Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-06-27

Slai put 10y COulQQ see II. linen
Strive told me what hadn't guessed.
A bottle of wine, woman, and that
fool will tell all he knows. It's a
great game McNamara's playing and
he did well to get you in on it, for
you're clever, your nerve is good, and
your makeup is great for the part.
ought to know, for I've turned a few
tricks myself. You'll pardon this little
burst OF feeling professional pique
I'm jealous of your ability, that's ALL
However, now that you realize we're
in the same class don't look down on
me hereafter" She opened the door
and bowed her guest out with elab-
crate mockery.
Helen was too bewildered and 11umil-
lated to make much out of this vicious
and lncoherent attack except the fact
that CHERRY Malotte accused her Of a
part In this conspiracy which every
one seemed to believe existed. Here
again was that hint of corruption
Which she encountered on all sides.
This might be merely a woman's zeal.
ousy-and yet she said Strive had
| told her all about it-that bottle Of
VINE and q pretty face would make
the lawyer disclose every thing. She
could not believe 1t from what she
Knew and had heard of him. The feel-
Ing that she was cropping in the dark,
that she was wrapped in mysterious
woof of secrecy, came over her again
as 1t had so often Of late, If Struve
talked to that other woman, why
wouldn't he talk to her? She paused,
changing her direction towards Front
street, revolving rapidly in her mind
as she went her course of action.
Cherry Malotte believed her to be an
! actress. Very well-she would prove
her judgment right.
She found Strive busy in his private
office, but he leaped to his feet on her
entrance and came forward. offering
| her a chair.
| Good morning, Miss Helen. You
have a fine color, considering the night
you passed. The Judge told me all
about the affair; and let me state that
you're the pluckiest girl know
She smiled grimly at the thought OF
what made her cheeks glow, and Ian
guidly loosened the buttons of her
Jacket.
II suppose you're very busy, you
lawyer-man?" she inquired.
"Yes-but not too busy to attend tc
anything you want"
"Oh, didn't come on business" she
said lightly. II was out walking and
merely sauntered in"
well, L appreciate that all the
more" he said, in an altered tone
twisting his chair about "I'm more
than delighted" She judged she was
getting along we'll from the way his
professionalism had dropped off.
Eyes, get tired of talking to uncle
and Mr.. MCNAMARA. They treat me a:
though were little girl"
tsWhen do you take the fatal step?'
What step do you meant"
"Your marriage. When does it oc
cur? You needn't hesitate" he added
/ 'sMcNamara told me all about 1t {
month ago."
He felt his throat gingerly at tbs
| thought, but his eyes frightened wher
she answered. lightly:
Il think you are mistaken. He mus
have been joking.
For some time she led him OF
adroitly, talking Of many things, in
way to make him wonder at her nev
and fiippant humor. He had neve
j dreamed she could pc IKE Lnls, SO Ian
talizingly close to familiarity. and We
SO maddenly aloof and distant HI
4 grew bolder in his speech.
How are things going with u.s.?
she questioned, as MS warmth grew
pronounced. Uncle won't talk and MI
Mcnamara is as close-mouthed as cal
be, lately"
He looked at her quickly. "In wha
respect"
i She summoned up her courage ant
/ walked past the ragged edge of uncer
tainty.
Now, don't you try to keep me il
short dresses, too. It's getting wear
some I've done my part and want tt
know what the rest Of you are doing.
She was prepared for any answer.
"What do you want to know?" h,
asked, cautiously.
everything. Don't you think cal
hear what people are saying?"
/ "Oh, that's 1t! Well, don't you pa.
any attention to what people say"
She recognized her mistake and con
tinued. hurriedly:
"Why shouldn't I? Aren't we all Il
this together? | object to being use,
and then discarded. | think I'm en-