The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-25
CHAPTER VIII What Another Woman Said.


 What Another Woman Said.
 ~And what do you suppose your husband will do now?" Billy asked.
 He sat opposite Ruth m the sftt1l.s room. He had telephoned to inquire | about his case, and had received 1m- | perative orders to appear as soon as l possible as "something dreadful | had happened.
 q can expect almost anything from Roland" she said. Isn't it dread ful?"
 Billy raised his hands piously.
 Awful" he said nm in the with you and she's been thinking all sorts of things since. There is only one way out for both or us. I shall see your husband and explain. You must see my wife and do the same" But would she believe me?' Ruth said. And I know that Roland won't believe you.' GAS far as my wife is concerned,' | Billy replied. "I ell sure that if MT. Steegan were with you. she would un- i derstand everything. Then my wife md could convince him. But, frankly. if you went alone, I doubt | it."
 | Helen nodded.
 "so do l." she agreed Perhaps | | that I was some woman employed to get you out of fix. But how can | I induce Roland to go unless he's | convinced first that everything IS riERt between you and me? Can't l you see what a peculiar situation 1t l is?" | For several seconds they stared at | each other. at loss for an idea. Then | the maid came into the room with | n1oA TrC Y1a | was outside.
 Mrs. Lane?" Ruth gasped. MT. Cattys grandmother? What does | she want?''
 'EI don't know, ma'am," Annie TO- piled. ''The old lady seemed all ex- l cited and said she must see you.'' 1 Ruth thought for a moment, ana l then she glanced at Billy. l Tell Mrs. Lane to come fn," she said. Stay right where you are, MT. | Wallace. I want her to see you.'' | A second later, an elderly woman. gray-haired, but with rosy cheeks and a sunny smile, walked into the room and nodded cordially.
 Mrs. Steegan,' she said, 'I've at sight of Billy. "Please go on," Ruth said. ''This | is MT. Wallace. Mrs. Lane, the man Mrs Catty saw leave here last night" The old lady looked embarrassed. and acknowledged Billy's bow rather awkwardly.
 Its about that I've come" she said, turning to Ruth. My grand daughter-in-law has told me what she said, and I'm very sorry Mrs. Stee- | gan.
 and pushed the old lady gently into | a chair.
 'I know you can't help it, she said But 1t was a dreadful re- | mark, Roland went wild over it, and he made all kinds of insinuations." Poor child" the old lady said. .sTell me, now, what it was all about I'm an old lady. but I've been a mother and a grandmother. | and they say that wisdom comes with gray hairs. So come now and | tell me-
 | Billy and Ruth found themselves drawn irresistibly to her, pouring out their stories.
 "One at a time children she said. Now, Mrs. Steegan, you finish first. And Ruth did. And then Billy began telling his side of it, and when he finished, the old lady shook her head.
 It's a kettle of fish," she said. T understand everything, and I can see, MT. Wallace how your wife would refuse to take Mrs. Steegan's s word unless her husband were along. And yet, how can all be brought to- gether?'
 Perhaps you could see Roland" Ruth said, brightening. "1 think he would believe you. Mrs. Lane"
 NO, he wouldn't the old lady declared. 'I know men. And there's Mrs. Wallace to be consid- cred. No children, it must be ar ranged in some other way.
 But how?'' Ruth asked. That's what I'd like to know. dear. Let's all think for a second
 The old lady closed her eyes and , placed four fingers on he: forehead.
 There's an idea starting. I've got it." she said. i've Pve-what is it that the young folks say?-doped it all out. I've seen everything work through my mind, and it can't fail"
 "Oh, tell us,' Ruth gasped. ''Hur- ry, Mrs. Lane, hurry" ''Take it easy" the old lady said 'I've just got this idea by the tail and I don't want it to get away from me-