The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-08-31
CONTINUED

WHICH lney were OuISluc she Wdikeu 50
rapidly that he had difficulty In keep
ing pace with her. She was silent, and
he knew better than to question, but
when they arrived at her house he
entered, took off his overcoat and
turned up the light In the tiny parlor.
She flung her wraps over a chair,
storming back and forth like a little
fury Her eyes We're starry with tears
of anger, her face was flushed, her
hands worked nervously. He leaned
against the mantel, watching her
through bis cigar smoke
You needn't tell me-" he said at
length. II know all about IT."
II am glad you do. l never could
repeat what they said. Oh, it was
brutalP' Her voice caught, and she
bit her lip. What made me ask
them? Why didn't keep still? After
you left 1 went to those women and
faced them. Oh, but they were bru-
tai! Yet, why should carer" She
stamped her slippered foot
81 shall have to kill that man some
day" he said, flecking his cigar ashes
Into the CRATE.
what manT She stood still and
looked at him.
"Glenister. of course. If I had
thought the story would ever reach
you I'd have shut him up long ago"
ut didn't come from him." she cried,
hot with indignation. Hes a gentle
man. It's that cat, Mrs. Champlan."
He shrugged his shoulders the slight
est bit. but 1t was eloquent, and she
noted it. "Oh, don't mean that he
did it intentlonally-he's too decent
chap for that-but anybody's tongue
will wag to a beautiful grill My lady
Malotte Is jealous trick"
"Malottel Who is sheT' Helen ques-
toned curiously.
He seemed surprised. 81 thought ev-
cry one knew who she is. It's just as
we'll that you don't"
81 am sure Mr. Glenister would not
talk of me-" There was q pause.
"Who Is Miss MalotteY'
He studied for a moment, while she
watched him. What n splendid figure
he made In his evening clothes! The
coy room with its shaded lights en-
HANGED his size and strength and rug
ged outlines. In his eyes was that adj
miration which women live for. He
lifted his bold, handsome face and met
her gaze.
II had rather leave that for you to
find out, for I'm not much at scandal
l have something more important to
tell you. It's the most important thing
have ever said to you, Helen" 1t
was the first time he had used that
name, and she began to tremble, while
her eyes sought the door IN n panic
She had expected this moment and
yet was not ready.
mot tonight Don't say it now"
she managed to articulate.
Eyes, this is a good time. If you
can't answer, I'll come back tomorrow
! want you to be my wife. l want to
give you everything the world offers,
and l want to make you happy, girl.
ThereIl be no gossip hereafter-Ill
shield you from everything unpleasant,
and If there Is anything you want in
life. I'll lay it at your feet l can do
IT," He lifted his massive arms, and in
the set Of his strong, square face was
ever she craved if mortal man could
give it to her-love. protection, posi-
ton, alteration.
She stammered uncertainty till the
humiliation and chagrin she had suf-
fered this night swept over her again.
This town-this crude, half born min.
ing camp-had turned against her. mic.
-.
envIous, clacking scandal mongers, Il
OF them. who would ostracize her art
make her life in the northland a mis-
cry, make her an outcaSt with nothing
to sustain her but her own solitary
pride. She could picture her future
clearly, pitilessly, and see herself
standing alone, vilifed, harassed in a
thousand cutting ways, yet unable to
run away or to explain. She would
have to stay and face it, for her life
was bound up here during the next few
years or so, or as long as her uncle
remained a judge. This man would
free her. He loved her; he offered he
everything. He was bigger than all
the rest combined. They were his play
things. and they knew It. She was not
sure that she loved him. but his mag
netism was overpowering and her ad-
miration intense. No other man she
had ever known compared with him,
except Glenister- Bah! The beast! He
had insulted her at first; he wronged
her now.
''Will you be my wife, Helen?" the
man repeated softly.
She dropped her head, aud he strobe
forward to take her in his arms, then
stopped listening. Some one ran up on
the porch and hammered loudly at the
door. Mcnamara scowled. walked into
the hall and flung the portal open. dis
closing Strive
Hello, Mcnamara! Been looking all
over for you. There's the deuce to
payr' Helen sighed with relief and