The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-09-14
"The Probationer"
BY MAX MARGIN
CHAPTER XI. (Continued) :.
Mrs. Atwood'S Stand.

Al NOoAoAAuCA(s
Mrs. Atwood'S Stand.
Since his wires effort to escape. the
Telephone had been Lakes one means
of communication with the outer
world.
Most of the telephone calls that
he received related to the business
Of the railroad, and the ran ging OF
the bell no longer aroused a, respon-
sive culver of expectancy in him.
Therefore, in answer to its resound-
ing noise at this moment, he walked
slowly to the instrument, expecting
to hear still further reports of the
routine of his office.
The message he received, however,
! flowed into an eager ear.
make it plain to the Governor,
he admonished, that this is not an
for executive clemency We ask for
justice. We ask him to right the
wrong that was perpetrated on an
innocent woman"
With energetic strides he entered
the presence of his wife and his
sister.
1.-The Governor is in the city," he
informed them. DIR. Phillips is on
his way to meet him. We shall know
the result them
The glance of the wife was full OF
misgiyings. She found it impossible
to share the optimism of her hus-
band
The arrival of Frank and Mrs. At
wood brought Lake and Ethel out OF
the sick-room.
"How is Mrs. Lake?" Mrs. Atwood
inquired, coldly solicitous.
Somewhat better today" the hus-
band responded.
He chartered with the visitors
several minutes, and then excused
himself.
Ethel told what she had to say
calmly. She dwelt on the wrong that
her sister-in-law had suffered; of her
blam e1essness in the affair that Gull
minated in her conviction She told
| why Margaret had broken her parole
and how she had sought a livelihood
in another city.
| Nothing of the past remained hid
den. when she finished her graphic
outline.
When she stopped, Ethel looked
the verdict fearlessly, undismayed by
their puzzled expression. AS Frank
came out of his bewildermenr. he
gazed at the girl in passionate wor-
ship, Mrs. Atwood recoiled as from a
blow.
"I think we had better CO." she
said.
Frank made no move to leave.
'Why should we co. he asked
"Why?" Mrs. Atwood repeated.
why? Because we must talk this
over between ourselves. Because we
must come to definite decision.
"A decision?' echoed Frank. ST
don't see what we have to decide
"Frank"-the tone of the moth er
was firm and hard-"it was very con-
| siderate of Miss Lake to tell US this
| on the eve of her wedding. We ap-
preciate it. But, of course, the we'd
ding will have to be called off,
"I don't see what it has to do with
Ethel and me-" Frank said quietly
He strobe over to Ethel and emit
| wined his arm about her waist.
ST think Mr.. Lake had better Join
! in our discussion" Mrs. Atwood sug-
gested finally.
Ethel raped at her sister-in-law's
door. Her brother came out.
Il am not lacking in sympathy for
you and Mrs. Lake, Mrs, Atwood
said. "but I hope Mr.. Lake, as a man
| of affairs, you will see how impos-
sible is an alliance between my son
and your sister,
my sister. is of age" Lake an
nounced, land she must choose for
herself. AS long as she chooses some
one worthy of her. I have no OBJ
cit is an outrage to permit your
sister to marry my son." the. irate
| mother cried. 1--WE have q social DO
sition to maintain"
The young mans resolve frightened
Mother, I love Ethel" he said. 'sl
am going to marry her. For Mrs
! Lake I have the deepest sympathy
! and the most profound respect
! am proud to be received into her
family. You ought to open your arms
| to her.
| II am willing to do anything in the
| world for her. But I unwilling to
have this scandal dragged into my
| family There was a shade of anger
in Mrs. Atwood's voice. And, fur
thermore, L am going 10 make my sor
obey me in this respect I am going
to prevent this marriage
mo, you are not" Frank replied
| vehemently.
| IF you marry against my wisn.' the
! mother continued, you will do FOL
yourself. Your income will be Gu
off entirely
You can cut off my income h
answered, but you can't stop me from
| marrying the girl of my choice. If
Frank stopped short. He becam,
suddenly aware of white-figure il
the doorway.
! CHAPTER XII.
o.,