Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-09-29

She passed out into the street hur-
riedly; then stopped and looked from
right to left, as if uncertain which
way to take; but after a moments re-
fiection-if reflection it could be
called-she went toward Piccadilly.
1t was past ten O'Clock, and the
streets were full of the usual throngs
of pleasure-seekers. Some OF them
made some remarks or turned to look
after the tall figure, with its darkly
handsome face; but she went on her
way with quick, firm step, paying no
heed, and looking about her with hen
usual keen scrutiny.
Presently she came TO st. James's
street. The pavement was quiet
enough here, and, unconscionsly, she
walked more slowly.
The clubs were in full swing, and
she could see, through the glass doors,
the footmen and walters passing to
and fro. Now and again two or three
gentlemen would enter or come out
from one of these modern palaces, and
Jess would pause for moment ana
look eagerly at them.
So she went on, until calmness
began to follow upon her mood of rest
less excitement. She then stopped,
and looked about her vacantly; then.
with sigh, she muttered, Not to-
night. I sha'n't see him tonight" and
turned toward home.
I
AS she did so, the huge glass door of
club swung open, and a gentleman
came down the steps.
As he did so, he pulled his overcoat
together with a smothered oath, and
drew his hat over his forehead with
an ill-tempered gesture.
Jess stopped and started. 1t was
the oath and the gesture which
startled her. Swiftly and cautiously
she drew back out of the light that
poured IN great stream from the
club, and, bending eagerly forward
fixed her eyes upon the man.
He pulled up the collar of his coat.
and looked about for a cab; then
swearing sullenly, walked toward the
square.
Jess pressed her hand to her heart,
and shut her eyes for moment, then
with soft steps, followed him.
Arthur Carr-Lyon, for it was he
walked on until he had reached the
square, and was making his way to a
cab-stand. when suddenly he felt a
hand on his shoulder.
"Claude!" said Jess, in a low
hoarse voice.
He started as if he had been shot
and swung around upon her, and the
two stood confronting each other
The light from gas lamp fell upon
both their faces, and both were
white, his with a fear that was almost
superstitious, bers With an awful ex
preston of hate and satisfaction.
"Claudei" she said again.
Who the deuce are your" he sy.
claimed at last, trying to shake of
her grasp of iron; but her thin hand
closed on his shoulder like clasp of q
wise.
She laughed, dry, harsh laugh.
you don't know me, you mean p
she said you lie, Claude Hamilton
you know who am. But l will tel
you. | am Jess Playford. Jess, Jess,
Do you hear? The woman you ruined
and deserted"
He had been playing and losing
and drinking heavily, and his nerves
the nerves of coward-were al
unstrung and he shook under hel
grasp.
Good Lord, Jess, it is you'll" ht
managed to stammer out at last.
Yes, it's me-" she retorted with
savage bitterness. Look at me, I'm
altered; but you'll know me after
minute or two. l knew you fas
enough. You're not altered; it ism
you who have suffered. No. knew
you."
His face twitched and mis- LID.
quivered under the gaze of her blacf
eyes.
Yes, it is Jess!" he exclaimed. will
feigned surprise and delight. 'Well
this is luck. Why, Ive-I've beer
looking for you everywhere, Jess!"
That's a lie," she said, not loudly
but with slow distinctness. 1T is
that have been looking for you, Blu
I've found you-at last" What an
accent there was on those last two
words! In them spoke all the awful
longing for vengeance which had beer
simmering for months and years. "a
last! You're glad to see me. aren'
!. you? You look it! Well, I'm glad t.
see you!'
Yes, yes" he faltered; "awfu
glad. Where-where are you living
JESSE"
What do you care WHEREOF how?'
she retorted, with suppressed fury
You hoped that shouldn't live a,
all. You'd give all you're worth if
were dead. Don't deny it; l know it!
But I'm not dead; I'm alive. Claude
and I've found you!"
He grew red and white by turns
Look here he said, glancins
toward the cab-stand nervously.
don't make scene, Jessi"
i NO." she said, with a sharp click q,