The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-23
Author of f'The Devils Riddle," Whose Hands?'', etc. CHAPTER l.
 

horrid word.
 Its being done right along" cried Jarvis, enthusiastically. Read what Bill says.'
 Picking up the letter he tossed to me, I stared at him across the table as at a strange man. My husband, whom I loved and who loved me, talking about divorce! He grew small and far away, and the various objects about the breakfast room abtruded themselves on my mind in a curious vivid fashion, while he joyously un- folded his plan.
 You aren't even hstening," he said at last. "Of course, if you don't want to do it, that settles it." He got up, lifting his hands in a gesture of complete surrender which always brought me over to his way of thought.
 I'll think about it, I tnterposed weakening.
 "AlI right-n3ce girl'' He took me day.
 Whatever you say, goes. It's a great idea; but you are a little big boss in this shebang" And jabbing his hat on. he slammed notsily out into the street.
 It as this radiant youth of his, coupled with big blond manlfness, that had attracted me to him, am small and dark. He was so thoroughly in love with hinlself-his friends-{his wife-his work, and all that was his, as to make it sort of joy to know him and to be one of his treasured possessions Obvious, good-natured, flagrantly optimistic, the world took him as I had done, at face value.
 went directly into our not spacious but charming living-room. We had furnished it but three short years ago, with all the care of a mother dress ing her first born. It had been to me the 1ovliest hoom in the world. Now it appeared barren and ugly.
 Drawing a big chair up by the win dow, I sat down to think, but I could n't. Clutched tight is my hand was Bills letter.
 It is curious how two people can live together in closest intimacy, and never really see each other until one day some unexpected action tWrns a searchHght on. revealing the truth in it's naked uginess. And the most tragic time in a womans life is that day on which she learns the truth about her man; that day which she awalzes to find a vagrant sun beam falling across her marital couch and revealing her husbands Clay feet. I suppose we all have these; but it
 
 to find that Jarvis had them.
 All day my mind wrestled with the staggering problem that confronted me. I was absolutely in the dark as to what I must do about it. The very enthusiasm with which my hus- band had unfolded the monstrous thing made me feel the hopelessness of trying to show him the truth about it. Yet see he must.
 Sfa IxS a heard his key in the foyer door. He came at once to the kitchen to find me.
 Ran. up to see Billy; took him to lunch" Jarvis said kissing me tender ly. You know, it's always best to take your lawyer fully into your con- fidence in these ma tters.' He trail ed after me, talking gaily, showing how full he was of the idea. And he had gone right on, without my consent. It came to me for the first time that Jarvis always went on with out my consent.
 ''So you told Billy about it?" mur- mured. taking some baked potatoes from the stove.
 "Yes. and he said it as being done right along.'
 Did he think-he could get-a 6t- vorce for us?" I asked. clearing my throat to avoid a noticeable break.
 Easy. No trouble to get around the law if you know how
 Jarvis helped me put the dinner on the dinner on the table; then ran in to the bathroom to wash up. He came out, wiping his hands, and flung the towel back on the tub as he talked.
 ''Baily's going to begin the action right away" he breezed as he sat down to dinner.
 "Ohi' It was all could say.
 '@That is. of course. if you consent" modified my husband, cutting a piece of steak for me. Big potato or lit tle?"
 Small. I consent, of course" I could hardly speak. He didn't mean itl Presently he would tell me 1t was all a horrid joke; and laugh at me in his joyous way.
 ''I said you would.'' Jarvis put some gravy on my plate. Some little sport, you are. And don't you think it a great idea?'' His blue eyes fairly danced as he passed my plate He did not wait for me to answer; but went right on talking, planning and enlarging.
 to get through that meal. I forced myself to eat the while Jarvis de- veloped the details of his "big scheme"
 "Of course, we will have to be very careful he went on, because if it should be found out we are still to- gether while the proceedings are go- ing on-good night!''
 You mean the law would not let us stay together
 Why" cried Jarvis with a hearty laugh, we're supposed to be separat- ed, you little Mutt It wouldn't do at all if it were known stayed here while you were suing me for a di- vorce. You'd never get it."
 But you are my husband 11nti1-,,
 Until the law separates Sa1s." he laughed. Perfectly moral; but not ethical; so don't trouble your pretty little head about that part of it. I'll take care of the ethics' It was Jarvis's fixed conviction that he furnished all the brains in our family. How lovely you are tonight Nell" he declared '.Yor1r hair loo1-s