Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1932-12-23
The
Other Man
By Ruby M. Ayers
Fifth Installment

~ w
obey. This headache fitted in
nicely with her scheme of things.
1t seemed providential when, about
half-past three, she peeped into
Barbara's room and found her still
fast asleep.
She was all ready to meet Deo-
nis-one of the doctors was bring
ing him home in his car, a man
named Stornaway, with whom
Dennis had struck up a great
friendship.
1t would be so wonderful to
have him at home again. The
moments seemed to drag. Every
thing had gone perfectly, the house
looked a picture, SO Pauline
thought with pride as she wandered
about, unable to settle to anything.
The little maid came to her
breathlessly.
"Oh, please, madam, the fruit
hasn't come for dinner, and its
early closing day. What shall we
do?"
Mistress and maid stared at each
other aghast; then Pauline said
firmly:
"Ill go round to the shop myself.
There's plenty of time before the
master comes. She went on her er-
rand with cheerful readiness, al
most running down the garden
path.
1t was the slamming of that gate
that woke Barbara; she started up
conscious of having long oversight:
and glanced at the clock beside her
bed-half-past three!
Heavens! What waste of a life
time" She bathed hurriedly
dressed and went downstairs; he,
headache had not gone, and she
felt a little heavy and depressed.
The little maid heard her in the
hall and came from the kitchen.
Can l get you anything, mad
am? Mrs. O'Hara said l was to &C
up presently and see if you were
awake"
"Ill have some tea, please" Bar
bara was at the door of the draw
ing room. "Why, what lovely
fowers!" she said. care we expect
ing visitors?"
The maid giggled. 1.-The master
madam! He's coming home! 1t wa:
to be a surprise, and-oh, dear, ]
believe there he is, and the mis-
tress out! Oh, dear, what will she
say, not being here to meet him!
It's long before time, too"
She heard Dennis voice and the
pleasant voice of another man.
NO., l won't come in, thanks.
You've seen enough of me during
the last month. Some other time.
Don't overdo it, now-good-bye.'
A moment, and Dennis was in
the hall. He did not look i'll except
that he was thinner and walked
with a stick. The little maid was
greeting him excitedly.
II do hope you're better, sir. It's
nice to see you home, Pm sure
"Thanks."
Barbara waited for him to ask
for Pauline. But he did not-he
came across the hall unassisted,
slowly and with some difficulty;
then he saw her.
Barbara went forward coolly.
"Welcome home" she said. She
gave him her hand. pauline will be
disconsolate. She has just RUIZ out
for a moment. Oughtn't you to sit
down? There's a fire in the draw
ing ROOM"
"Thanks." Dennis voice was
rather grim, but he gave his coat to
the maid and followed Barbara into
the drawing room. When he was
safely ensconced in the armchair
he looked up at her.
"You came off better than |
did," he said. "Is that wrist a me-
mento?"
Eyes, but only a sprain." Bar
bara waved her bandaged wrist in
the air to show what little damage
had been done. twill you have tea,
or shall we wait for Pauline?"
How long will she be?'
mot long. l think she has gone
to the shops for something they
forgot to send"
"Why didn't you go with herr
what do you mean?"
"Only that as you refused SC
steadily to come and see me all