she
was Irritated and cross. though she
could hardly explain why.
II took Tweedledum some time to
comfort her. and he had TO be very
afectionats to bring about the de-
sired effect. They sat together on
the sofa and talked OF what was to
be in the near future when there
would be nothing to divide them.
Violet did most Of the talking on
this subject.
The Fatal Kiss.
"He's a long time over his let
ter" said TweedledUm at last. Il
think I'll go and investigate" He
turned his laughing face to Violet.
"Itll be ali right now, vi. Give
me a kiss on the strength OF It."
Mrs. Pangbourne put her arms
around his neck md kissed him
warmly on the lips.
II love you, George" she said.
A slight noise at the door caused
them to look up. Pangbourne hAd
Just entered the room.
PanEbourne stood in the door
way in spsechless surprise Fool
as he was he had never been quite
blind to his wlfe's familiarity
with other men, but this-under his
own roof, practically in his pres
ence-was more than he anticipated.
He pushed the door to behind him
with a violent slam, and In so doing
crushed his own hand. II was in
syttabIe that even in such a posi-
ton he should make himself ridicu-
lous.
Tweedledum burst into a harsh
laugh. LORD. what q fool you look.
Pangbourne," he cried.
Mrs. Pangbourns sank down o.
the sofa with a gesture OF eonsid-
cradle annoyance. She vented her
irritation upon her husband. Upon
my word. Edgar" she said.
ssHe Was Ny First Friend
81 shall have to tell you to knock
at the door another time II you're
going to get into the habit OF COM
ing into a room with this mysteri-
Gus audiences. What's the mat
ter with you?"
''You-you' Indignation was
Sitting in mis- throat the words
which he wished to speak. Il saw
you-with my own eyes-in his
krfaaN