South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-05-31
THE VIGIL THAT MADGE KEPT
WITH MRS. STEWART.


WITH MRS. STEWART.
What's the next move? That's
the question"
Mrs. Stewards voice had all the
enthusiasm that one would have
thought that my old friend was en-
Joying herself very much indeed. in
spite OF her real anxiety for me.
She and Lillian Underwood ought
to be kindred spirits. They have the
same forceful way OF sweeping aside
difficulties. the same air of enjoying
a contest IN which their powers are
taxed 10 the utmost
+ did not answer her. I felt as If
things had been taken out Of my
hands. My terror at the possibilities
of meeting between my husband
and Jack Beckett had robbed me Of
initiative. almost OF sanity.
"Of course. after that speech Of
his you can't telephone him FIRST. -
said Mrs. Stewart, refiectively. But
We must figure out some way so that
you can 20 home tonight"
She put out her hand hastily and
patted my shoulder.
Don't think I am nhOspita BILE.
my dear. but if you are 10 be recon
ciled 10 your husband at all. YOU
ought 70 so back home as quickly as
possible"
Il know" ] said YEARLY But oh.
Mrs Stewart I won't know what
will happen when Jack and picky
meet"
What are YOU talking about"
Her tone was sharp, imperative
Jack and Dicky meet? Where 30
Where is He?''
lack said ne was COINS TO find
Dicky and send him after me-"
replied duly
Now the Lord have mercy on U.S.
she exclaimed vehementi; Did
YOU tell Jack Beckett that you had
left your husband -
He guessed il at once and made me
admit it," I confessed misera bly,.
For stirring up a devils mess.
commend me To a perfectly good
commented Mrs Stewart caustica lly.
then she walked TO the telephone.
What are YOU going to do
gasped.
Undo some Of this snarl you've
got Yourself into if I can" she re-
turned Now I'm going 10 tell some
pretty strong fbS. so if your CON
science is going to trouble YOU. YOU d
better go down stairs while / tele-
phone"
"Oh. I can't leave this room"
cried. alarmed
All right, sit still but don't YOU
dare open your mouth. no matter
what YOU hear me say"
She took down the telephone re
ceiver and spoke into IT, Madison
Square. Pass" With a throh OF fear
/ recognized my own number.
I listened. frightened and fascin-
ated TO her side Of the telephone
converse ton.
Hello Who is this The maid >
wish to speak 10 Mr. Graham. If
YOU please"
Mrs. Stewart never said please"
without giving the full phrase My
mother had the same mo nnerism
reminder of the fashioned, for
NAL courtesy. which had marked
their early training.
What AIR Graham not there?
Where is hep"
What Had Happened?
She was plainly worried a. the an
swers Katie was giving to her rapid
questions. But her anxiety was
nothing TO mine. I felt positive
terror al her next words
Went out with a man. What
man. How long has he been gone
Not Eve minutes? All right. when
he comes in have him call Prospect,
10. If YOU please Good by"
She hung UP the receiver and
turned 10 me. anxiety written on
her face.
do YOU suppose he is with Jack 90
7 asked. my voice trembling with
terror
II am afraid so" she answered.
"B But there is nothing TO ne done now
but wait"
I have spent many unhappy hours
in my life. but never have I expert
cnCed the utter misery and terror
that swept over me when + realized
the full import Of Mrs. Stewards
words
She drew her chair nearer II the
fire and sat down. But 7 could not
remain still 7 sprang 10 my feet
and began to pace up and down the
room
Mrs Stewart is a very wise WON
an. Instead Of offering any protest.
she looked at me with grim approval.
That's riGht" she said. II don't
know anything that's better for
taking the edge off of things than