Page:The Overland Monthly, Jan-June 1894.djvu/264



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An Episode in the Life of Robert the Simple.

[Feb.

with a smile, " I 've spent it all. That 's odd, that I should never have thought of that. But never mind, with my improved appearance I shall soon obtain employ- ment. It 's no wonder that nobody wanted so shabby-looking an employee."

" And the children are starving to death," she said, turning away to hide her tears.

" Why, Eleanor," he exclaimed, a little hurt, " I had hoped to give you such a pleasant surprise. And you really do not seem to be pleased at all. This is cruel."

That night he came as near to feeling depressed as he ever had in his life. Eleanor was taken down with a fever, and tossed about in bed moaning inces- santly. Weakened by want and over- work, she was unable to withstand the shock of this last proof of his weakness. He attended her devotedly through the night, and the next morning went out to secure the services of a doctor, as she showed no signs of improvement. Hav- ing sent the doctor to see her, he went down to the business part of the town to continue his accustomed search for employment.

When he returned in the evening his wife was not there, and the children told him she had gone out with Mrs. Kamm. He was disappointed, for a temporary employment had placed him in posses- sion of a few dollars, and he had hoped to surprise her. He busied himself with the preparations for dinner, however, expecting her early return. While he was so occupied there was a knock at the door, and Major Kamm entered.

"Churchill," said he, " I have always been a good friend to you, and have tried to assist you in every way I could. But you are not fit for business in this coun- try. Our methods are too rapid ; you 're too slow for a community of hustlers like this. Your wife is seriously ill from lack of food and overwork. You cannot pro- vide for her here, and I have taken her to my home."

" Really, Major, I don't know how I can "

"You're not fit to have such a wife," continued the Major, ignoring the inter- ruption. " She has had a hard life of it here with you."

" Perhaps you are right. In fact, I can see that you are, now that you mention it, but I had really never realized it be- fore."

" No, sir ; you had not. You entered into a contract you were not able to car- ry out ; you have n't even kept up the interest, let alone paying the princi- pal. Your wife shall remain with us until she has fully recovered, and then I shall have a serious talk with her. I shall advise her not to return to you ; I shall advise her to get a divorce."

" Do you think she will consent ? "

" I think she is a woman of sense, and cannot do anything else."

" And you would come between hus- band and wife ? "

" Yes, sir ; I would. Such a husband and such a wife. What have you to of- fer her, should she come back? More starvation. More hard work. She must support herself and the children in any event ; if she returns to you she must support you also."

"But the expense, Major. I am will- ing to do what is right, but litigation is expensive, and "

" I shall attend to that part of it my- self."

" That is generous of you. It is noble to thus befriend a poor, helpless woman who can make you no return. I can see that what you say is right, and you clear away the obstacles in your usual master- ful manner. You are a true friend, and I wish that I might testify my gratitude in some manner."

" I came here tonight to tell you this, and to take the children home with me, It is better that they should be with their mother."

" Yes, it is better. I shall get them ready to go immediately." And Robert