The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1930-10-09
1 Wo Men Loved the
Same Girl
By DUFORD JENNIE

ESTER SHEPARD showed the
- last papers on his desk into a
drawer and leaned back in the ST.
lenee of his private office to dream
q bit-a dream in which Margery
stanton's girlish presence fingered
ike the aroma of a rose. Her IA
theirs office was in the same cor
rldor, and whenever she came TO
see him, she dropped into his own
office for brief visit that put sun
shine into the grind of his business
day.
1T hardly seems possible she can
care for me- he warned himself
"A man of forty with the gray
springing at his temples should not
appeal to her." Yet he recalled the
pleasant hours with her in her ia
sher's suburban home.
That might mean nothing. for
Stanton and l are old friends, and
It's her way to be nice to his
friends, and yet-yet there's some
thing about her attitude"
He heard his young partner,
Baker, close his office and depart,
out still Shepard fingered.
The first hint of something
wrong came when he called her
next day by telephone, asking if
he might run out to see her in the
evening. He caught the note of hes
itation In her clear, sweet voice:
then he heard it grow slightly cold
as she phrased a courteous re.
fusal.
The gay comradeship of her voice
had vanished. What could it mean?
Had she guessed the love for her
that had been growing in his
heart?
Then Mr.. Stanton came in. his
lined, aristocratic face troubled.
Lester, after you spoke to me
about Margery, | was in hopes you
TWO might learn to care for each
other. But, | guess, after all, it
vast was Baker she was inter-
ested In"
The words struck Shepard like a
physical blow. He knew at the time
she came into the office she al
ways stopped for a chat with his
young partner, but he had thought
she did 1t just to make her prefer
ence not too conspicuous.
Shepard braced himself. Then
he said quietly: ITS all right, old
friend. | do love her, and | had
been dreaming of home with her.
But | see I was fool. It's been
such a fight to build up my bust
ness, | have seen little of women:
and | misconstrued her coming and
her kindness. | am glad for Niles.
must go in and congratulate him.
Shepard said quietly
When Shepard stepped quietly
into his young partners office, Baker
started and listened with averted
eyes to the older mans earnest
words of congratulation
Thanks, Shep--it hasn't been
definitely settled, but it's about
right. Margery Is going South for
a visit, and then--then we'll be mar
ried. And, by the way, I think I'll
start out for myself, If you don't
mind| Baker said haltingly.
ITS all right. I'll miss you, but
I'd do the same. III give YOU
all the help I cam Shepard said
heartily.
The week that passed was dismal
for him, but he won in the end
some kind Of peace that is the gift
OF resignation. Then, one day, he
ran through his mail, and came to
letter that seemed to lift the roof
off the building. He read 1t again
and again. Then, master of him.
self, he stepped into Bakers office.
Inc young man turned, paling.
Baker, what do you mean tell
ing Margery that l am dishonorable
in my business dealings?"
Baker wilted. ''How did-you
find out?"
You wrote letter to her on the
office stationery. You made a mis-
take in her address, and the let
ter naturally was returned to the
office. I opened the envelope with
out noting the particular name on
it! Niles-what-" Shepard's voice
broke.
Baker sprang to his feet. lies
ter, | did it-and it was a dirty
thing to do. II just lost my head.
know how mighty good you have
been to me. wrote that letter
and | wrote another-to her right
address; and l told her what a
cad | had been. | tried to make 1t
right. She really loves you, and
did until I limited before she left
that you weren't just square. I
told her would send the evidence
so ! wrote that letter."
Shepard put his hand on the
others shaking shoulder. THAT
squares it with me-"
Some one to see you, sir!" the
voice Of the office boy broke in.
Shepard pressed his partners
eager hand and went to his office.
AS he opened the door he started.
Margery stood there, her dark eyes
starry with light.
on, Lester, Ii came back as
soon as II heard the truth about
you-and I'm sorry. I've always
liked you"
He put his arm about her Shout
Ter and drew her gently to him. 81
know the whole story and it will be
forgotten and forgiven. The point
S, Margery, do you more than just
like meY'
She gave him a hug and whis-
'ered, IF you'll close that door, I'll
ell your