Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1922-11-01
What's a Woman
Worth?
By JUSTIN WENTWooD

according to the law-he knew that,
and 1t was because she was utterly
cold and heartless. She had let
young Blayds kiss her as she had
probably let a dozen others Of the
men with whom she flirted, merely
out of contempt fer the man who had
given her his name and lavished his
fortune on her.
That was not what made Hartley
clench his fists in resolution as he
softly withdrew. 1t was the fact that
the rich dilettante, with an income
Of hundred thousand, was the mock
cry of Anice's friends, who despised
him as spineless creature unable to
keep his home in order.
Yet there was good in Anice. He
should have taken the firm hand from
the beginning, as she had secretly
wanted. Instead. he had given way to
her in everything. Her whims had
been his laws Well. that was going
to end!
He went in after Blayds" had de-
parted Anice looked at him coldly.
"Well?' she asked.
"We're starting for my new country
place on Thursday morning, my dear"
At the endearment her lip curled.
"Speak for yourself, Philip" she an
swered
"Of course, If you'd rather stay
here, dear-in fact was going to
suggest it" said Hartley craftily.
"Oh, well, think I'll CO." said
.Anice.
She had stepped into the trap, be-
cause it had not occurred to her that
the incident Of Blayds had clinched
Hartley's resolution. He knew Blayds
was mad about his beautiful wife, and
that she was fOoling him as she fooled
all men. He was going TO break her
for young Blayds' sake as much as
his own.
Where is this estate;' asked Anice
scornfully, as they got out of the
train at the tiny station in the for
ests.
Its five miles up the TRAIL" said
Hartley. "WeIl have to wait for the
SuouAcuA. ~ yOu Soh "o'N'
dear"
81 can outwalk you. Philip" she
retorted
do you think so, dear?" For a
moment she thought his tone sinister;
then shrugged her shoulders. Let's
walk" she said.
Five miles! "Are you too tired,
10 ,,Iiv, FvVI oh
miles. Pride held her silent The
trail twisted and turned. Fifteen.
Anice was almost dropping when they
came upon the wretched shack In
clearing.
"WellY'
"rhis is home, Anice."
Home? How dare your"
He took her by the wrists, and she
was astounded at the grip of his
fingers. "Anice, know all about
Blayds. You fooled him as you fooled
me- From now. until give the or
der, you are my-wOman. You are 60
ing to cook, bake, sweep. wait upon
me-
"How dare you! demand"
"You can't find the trail back.
There is no one within twenty miles
Of here. You are under my orders
Come inP'
She glared at him. and looked con-
temptuously inside the miserable
place, with its kitchen and single bed
room. II insist" she began.
Get sticks and light the fret"
"Oh, I'll kill you, Philip you beast.
you"
He held her hands in an iron grip.
sect sticks, or I'll thrash you'll"
She shrank back. Philip released
one hand and picked up whip. Into
the woods" he beloved.
She burst into terrified sobs. In a
few moments she had gathered an
armful Of sticks. PUT them in the
crate !" She flung them down and
stared at him, terror In her eyes. He
lit the fire.
There's flour! Make cakes! Make
tea"
She obeyed, watching him silently.
He wondered what was passing in her
mind. Now eat! Then clear away"
he ordered
He smiled that night when, thinking
him asleep. she arose and dressed
furtively. At dawn a tired, rainsoaked
figure came back, guided by the bea-
con he had lit. Anice had wandered
for hours.
Get breakfast he commanded
harshly.
"Philip1"
Get breakfast and wash up! You
can talk after!"
She obeyed him. Submssively she
came to him later In the morning
"Philip, you've taught me lesson.
I needed 1t. l."
How about Blaydsf"
1T was-don't you sect needed
humbling. guidance. and-it was he
cause you wouldn't assert yourself"
Fine words, but If take you home,
T,vu lost nv grin Of Won You'll St8v