The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-08-31
Chapter fl
pERNIE,s CONQUEST

pERNIE's CONQUEST s~->' DERIVES hand touched Bishops coat-sleeve again.
 "Now, your wife, of course, Is quite different. do admire her so. You are most fortunate man" l. He moved a little, squaring his shoulders with sort of weariness. "In the course of my life, which is a faiTly long one," he said thoughtful ly, 'I have made the interesting dis covery that all people appear to be happy and fortunate until one knows them well, and then the cupboard door opens-perhaps only trifle- and the skeletons peep out. No doubt you have noticed that"
 q have; indeed, 1 have" Bernie murmured. She was rather super stitious, and the mention of skele- tons made her shiver. T suppose none of us are really happy!" she murmured.
 Bishops grave mouth twisted into . smlle.
 "You are an exceedingly observ- ant woman," he said.
 Bernie's eyelids f1uttered,
 "I suppose to look at me-" she said with pathetic note, people would say that am perfectly happy and contented." She waited for a comment, but Bishop remained si lent, and the long lashes swept up wards again, revealing her starry eyes. But I am not. Life has beer big struggle"
 "One can hardly imagine so. with 8 husband so famous" Bishop said.
 Bernie sighed. Poor Nicholas! It's too sad. I really do not know what will become of him. Since his terrible accident he seems to have changed so much. I am afraid WIG shall never be able to live together again"
 You amaze me-" Bishop said.
 "It is quite true" Bernie insisted Fsorrowfully. "He left America with out word to me. I was nearly be Iside myself"
 Naturally"
 "You are so understanding" sht lmurmured.
 There was a little silence, ther lBishop said, Fortunately divorce lis comparatively easy in your coun Etry."
 Tn my country, yes, but Nicholas Eil an Englishman, and it rather com Eplicates matters"
 Otherwise, of course, you woult Iseek your freedom" Bishop urged Isoftly.
 The pretty outlines of Bernie's lmouth hardened
 Tt would need lot of considera Etion," she said. There are so many complications, and I should hatt people to think that had deserted him just when he was in trouble"
 Surely nobody could think that?'
 ''I am afraid so. Of course mar ried when was terribly young little more than child"
 "A charming child, am sure, Bishop said courteously. "And, tha being so, don't you think it will be thousand pities for you to remain tied to man you no longer car, for?"
 :, "Why, do you want me to divorct him?" she asked slowly.
 Bishops weary eyes seemed tt open little, and their usual som breness was lit by sudden flash.
 "Supposing that is the reward which hesitated to ask of you" h, said.
 EOR three days Georgie managed ! to be almost happy; she hat much confidence in Nicholas Boyd now she knew that he cared for her She was still little afraid to us> the word "loved."
 It was the fourth day after he meeting with Nicholas that Clifford Asher called at the hotel. Georgii t~1 not seen him for some time, ant she felt little shy as she waited for him to come up to Evelyn's sit ting room. faf Ss W
 T thought I was never going t see you again" she said. ''eg
 His eyes scanned her face unsmil ingly.
 X give come to say goodbye.r h, said.
 "Goodbye," Georgie's brown eye dilated. "Why, where are you go ing?
 '<I've had an offer to go to Soutl America, my uncle's firm. It tmean. better prospects. go next week."