Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1922-06-17

Alix's heart sink.
And that" Cherry said in a whis-
per, sis my husband!"
She paused. staring down at the
table one hand supporting her fore
head, the other wandering idly among
the breakfast things. Her look was
Somber and far away. Alix, standing,
watched her distressedly, through a
long minute Of silence.
Well" Cherry said lifelessly, look
ing up at her sister with dulled eyes.
What now? It's still for better or
worse I suppose?"
Alix sat down, and for a moment
covered her face with d tlght-pressed
hand When she took it away there
was new serenity and resolution in her
tired face.
NO she said, with a great sigh, Il
think perhaps you're right He hasn't
he should have no claim on you
now!"
'Alix," Cherry demanded, would
you forgive hlm?"
Perhaps I wouldn't" Allx said,
after thought.
perhaps you wouldn't" Cherry
echoed, incredulously.
well, I'm not very good" Alix said,
hesitatingly. but a vow is a vow, you
know. If it was limited then my
my fulfllment Of 1t would be limited,
l suppose, OF course" she added,
honestly, "Tm talking for myself
onlyp
and you would quietly forgive and
forgetI" demanded the little sister, In
| bitter scorn.
II say hope I wouldw Allx cor
rected her. Even If this is true"-she
added with glance at the lavender
letter-"still, l suppose the rule of for
giving seventy times seven tines"
Cherry interrupted her with a burst
Of bitter and rebellious weeping.
"Oh, my God, what shall I do" she
sobbed, with her bright head dropped
on her arm.
Don't cry, Cherry, Cherry 1" Alix
! said, her own tears trimming over
/ She came to kneel beside her sister,
| and they locked their arms about each
| other, and their wet cheeks touched.
Don't cry, dear" she said, tenderly.
It'll all come straight, somehow, and
wen wonder why we took it so hard
| Now listen to me, Sis" as soon as
| Cherry had somewhat regained her
| composure. Wen ascertain about
this letter; that's only fair. If Martin
/ denies it"
"Of course he'll deny itw Cherry
interrupted. from the bitter knowledge
she had Of him.
Alix again felt daunted for a second
/ by the sheer ugliness and sordidness
Of the mattel, but she returned to the
/ charge brayely.
Suppose We get Peter to ask him."
she suggested suddenly. Peter has a
wonderful way of getting the truth
out of people !" Poor Cherry, the very
mention Of his name makes her
vince, Alix thought, watching her
sister sorrowfully. IF Martin can
convince Peter that It is not true
then that makes all the difference in
| the world" she added, aloud. "Then
you tell Martin frankly that you have
the old house ready to live In, and you
| want TO live there He"
He'll never agree to that" Cherry
said, shaking her head. But If this
is true?" she asked, again indicating
the letter.
"Then tell him that unless he agrees
absolutely to a separation" ak said,
that you viii get q divorceF
"And live here, alone, under that
sort Of a cloud?" Cherry said, with
watering eyes. "Oh, well" she said.
rising, and going toward the door
/ ITS horrible - horrible - horrible -
whatever 1 dot What is your idea
that we should dine, and 20 TO the
| OrpIeum tonight as if nothing had
happened. and let all this walt until
you can ask Peter to cross-eXamine
Martini
Il wonder If Martin would tell me7
| Why couldn't I pretend that 1 opened
/ that letter hv mistake and frighten
him into admitting It, Il it's trueY'
AK said
'You could" Cherry admitted, life
lessly. "But Won may be sure It IS
/ true enough f. she added.
"Then leave It to me.' Allx said.
"And don't feel too sad, Cherry.
You're young. ana life may take a
turn that changes everything for you.
You always have Peter-Peter and
me, back Of you"
"Alix, you're the best sister 2 girl
ever hadI" Cherry said, passionately,
putting her hand on Altx's shoulder.
81 wish l were as big as you are!
And he's made me so wretched," whls-
pered Cherry. with trembling lips.
that sometimes I've been sick Of life
! But I viii investigate this letter, and
/ II its not true. III try again, Alix.
/ I'll 20 away with him, f be wants re
70. or III live here-and study French
and 70 10 lectures with you"
You darl.nc." ak said, with On
aching heart.
That night IT was simaly managed
that Martin should be next TO Allx, ir