Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-05-05

night a much worried Dot that left Duke
and started for the dance with Helen
and her brother. Dot was prettier than
ever and so radiant; inwardly she was
fighting two battles, trying not to worry
over Duke and to conceal her jealousy
for Wallie, but outwardy she showed 4
only the worry for Duke. Apparently,
she hadn't noticed Wallie. But indeed,
she had. she had also noticed that hel
was alone. "Wonder where she can be.
Probably her husband isn't as generous
as he might be in sharing his wife's
affections. Wonder if he will ask me for
a dance. Don't believe I'd dance with
him anyway, but then what harm is
there in a dance, he won't ask me any
way
Wallie had long before spotted Dot,
and she was alone. "Wliat could be
the trouble. Seems rather strange,
Duke would let her go to the dance,
Wallie caught the following converse
ticn.
''Dotty, dear. you look so worried,
do tell us what is the trouble" II am
worried, Helen. you see Duke is terri
bly, sick, and I'm afraid he is going to
dic--and if he should, I would be so
lonesome without him.
beg pardon. Dot, but would it be
asking too much if I asked for just one
dancer? attempted Wallie. mot at all,
or even two would be but slight fa-
vor,' coolly answered Dot. with bit
of sarcasm in her voice that Wallie did
not notice, due to the fact that the
thought of two dances with Dot over (
joyed him. Couldn't make it three,
could you|' he almost pleaded. Pos
sibly.'
At the end of the eight dances theyN
enjoyed together Wallie ventured
dot. since Duke isn't here to protect
you through the streets. tonight to your
home, would it be agreeable to you for
me to escort you to your door,"
What could be the matter with Wal
lie! What was he talking about?
"Why, Wallie, don t understand whatS
you are saying. Poor Duke couldn III
protect himself, to say nothipa of pro-
tecting me-
Wallie made no comment. but Mi.
mind was busy. If this fellow Duke
was unable to protect himself, what
would ever become of Bot should sbe
marry him? How he longed to protect
her himself, but hadn't she said that if
anything happened to Duke she would
be so lonely. -..
at the end of their journey homes
ward, which came all too soon for both
concerned. Dot, in her excitement. in
vited Wallie to call the next day. 1T.
would sure love to, Dot, but how about
DUKE! Are you quite sure he won't be
Jealous!' "Duke-jealous-wh Wal
lie, do believe you think Duke is a
young man. The telltale expression ON
Wallie's face confirmed her statement.
SO as soon as she could conceal tbe
amusement the little misunderstanding
had afforded she ventured: "WaIIie'
you are jealous little goose. Duke !,
Just deal little four legged fellow; in
otaer words, little Boston terrier. Z"
Good heavens, Dot, have been an
idiot Can you ever forgive me?'
Dot was about to say "Yes," but tbe
offending paragraph of Wallie's letter
ran through her mind as it had n mil
lion times since that letter had arrived
But, Wallie, what about tbe-tb.
other mans wife?" 'Who?" "you
know the one you wrote me about, ),
After moments contemplation Wallie
recalled her reference and his facs
clouded. Dot, dear, 1 never dreamed
that you could misinterpret my letter
that way. I still love that little Iadv
more than anything else on earth. with
the exception of your own dear littIs
self, and she is married to another mar
too. That man is my best pal-be's
my dad so you see you were lust teal
Gus of my mother. Now, what have Won
to say?'
"oh, Wallie, I'm SO sorry. Can Won
forgive me?''
We don't know what he said. but /.
few weeks later at the wedding of tbis
happy pair sat the other mans wifa
fondly stroking the head of the r.,ts
and cunning Duke.
Here's wishing Duke n long ut.
even if he is my cute rival" Iaurhai
Wallie; "and here's happiness and ions
life to the other mans wife-
mother" finished Dot.
The next complete noyelette.-Ths
Blue Umbrella. r