Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-26
cHApTFR XXXVII.

uAOuu S@bA~4 @NA@@5N A4~ 500
for the summer. BY the time they
made the landing, she had not the
slightest doubt that he would be
there. Irma would have seen to
that IL she had any one to thank
for even this momentary return, il
was the woman's need of safeguard.
ing appearances. She gave her hand
hurriedly to Monte Bracken.
"You are very kind" she said
gratefully. "Good highland
shan't forget how you've been"
Il will do anything ! can--at any
time-for your happiness" he said
in low voice.
He sprang back on the deck; the
yacht backed out, and she watched
it glide over the silky waters. Al
the bow, silhouetted against the tap
.estry of stars, his dark figure con.
tinued standing, still looking back
at her. He had been very much OF
a gentleman, tactful and respecting
her reticence, the true Monte Brack-
en- of the finer metal that OCCASION
ally flashed out below the adroit
and brilliant faneur of the world.
He had left her in long silence to
the tumuIt of her own emotions.
Its Irma-Irma / can't forgive"
she repeated to herself DULY, in long
contemplation, as the shadowy COB
lin palaces of New York, the fiery
lacework of vaulted bridges, the
crowded throngs of electric lights
fell behind and sank into the waters
of the night. Across the bay, a
few sentinel-lights followed their
shooting progress-faint and distant
as all mankind in the coInplexity of
stars which hung from tie firma-
ment above her and swan up from
the deeps below. What did she
really feell Was it only the treach-
cry of a friend7 At times, she had
felt the tears wet on her cheeks
tears of bitter disillusions, she had
told herself
The veranda and the parlor were
ablaze as she came slowly from the
"Mrs. Lightbody' and the others
will Be home later" she said to
Gregory.
"Mr. Forester has arrived, Ma
aMr. Forester How long has
he been homer
about an hour, madam"
She waited a moment, half ex-
pecting some message from her hus-
band, a demand for an interview,
and then went up to her room, dis
missing Morley as soon as she had
removed her hat and ulster. Would
he come to herr The odor of to-
bacco was in the upper hall. He
was awake.
At the end of ten minutes, which
seemed an interminable hour, she
made up her mind suddenly and
going to his door knocked.
who's there?" said her husbands
voice.
at is l."
Zone moment" She heard him
moving hurriedly inside. "All right
now. Come in"
She entered. He had been in his
shirt-sleeves at his desk and had
stopped to slip into a dressing
gown. A year ago, he would never
have thought of that.
"Come in" he repeated calmly.
Rooms pretty heavy with smoke,
I'll open a window moment"
She stood by the door, watching
him uneasily
why, he isn't angry at all" she
thought, troubled, unless he is con-
cealing it very we'll.
He closed the window, but, per
ceiving the lighted cigar on the
desk, crossed over.
"I'd better get rid Of this, too, !
suppose" he said, tossing It into the
fireplace.
She felt like screaming out,
"Good Heavens, don't be potter
But she controlled herself and
murmured, "Thsnk you"
Whatever happened, she was de.
termined he should not have the
satisfaction of perceiving the slight
est trace Of irritation. She refused
the chair he indicated-to remain
still was impossible-and going tc
the mantelpiece, she rested her arm
on the ledge in an attitude of Co
quetry which had become uncon.
scious.
81 didn't expect you back before
the end of the month" she began
dyes; I got of earlier than I ex-
pected."
"Then things are going better?'
"In q way-thank you"
II am always glad to know some.
thing of your affairs" she said
quietly.
He threw himself into an arm
chair, crossed his legs, Gagged his
hands and looked at her.
II am sorry you left Lazare's SC
quickly. ! wanted you to come
back with u.s."
He did not reply.
"It was a wonderful trip; the
night was heavenly. don't know
when I've ever seen the stars SC
beautiful" she added trying &c
rouse his jealousy. al am sorry yot
missed it-particulafly because Kit.
ty went off on some wild spree ant
/ didn't want to come back alone
with Monte"
why not?"
The simple question threw hel
into confusion.
"On account Of appearances, .
course. prefer not to be talked
about like some other wives VIZ
both know"
II see"
Il am getting nowhere" shc
thought, before the calm Of his at
titude. How long had this intimac,
with Irma been going on, and how
serious was itl These were two
things she must learn at all costs.