The herald., 1922-06-15
The Pseudo
Husband
By DOROTHY WHITCoMB

L,2S1S2S2S3S1s2S2S1S
Copyright. 1922. Western Newspaper Union
Mrs. Edith Durham bowed slightly
to the gentleman who took his seat
beside her at her table aboard the
transatlantic steamship. The card
upon his plate read "Mr. Durham"
and evidently the steward had mis-
taken him for her husband. She
smiled little at this, because her hus-
band was not accompanying her to
New York.
Their conversation was Of the usual
polite, fragmentary order common to
ocean travellers at their first meal.
They paced the deck together, and
1t was in the late afternoon when
Edith Durham turned suddenly upon
her companion.
Does 1t strike you as ordinary"
she asked, that you have not told me
your name?"
"My manner" inquired the man, taken
aback. MY name is-James Rich
mond."
II asked" said the woman cOldly,
because 1 fancy most people In the
first cabin believe that you are my
husband. And" she continued, ut
seems to me that you have done moth
ing to dispel that belief. You have
not only taken Mr.. Durham's seat, but
you have kept at my side in an Osten-
tatious manner"
"Mr. Durham Is not aboard this
ship" replied the other quietly.
"And pray how do you know thatr'
she demanded.
I'm going to throw myself upon
your mercy, Mrs. Durham" he said.
Let me tell you all before you say
q word" Richmond continued.
1.-Two days ago I had dined at
Princess restaurant, In Piccadilly. I
strolled up toward Hyde Park In the
evening, enjoying the summer air and
thinking of my future. 1 had used life
successfully; / was becoming known
as q leader at the bar. Everything
seemed roseate. I had reached Hyde
Park before I was aware Of 1t, and,
entering, I seated myself upon a chair.
AS I sat there, concealed by a tree
from passers-by, a hanson stUpped.
A man and q woman In evening dress
got out. The man was mad with ex-
element: the woman was calm
HE was talking like a maniac
threatening her. apparently.
II gathered that they were husband
and wife. He wanted her to divorce
him and she refused. And at last ht
took her by the shoulders and STRUCK
her across the mouth.
II sprang from my seat and drove
my fist into his face. He fell back
striking q lamp-post with his head
ouiyered a moment, and lay still
when raised him / could see at onct
that he was dead.
II took the first train for South
ampton and bought a ticket to Amer
lea. I booked as James Richmond
nv real name Is Carlyle. / found, b.
inquiry. that you were travelling alone
though your husbands name wa
down upon the list"
He looked up for the first time. Il
you will let me keep your husband'
name" he said, ut will not harm o.
compromise you in any way. And
can land; otherwise I shall be arrest
ed In New York"
Edith Durham placed her hand light
ly on his.
81 will do as you ask" she said.
n voice trembling with emotion, be
cause of your sisters sake. and your
. and also for the sake OF that ur
. known woman whom you 50 chiva'
, rously defended, because|becauSs
, think she must be glad"
, He carried Edith Durham's suit
, case down the gangway at New Yor
! unmolested.
. He helped her into a tadcab an
, n,sced her suitcase at her side. b
o raised his hat.
/, II thank you for my sisters sake
. he said. I'VE shall not meet agall
n I shall 20 West and you will retur
q to England"
Z "I shall never 60 back to England
4 she said with sudden vehemence.
o He felt that she had something
/" import to add. He waited. Sudde
/ lv she bent toward him.
v "Don't you know meT she aske
e with q half sob. THAT man was