The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1919-01-10
STRANGELY Welded
BY JESSIE E. sHERwIN.

had come to Shell Beach to die. VII
ton Revere, thirty, at life's choices
phase, had come to reconstruct brok
en- life. Because the one was exhaust
ed In mind and body and the othe
world-weary, the mutual seriousness O.
manner and face attracted each to thu
other. The older man. wheeled alonf
the beach in his invalid chair, looked
eagerly for the only sojourDer at the
famous health resort who attracted
i him because OF his gra7ely sympathet'
ic ways.
There was poise gravity and clear.
ness about the younger man that LED
Mr.. Morse to accept him as person
he could rely upon.
The fact that he seemed to be well
versed legally added to Mr.. Morse's
regard for him. The old man was
wealthy, but his affairs had some COM
pick features that disturbed him, In
view Of his condition.
"All I fear for" he told Revere, sis
that my daughter Ethel, If left alone in
the world, would be at the mercy Of
self-interested persons who would not
guard her interests. If I could only
be sure Of living until some pending
litigation is settled!"
Cheer up, dear friend! ]" Revere told
him. you may live for many year
to come" But the next day Morse
was taken fatally i'll. He called Re
70 "a ie haIcido fo
ly upon his continued presence as
solace until his daughter, who was
living with an aunt in the city. arrived.
Revere vas fascinated at his first
glimpse of the sweet innocent face of
Ethel Morse. He was sent for in ur-
hand fervently as he sat down by his
bedside.
Revere" he said, "you have been
like son to me. The doctors say l
may live but a few hours. I have
learned to esteem you, more, to rely
upon you. Oh, my friend, help me
to die in peace by consenting to cher
ish and look after my daughters inter-
ests."
II will do all you may wish to bene-
fit her." assured Revere.
More than that! Revere, beg of
you to do what I suggest. She will
have fortune, she is q wife any man
nay be proud of. VIII you marry
lerT
Revere was dumbfuunded. He got
Is far as 81 dare mott am" but
;pasm of pain overlook Mr.. Morse,
IN hour later he was sent for again.
1t glance he realized that Mr.. Morse
vas dying. By his side was his daugh- |
er, pale and benumbed with grief. A
tranger in clerical attire sat at dis |
ance.
Revere, 1t is all arranged" painted
he dying man. ETHEL has consented
she could not deny my last wish. Be
ind to her, protect her, make her life
appy." And in the whirl of hurried
vents the words were spoken that
lade Wilton Revere and Ethel Morse
usband and wife.
He did not intrude upon her until
lie. funeral was over and she started
n the home of her aunt. AS he
elped her upon the train, he said,
IMPLY, quietly, definit ely: |,
II shall soon be in Chicago, whittier
shall remove my Office to take up
e affairs of the estate, as your father
Is desired. When any business occa-
on arises where it is necessary to
INSULT with you, will notify you.
)uld suggest that we keep the mar s
age secret"
There followed for the wife a
range experience. Only twice in a
ar Revere came to see her, and then
ly long enough to submit some legal
pers, and in the presence of her
Mt. Then one riay he called at her {
me, to find her alone. n
Il am about to leave the city per-
lnentfy," he said, "having closed up !
matters of the estate. I have l
1tession to make. / am not your h
sband; that marriage ceremony was
'alid." r.
She regarded him with speeches. N
azement. IT could not deny your
hers WISH" he continued, "and / e.
lcied / saw a way to protect your /.
erests In the way I have without
ruding upon you. Two years since k
'arted from my wife, an unworthy II
man, whom have never seen since,
am still her legal husband" III
oh, why did you not tell me be- al
suddenly breathed forth Ethel. f.
was unmanly, it was cruel, for J.,
- Id
he hurried from the room In tears, u
Revere left the house In strange
ze Of emotion Could it be possible
she cared for him? And he-oh, oi
fatal tie, that shut him out Of q
adise! Ma
(ope, doubt, despair were in his
tights as, week later, he again
ed at the home Of Ethel. There
q certain plaintive expression In re
face that seemed to upbraid him. %
learned only Yesterday that my
died over year ago in n rail- We
wreck In Canada It was pre- rt
to my marriage with you. 1 am
II this new complication dis 9
yes you" .