The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1919-01-30
HIS WIFE
BY MILDRED WHITE.
Copyright, 1918, Western Newspaper
Union.)

/ Copyright 1913, western Newspaper
/ Union)
Richards arms stretched despafring-
ly across his desk, and presently his
| head dropped, to rest between them. 1t
was all over as far as he was con-
| cerned, and there was nothing to do
but go away and leave Constance in
| her fathers care, from which he, Rich
ard, should never have presumed to
| take her. But "love" at that time had
seemed to be "the greatest thing in the
world" Wealth, and all its protecting
comforts paled to nothingness besides.
dence to what length his ambition for
his wife was leading him.
Creditors had forced the fact upon
him-he was in debt, hopelessly in
debt. How had expenses been allowed
to exceed SO completely his regular in
come?
Surely the smart little coupe had
been needful; Connie, perched on the
arm of his chair, had delighted in the
convenience of her purchase.
The beautiful bungalow with its
well-kept lawn had been her appropri-
ate setting. The bungalow must go,
this was now inevitable, the servants
engaged by his wife must be dismissed.
War conditions might partially ex-
cuse his own lack of success in money
matters. He could bear the fathers
contempt-it was of Connie he was
thinking How would she look when
he told her the truth? What would
she do? But there was just one thing,
of course, that she could do. She must
go back to her fathers home.
White-faced, and with lines of suffer-
ing about his mouth, he raised his
head-reached for the telephone-no,
he could not tell her-yet. He would
way. He would place the sum Of their
Indebtedness against that of his in
come; Connie should draw her own
conclusion and give him answer.
Not once did it occur to him that his
merry little wife might have shared
the blame, yet it was she who had Sc
lected plans for the bungalow and its
costly location.
When the letter was sent on Its
way, Richard left town for a BUSH
ness trip. On his return he would
learn his fate. His own street seemed
strange as he drove up to the bungalow
door, and the auto went for the last
garage.
The rooms were empty as he passed
from one to another, speaking air of
1esertiOn lowered everywhere. In
Comics own bOudoir, bureau draw
ers and closets stood open-she had !
been packing was gone. Rich
lrd sank YEARLY into chair and rang |
or maid; his fears were realized; |
ret he knew that he had been hoping |
against hope, allowing himself to
ancy the impossible-that Connie
night still have loved him enough to
ace with him a new beginning of |
Kings.
'Mrs. Byron started to pack imme-
lately upon receiving his letter." the
maid informed him. "She had left the
address, of her destination If he wished
to-
Richard caught at the scrap of pa
Ter. "Willowdale," he read in Con-
lies writing, and that was all. He
his brow perplexedly, then
ighed. No doubt Willowdale was
ONE new country place of her fathers.
They directed him at the railroad
tation. 1t was small suburban town
e learned, not far from the city. The
gent at Willowdale shook his head
7hen Richard inquired for the home Of
,onstance's father. That great mans
anne appeared to be unknown. |.
'Mrs. Byron them" Richard asked,
can you direct me to her?"
The agents face frightened visibly.
White cottage" he replied, across
rom the square,"
Richard was still perp1exed as he |
Irned into the garden path leading to
le white cottage. 1t was very pretty
tile house, with rambler roses climb
lg the veranda pillars, but he could
OF understand what Connie should bel
Ding there-and at the doorway she
let him. He paused breathless before
err radiant face. There were not re- !
surely, in that evident hap !
mess.
"Come in" said Connie. She laughed
!, he had not heard her laugh since r
lose first joyous days long ago. Then
sight of her husbands wan face, she l,
1T up her arms to draw him down to
II.
"Dear," she murmured, welcome,
is is home at last"
Richard held her close. "You mean
:" he asked eagerly.
"That I have never really had
'me," said Constance. always there n
ere servants about to order things
rdens too well kept to enjoy. Here :.
ere is but one small servant whom / u
all order, Richard, and garden full
flowers that grow alone. I chose
e place and moved in while you were
way. The rest of our furniture shall
sold. 1t has been such fun to plan r.
ings out. Father wanted to help,
It l wouldt let him. This is our