Evening star., 1922-09-25
TheWife Who Wouldn't
Settle Down!
By-L,sciNe Yam Slyke
A Sequel to s'Brides Will Be Bird

ards tone was harsh. He blamed
John bitterly for making Merriam 30
unhappy. you needn't worry, about
That part Thorne' looked him up, Of
course: Tried; to reason with him.
house in Mineola."l -,
Rich" she said brokenly, drive
around in, back, will you? cant
face anybody just this minute wait
Just till 1 can pull myself together.
II those two cats in there wouldn'r
talk and talk, I'd not go into the
drawing room at all. I'd just run UP
| the back stairs. Wen have to 70 In
ooth OF US. or they'll gossip all over
town. Rich. was such a fool to
make you take me driving! Why do
l 40 such needless. careless thingsc"
He didn't answer her: of course, he
couldn't. But he drove the car around
TO the old stables. came strolling
pack up the drive. and sauntered
| easily at her side when she nodded
that She was ready TO step back
| tnrough the long French doors.
| The bridge game was still going on.
her father was in high spirits be
cause he was winning Sarah Finch
was his partner. Mrs. Rayner and her
/ nephew had been losing steadily. The
| ou9om widow looked up as Richard
! and Merriam entered.
II do wish you'd take my hand. Mr..
! Slocum,' she remarked petulantI,
| I've no luck at all. Maybe a change
| or partners would help poor Tom out
| or q hole. Do cut in. I want to talk
! to Merriam few minutes. OF course.
| you know I'm having a dinner dance
Tor her tomorrow night-and I'm ex
| pecting you" She. patted Richard $
shoulder patronizlngly as she relin-
quished her seat to him.
He sat down with i'll grace. He
couldn't refuse
Merriam was already back at her
| mending basket. Curled on a wide
sofa, with rose shaded lights shining
on her bronze curls, she looked ab-
| surdly young and little to be besieged
| by so many troubles
My dear" cooed the widow
couldn't we go upstairs OF out On the
porch? We mustn't disturb the Sthsrs
II need the light for my. sewing. q"
| Merry was defiant. I'VE needn't talk
| much, need we?" =:
! But l want to see You alone" The
! widow was insistent.
| whats the big secret" Merry was
positively sinsolent. She was begin
ming to hate Mrs. Rayner. And sh .
| was beginning to be afraid that what
+. gossip-that perhaps her father did
| mean to marry this bland and smiling
i creature.
| It's not exactly a secret, unfor-
| tunately. Mrs. Rayners tone was
/ dry. It's about your husband.
Through an acquaintance I had some
distressing news about him. and want
{ ed to give you a little friendly warn
| ing"
| Merriam was almost suffocating. She
lifted her chin proudly.
I'm sure any news your friend had
| wouldn't be any.hing-.snything that
I need be ashamed Of" she said loyal
ly. MY John isn't the kind Of man
who does things I'd be ashamed Of.
1 wouldn't mind anybody's knowing
SSH, my poor dear!" Mrs. Rayner's &
voice sank to a whisper. Don't let's
worry your dear father with it. Do
believe / have your interest at heart >
Her soft hand rested on Merriam's
J arm.
| The overwrought girl jumped nerv-
| ously to her feet.
"Sorry. everybody" she cried sud
denly. I'm going to say good might.
I've such-a-beastly-
/ Copyright, 1927
Continued in Tomorrows Starr