Imperial Valley press., 1936-09-20

never have come home at ALL but he needed a
little money to get started, to get him out Of the
country. Cautiously he made his way to the
Kitchen. Without turning on the lights he
stood chair by the cupboard and took a
pitcher from the top shelf. A modest nest egg
aside from his joint bank account with Mar
garet reposed In that pitcher. This they had
been saving together to buy little car. He
slipped the money into his pocket telling him
self that Margaret still had the bank account.
He felt guilty pang when he thought OF
Margaret. On his way out he couldn't resist
stopping for a moment at the bedroom door.
She had been good wife, everything wife
should be, but he didn't really want wife. He
wanted freedom-freedom of body and of spirit,
Of responsibilities and of-Margaret. She was
always so contented so satisfied with what life
meted out to her. They were miles apart! She
would never understand his feelings-why he
couldn't go on! She didn't even seem to resent
his lack Of affection for her during the last few
years. No, Margaret was made of different
stuff! Still, he hated to think she would suffer
when he left. He listened intently for moment
then, sure she was asleep tp-toed over to the
bed He listened for her breathing, but no sound
came. He bent over the bed trying to accustom
his eyes to the darkness
e UDDENLY he realized that Margaret was
= not there. Surprise not without a note of
alarm swept over him. He pulled the cord on
the bed lamp, flooding the room with light The
bed had not been slept in, but on the pillow.
his pillow, was an envelope He picked it up and
read his own name penned In Margaret's hand
Slowly, little dazed, he took the envelope
turned back the loose flap. extracted the single
sheet of paper. and read:
Dear Taylor: Please forgive me II you can
for what l am doing. can't bear the terrible
monotony Of our existence together any longer
If stay, I'll go mad or kill myself Perhaps
ckNtylI Iv,tt k.,f
contented. so dependable and satisfied with our
lot. I suppose that is what is generally known as
a good husband If that is true, then you nave
been a good husband indeed. I've often wished
you'd beat me or get drunk and gamble away
all our money, or even be unfaithful, just to
break the monotony of our humdrum existence
"A year ago met man whom l know I'll
be happy with. He's a rover. a man you
wouldn't understand and would call worthless
by every measurement. But he appeals to me-
He's reckless and has splendid carelessness
about him. have seen him often in the past
few mopths and have learned to love him
have never been unfaithful to you. Taylor while
have been under your roof. But now ! am
going away--with him. You will be better off
far better off without me. When 1t is all over
you will find some quiet contented and satis-
fed woman more In tune with your own ma
ture, and she will make you happier than ever
could. AS for me. I want to travel go places.
live only for today and let tomorrow take care
Of itself. When you read this | shall be far
from New York. Our paths will never cross
again Please forgive me and forget ! want
you to be happy. Margaret"
Suddenly, all the things in his life that he
had hated seemed to be the very things that he
wanted now-most of all Margaret. groan
that ended In sob shook him, and falling for
ward on the bed he buried his head In Mar
garets pillow and wept
Copyright. 1885