Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1943-01-14
Second Wife
By R. H. WILKINSON
Associated Newspapers.
WNU Features.

7 IFE began for Lionel Ainsley
- when he met Cynthia Trumble.
She was the fulfillment of dreams
that were dreamed while he sat
alone by his camp fire in the wilder
ness, while he listened to the boots
of owls and the screeches of bob
cats and wondered if the time would
ever come when somebody sat with
him by the fire and listened to the
night sounds that had been his only
companions since graduation from
the state school of forestry two years
ago.
He met Cynthia when he came
out of the bush one June for short
vacation. From the first there was
an understanding between them.
They were married the day he was
due to start back into the woods.
Lionel didn't know how it hap
pened. He remembered telling her
about the forests and the strange
night noises and the sound of water
tapping against the side of canoe,
and the sunsets and SunriSes-and
she had been thrilled.
The first week was deliciouSly
sweet. Cynthia had been country
girl and because Lionel was her first
real love, she eagerly looked for
ward to spending weeks alone with
him in the wilderness.
That was before they reached
Woodsville, where Lionel had his
base. There was big packing COM
pany at Woodsville, run by man
named Benton, who had a son
named Austin. Fresh from college,
young Austin had come to Woods
vile to learn the packing business.
Quite naturally the place was dull
and boring to one so sophisticated.
Then Lionel and his new wife
arrived, and Austin looked on
Cynthia and vowed to know her
better. Austin had that polish
about him that attracts women.
He was an experienced young
man, and when he smiled at
Cynthia she felt instantly that
irresistible desire to play with
fire. 1t was desire she couldn't
quite explain. She knew only
that after a week in the wilder
ness with Lionel she wanted to
see people, to laugh and play
and be gay. But most Of all
she wanted to charm young
Austin Benton with her beauty.
So when Lionel finally headed his
canoe toward Woodsville to replenish
their supplies, Cynthia's pulse quick
ened little, and she kept her eyes
fastened on the bend in the river
that would first reveal the great
buildings of the packing house.
What followed made Cynthia a lit
tie ashamed. She hated to hurt
Lionel, he was so fine and generous
and kind. And so devoted. She
thought he'd object to a divorce,
and it was little disappointing
when he agreed readily.
She saw the hurt look in his eyes
and almost hated herself. Then she
thought of young Austin, and she
knew that the shame and hurt and
pity would all vanish once she was
again in his arms.
And so Lionel went back into the
wilderness shortly after the divorce
was granted, and Cynthia, free and
exultant, waited for Austin to come
to her.
He came at last and stood near
where she lay in the hammock.
1t was night and she could not see
his face.
Cynthia, darling, why did you do
it? I feel like cad, breaking up
you and Lionel like that. He's
good sort and-well, meant nothing
by my attentions. 1t was all-well,
sort of fun"
But, darling, you do love me? You
do want to marry me?" Misgiv-
ings chilled her heart.
Austin ran a finger under his
collar. "Well, you see, Cynthia
you see, I can't, that is-I'm
already married.
Cynthia nearly swooned. When she
again opened her eyes Austin was
gone. She was alone. Alone! No
one to go to, no one to help her, no
one to love her. Panic gripped her,
then fear. Later she thought of
Lionel She had not known how to
appreciate him. She'd wait. He'd
be out of the bush again in three
weeks. He'd understand. He was
so big and fine and generous.
It was almost unbearable, that
waiting. The people of Woodsville
looked at her curiously and whis-
pered among themselves. Three
weeks passed and Lionel didn't re-
turn. Another week dragged by and
still no sign of him. Her funds were
nearly exhausted
Then, at last, Lionel came back.
Cynthia. watching from the
veranda of her rOOming house,
saw his canoe sweep into sight,
and her heart leaped. Lionel at
last! Lionel, whom she'd loved
and vOuId 1--we again UionoI