New Britain herald., 1924-05-17
A Tense Moment Between Edith
 Fairfax and Nlauge


 Edith Fairfax stared at me, wide eyed, at my answer to her scathinE comment upon Bess Deans treatment of Leila; while her face whitened till I feared she might faint. Then a pain ful scarlet flush rushed 10 her checks, and her lips parted as if words were coming from them.
 But for the minute, evidently. speech was beyond her, and l spoke quickly. contritely, but with painful awkwardness, for after d flashing of naked sword d-bades, such as We had just exchanged, any sort of adjust ment was exceedingly difficult.
 Forgive me, Edith," said. ''The words came almost without my knowledge, and-l-meant--no-per- sonal-application."
 She was fighting for control, and after another second or two she achieved it in superb fashion. Her slender figure strengthened, tensed itself like an arrow waiting to be released from a bow, and her head went up bravely, while her eyes gazed steadily into mine.
 But--there--must--b she said. Tt is something l have wanted to say to you long time, for it has been a weight on my heart. Tell me, my-folly-neyer caused any serious rift, as you call il, between you and Dicky, did it?'
 There was nothing save sincerity and contrition in her voice and eyes, yet for an instant a mean little sus- piciontstirred deep within my heart.
 Had she, perhaps, seized this chance to find out the true state of things between Dicky and me? And was it possible that she would be reallyg lad when she heard the truth as I felt it?
 I always shall be glad that T. crushed back the carping thought and spoke, heartily, sincerely,
 From Full Heart
 There never has been any bitter ness between us because of you," | l assured her, adding honestly: Tt ! would be silly for Ills 10 pretend that | you did not hurt me cruelty at one ! time, or, on the other hand, for me to blink the fact that once you did 1 give Dieky a better, truer faith in | him than I did. But those things are long past, buried by time. Why res urreet thcm?'
 Into her face flashed look of such relief that l realized my sus- picion had been absolutely without 
 T am so glad" sho said. You are right, l don't ever want to speak Of fhat time again, but to think'-her words came disjointedly now, and I saw that she was struggling to rcpress some strong emotion -- T have al- ways felt that retrbution would come b me sometime. but l wouldn't have s ,ared for myself--oh why should it D, Leila who has 10 suffer-"
 knew that she was Intensely and bit supcrstitous un- ies the worldly mask which she had irawn over her real self, but her ,icllen speech was a revelation. Her eve for Dicliy must have been more erious thing even than l had thought, o have so striking an effect upon ifi Ah'iiblN aHH NbllHtitNtf. q Itfi- . . 'enized, too, a touch of hystoria in Ter voice, and going up 10 her, took ler firmly by the shoulders.
 This is nonsense, Edith" said. ternly, 'and you can be Of no help ', } Leila fl you don't pull yourself to- |. 'ether. There is something ] wish to ell you about Bcss Dean before | go. md this is my only opportunity"
 "it Ought to Work" I turned away from her as l spoke nd walked to the window that she night have q chance to get back her lt was but a minute be- & cfe she said, calmly, strongly: f '1hAnk you, Madgc. I am all fight now, and shall not offend gain. But you know that anything mich touches Leila adversely simply fl ets me frantic" 'f know.'I said comprcheh1inely f and I am go glad you have come 10 T er. She needs someone of her own in with her until----"
 She interrupted me quickly.
 v shall not leave her again." she il aid. until everything is all right il low. tell me, what can ] do about t 1is Dean person." Y Stand between Leila and her" ] ? promptly. "If Icss Dean | omcs 10 Inc house, always have t-