The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1901-09-30

Although the rest of the guests-of
the gentler sex-at the Hotel Helene
sometimes said unkind things about
Mrs. Weston, that lighthearted little
lady was, perhaps. like a certain per-
son not mentioned in polite society, not
quite as black as she was painted. Il
is true she did like TO talk TO interest
ing men, whether they happened to be
married or not. and the men. interest
Ing and otherwise. liked Wy much to
talk TO her. And when Lir. .-artleisn
began TO show a distinct pre-; renee for
her society in that lazy hour or two
after dinner while digestion went COM
fortably on to the soothing strains Of
the mandolin orchestra, Mrs. Weston
took Il as a matter OF course.
The Hartleighs had always shown
their fondness for each other as much
as good breeding would permit. and to
the casual observer, there was no
change in their mutual regard. But
Mrs. Weston scented trouble through
her high-bred little nose as accurately
as a thoroughbred racer snifis danger
borne 10 his quivering rostrils on the
summer breeze.
And when Hsrtleigh brought his In
dolent post-prandial revolutions TO an
anchorage beside her chair. she re-
cCiyed him with the tact that questions
not, but waits. And such tact Is worth
unlimited gold 20 women. II they but
knew a. A few do.
So. one evening. she learned all
about H. She knew that Hartleigh was
not In love with her. and she knew
that Hartlolghs wife. under her usual
gently gracious air, was fretting about
the intangible something that had
thrust is Banquo-ghost into their hap
pirass
That evening when Hartieigh made
some reckless statements 20 her about
hcg irrisistable attractions generally
end his appreciation ther 'of and all
the rest OF o.. Mrs Weston nodded her
sensible little head and assumed an
or Of httns gratitude Tor the comp'i-
m1nt paid her, and then ltorod, with
Cd becoming touch Of hesitation, and a
quite fetching little quaver in her soft
Folce-"Bui -Mrs. Hartlo.sh-"
HartlCigh tossed his cigar behind the
gas-l1s OF the big fireplace and said,
with gloomy irritation.
"Oh. she doesn't care The best OF
us are CONF tied boggars. you k W.
and ! used to think she did. which
shows what an ass a man is."
Mrs Weston smoothed a smile from
her lips with her big black fan.
And because she doesn't" she re-
hected. while her eyes danced u am
TO be a sop to bis lordships vanity.
Dear. dear. How very clumsy men are.
TO be sure. But I'll try 10 DIX the
thing up. Though IN get no thanks
for Il. One never does"
So she purred a few sympathetle
purrs, which are all a clever woman
needs 10 do when a man Is bothered.
and the whole story came out.
Hartleigh. IL appeared. had gone 20
his wife's desk to scribble a note one
evening when she happened TO be out,
and on pulling out a drawer for some
note-paper. had seen an open letter
mat had been tossed carelessly In
thtfe, Ills rfuft OF uuuoI was tov
fine 10 tolerate any thought Of reading
what was not Intended for his eyes.
but the seconds glance caught two or
three words that had sent their sting
down into his hearts core. And he
had closed the drawer. and that was
all.
and you have not spoken Of It to
herr" asked Mrs. Weston
No what's the use2" he rep,.sd |
drearily. She's tired OF me, suppose.
but cannot very well go and ask her |
to say so. The woman must take the |
initiative in thing Of that sort"
Mrs. Weston nibbled the edge Of her
fan and the muscles around her pretty |
mouth twitched. Hartleigh had en-
tireiy forgotten, In the unburdening of |
bis sick soul, that he had declared a
deep and abiding passion for Mrs. !
Weston but FIVE minutes before, and /