West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1907-12-26

said Helen colby.
"Oh. yes, you do! Don't assume such
innocence. or course it's your role. but
you can't play IL with me-" She step
ped In front OF her visitor. placing her
back against the door, while her face
was bitter and hooking. "rbe little
service / did you just now entities me
to a privilege, 1 suppose. and I'm going
10 take advantage OF IL 10 tell you how
badly your mask fits. Dreadfully rude
OF me, isn't III You're I'm with a fine
lot OF crooks, and admire the way
you've done your share of the dirty
work, but when you assume these
scandalized, superyirtuous airs 1t Of
tends me-"
'Let me outr'
"I've done bad things" Cherry con.
tinued unheedingly, "but was forced
into them usually, and I never dcllber-
ately tried to wreck n mans life Just
for his money"
What do you mean. by saying that
have betrayed my friends and wrecked
anybody's lifer Helen demanded hot
ly.
Bah. ! had you sized up Mt the
start, but Roy couldn't see It, Then
Strive told me what hadn't guessed.
a bottle OF wine, woman. aud that
fool will tell all lac knows. It's a great
game McNamnra's playing. and he did
well TO get You In on II. for you're
clever, your nerve is good. and your
makeup is great for the part. ! ought
10 know for I've turned few tricks
myself. You'll pardon this little burst
of feeling professional pique. I'm
Jealous of your ability, that's all. How
ever. now that you realize we're In the
same class, don't look down on mo
hereafter" She opened the door and
bowed her guest out with elaborate
mockery.
Helen was too bewildered and hu-
inflated 10 make much out of this
vicious and incoherent attnck except
the fact that Cherry Malotte accused
her Of part In this conspiracy which
every one seemed TO believe existed.
Here again was that hint OF corrup-
tlon which she encountered on all
sides. This might be merely a wom-
ans Jealousy, and yet she said Strive
had told her all about it-that n bot
tie OF wine and pretty face would
make the lawyer disclose everything.
She could believe 1t from what she
knew and had heard OF him. The
feeling that she was cropping in the
dark, that she was wrapped in mys-
terious wool of secrecy, came over her
ngain as IL had so often OF late. III
Strive talked to that other woman.
why wouldn't be talk to her? She
paused. changing her direction to-
ward 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 I'm his private
office, but he leaped TO his feet on her
entrance and came forward. Offering
her n chair
Good morning, Miss Helen. You
have 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 checks glow and Ian
guidly loosened the buttons of her
jacket.
II suppose you're very busy. you
lawyer manp she inquired.
"Yes, but not too busy to attend to
anything you want"
"Oh, didn't come on business"
she said lightly. II was out walking
and merely sauntered in"
well, appreciate that all the
more" he said In an altered tone,
Nr,.Ic L. Il, IL,
than delighted" She judged she was
getting on well from the way his pro-
fessionallsm had dropped Off
"Yes, ] get tired OF talking to uncle
and Mr.. Mcnamara. They treat me
as though / were little girl"
"When do you take the fatal step?"
what step do you mean?"
Your marriage. When does II oc-
cur? You needn't hesitate" he added.
Mcnamara told me about it n month
ago"
He felt his throat gingerly at the
thought, but his eyes frightened when
she answered lightly:
81 think you are mistaken. He must
have been joking"
For some time she led him on adroit-
ly, talking Of many things I'm a way TO
make him wonder ut her new and flip
pant humor He had never dreamed
she could be like this-so tantalizingIy
close to familiarity and yet so madden
ingly aloof and distant He grew bold
er In his speech.
How are things going with us?" she
questioned ms his warmth grew pro-
nounced. Uncle won't talk, and Mr.
Mcnamara is as close mouthed as can
be lately"
He looked at her quickly. an what
fespectY
She summoned up her courage and
walked past the ragged edge OF uncer.
tainty.
NOW, don't you try to keep me In
short dresses too. It's getting weari-
some. I've done my part. ana / want
10 know what the rest OF you are do
ing" She was prepared for any an
swer
what do you want TO known ne
asked cautiously.
Everything. Don't you think can
hear what people are saying?'
"Oh, that's itl Well don't you pay
any attention 70 what people say"
She recognized her mistake and con-
tinued hurrlcdly:
why shouldn't I? Aren't vo al In
this together 7 object 20 being used
and then discarded ! think I'm emit
tied 70 know how the scheme IS work
Ing Don't YOU think ! can keep my
mouth shutT
"Of coursc," he laughed. trying 10
change the subject Of their talk. But
she arose and leaned against the desk
near him, vowing that She would not
leave the Office without piercing some