Page:A fool in spots (IA foolinspots00riveiala).pdf/129

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through life; consequently, he had self-indulgent habits, and was destitute of those qualities of self-*endurance and self-control that hard work and poverty teach best. Yet he had that high sense of honor which is most necessary to such an imaginative, passionate and self-willed nature as he possessed.

While he sat there quietly, Robert became restless. The stupor was wearing off, and the dreaded awakening came.

"May I trouble you for a glass of water?" was Marrion's request, that would absent Mrs. Milburn for awhile.

Robert made a ferocious movement, and began thumping his head.

"Wheels in it," he muttered.

"Be quiet, she does not suspect you," Marrion whispered.

Cherokee came back to find her husband in the delirious throes of his spree. With sweet and tender solicitude, she asked:

"Do you feel better, dear?"

"I have been desperately ill," was his almost rational response.

"Bravo," was Marrion's mental comment, "so far, so good." Now, if she would only allow him to be quiet; but who ever saw a woman tire of ask-