The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-24

me; then SlIOOh IidAOS W1li1 o4IA- <A1ANA with Jarvis first words knew WhAt was wrong.
 You were such a pretty picture Of dom estic content" he said. With forced laugh that I almost hated to intrude" He slammed his grip down by the door.
 stNonsense." I replied.
 Bill also laughing, but flushing dark red. spoke with a sort of haste not natural to him. 'tNe1 and often sit together without bothering to- entertain each other" Instantly he realized that he was apoligizing for the fact that our friendship had pro- gressed to silent understanding.
 Jarvis laughed shortly. a vicious sort of laugh, utterly unlike him. BilPs eyes wavered; then came back and met Jarvis with a steady, defiant expression. Their hands fell apart.
 ssWho brought you out?" asked Bill.
 "Old man Larkins," replied Jarvis crisply The two of them sat down. T made him drop me some distance from the house, so you wouldn't hear the motor" he continued, turning to me Thought I'd give you a pleasant surprise" Again he laughed in that short ugly way so unlike him. Didn't know I'd be putting in on a party" Don't be absurd, Jarvis" l said sharply. As the whole country ce- pended on old man Larl<ins for news I had a shrewd notion as to what he had said to Jarvis. Bill and I had been into Poison Creek so often dur ing the summer.
 "You didn't build our house dou ble," he stated, looking around.
 NO, I decided just to build for my Io@ have your house according to your own notions. Besides I didn't build on the line. so of course I couldn't put up your house alongside or mine''
 Jarvis looked as if I had struck him. The color left his fair face like the sudden blowing out of a. candle. He was so white that his lips turned purple, and heavy dark circles ap peared under his dazed blue eyes. For one terrible moment I thought he was going to faint.
 You haven't even said how you liked my house." I spoke with fore ed lightness. ''ome let me show you around.''
 The color rushed back into Jarvis face as suddenly as 1t had gone out.
 What's the hell's tho meaning of thfs?'' he shouted. rising and facing Bin. Answer me, you hound!'
 Jarvis cried.
 Hadn't you better ask Nell?" said Bill cold1y
 Wait till tomorrow, Jarvis," I be- gan.
 T won't wait until tomorrow" he storm ed at me. Here I've been work ing like a slave ever since you left to get that damned drugstore off my hands, with every thought centered on you and on getting out here to you, and, by God, when I get here I find-'
 What do you find?" demanded Bill, and his voice had the snap of a rifle shot. He got up now, his tall figure rigid with the effort he made to hold his temper.
 '<I find I'm not wanted" Jarvis was as wild as Bill was controlled. 'I find my friend sitting up here in my house with my wife,
 Jarvis I broke in, "'this is not your house, and I am not your wife"
 Just so, Jarvis, said Bill, coming over and standing close to Jarvis. You are her divorced husband,'' he continued quietly, the while he look ed Jarvis straight in the face; "and you have no legal claim on her in any way. She is absolutely her own mistress, and free to have men friends without consulting you-even to marry, if she so chooses without your consent. And don't forget that you sent Nell out here to me-
 ''So, that's why you put this he'll ish scheme into my head, you dogl" Jaryis's right arm swung out, but Bill, evidently expecting it, caught the up1ifter wrist and held it in a wise
 Nell" said Jarvis, blinking angri- ly and shaking off Bills hand "as I'm not your little boy, I would like an explanation. l believe I'm en- titled to it.''
 'I'n be going,' BcIl spoke in his quiet way.
 NO, sit down." I said. 1T had of course intended having this all out with Jarvis in private; but since he has"
 Nell, I rather not He went out, without further words.