The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-11-19

with his constantly? Why does he
spend all his time with you? Oh.
won't you either take him, If you want
each other, or give him back to meT
wept Doris.
Lydia looked at her, and an intense
curiosity stirred In her. She put her
hands upon the other woman's shout
ders.
"Why does he mean so much to
your" she asked. He Is not worthy
Of you"
He isl He Isl" cried Doris indig-
nantly. "It Is who am not worthy
Of him. I have not been able to live
as he wished me to live. He is my
husband, and 1t is my duty to make
him happy. / want chance to try"
Lydia Emmons was still more as
founded. ''But-but 1 don't want to
rob you of him." she stammered.
'Tell me, Mrs. Strange, what sort of
woman do people say that / amp
"Badl" sobbed Doris, like resent
full child.
"very bad7 Thoroughly vicious
and depravedT
Il don't pay heed to gossip unless
/ have to. But people In our circles
are talking. That was why came to
you"
What would she think If she knew
what Mortimer had asked her? Lydia
was suddenly appalled,.
Mrs. Strange" she said quietly, ~
am not what the world would call
good woman, suppose. Maybe am
naturally bad, or maybe l never had
dogs chance when was a girl. But
l am not as bad as some think. Do
you know, have often wanted an op-
portunity to make some sacrifice, to
show that there is some good in me-
1t isn't much of sacrifice so far as
your husband Is concerned, Mrs
Strapge-but I'm going to make 1t. l
am going to bring him to your feet
forever"
Doris looked up swiftly into the
others face, and she put her hands
in Lydia's with the same childlike con-
fidence.
"Oh, I believe in you'll" she cried. II
am so sorry for what said. You are
good woman. and shall tell every
body So"
Lydia smiled and kissed her.
On the veranda of the club Morti-
mer Strange was waiting for Lydia
Emmons. He had been waiting most
Of his spare time during the past three
days.. and he was uneasy and per-
picked at not having seen her. It was
growing dark, and sort of jaded ro-
nance was growing in the mans soul.
And when at last she came the spu-
rious passion that leaped up in his
heart threatened to sweep him from
his bearings. She was dressed all in
white, and there was look on her
face that reminded him, though he
did not know why, of Doris in the days
Of their courtship.
She sat down at his side and they
were together at last, as Morti-
mer had hoped. He took her hand.
"Lydia!" he cried exultantly. II
have brought the proof with me-the
proof for which you Asked
He drew the paper from his pocket
and gave it to her.
Here is the value of a million dol
lars" he said. what the brides Of
the Reich company could not effect is
yours. You shall keep it, and the pro-
ceeds, as the proof of my love-"
"Morty," said Lydia quietly, ibid
you ever tell any other woman that
You loved her"
''Not as tell you," he answered.
your wife, then. You didn't care
for her when you asked her to share
your life in the long agoT
Mortimer wriggled in his chair.
"Why do you mention my wife?" he
asked.
Because you have the best wife in
the world, and are the least deserving
Of her" she answered. you are a
fool, Morty, just common little fool.
You are going to get the worst turn
ing down that you have ever had. You
are going to be made to see yourself
as You area little man in big part.
who has lost his bearings and taken
the spurious for the real. Go home to
your wife, Morty, and ask her forgive
ness upon your Bonded knees, because
you need it badly"
The man rose, furious, trembling.
you led me on, even if I am a
fool" he shouted. what was your
game, then? You have thrown away
a fortune. Where do you come in?
Lydia laughed icily. II was prom
ised ten thousand to get this for the
Reich company. that's ALL" she an
swered. handing him the paper.