Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-11-14

coming habit in this neighborhood."
She returned, bearing tiny silver tray
with decanter and glasses.
you're all unstrung but this brandy
will help you-lf you don't object to a
swallow of Il. Then come right in
here and lie down for a moment and
you'll he all right" She spoke with
such genuine kindness and sympathy
that Helen flashed grateful glance at
her. She was tall slender, and with
peculiar undulatlng suggestion In her
movements. rs though she had been
bred TO the clinging folds of slken gar
monts Helen watched the charm of
her smile, the friendly sollcitude OF her
expression, and felt her heart warm
toward this one kind woman in Nome.
You're very good" she answered;
'but I'm all right now. | was badly
frightened. 1t was wonderful, your
saving me-" she followed the others
graceful motion MS she placed her bur-
den on the table, and in doing so gazed
squarely at n photograph of Roy Glen
lister.
oh" Helen exclaimed and then
paused rs it flashed over her who this
slrl was. She looked at her quickly.
/ Yes. probably men would consider the
woman beautiful. with that smile.
The revelation came with n shock, and
she arose. trying to mask her con-
fusion.
THANK YOU so much for your kind
ness I'm quito myself now and
must 60"
Her change Of face could not escape
the quick perceptions Of one schooled
by experience in the Sights of her sex.
Times without number Cherry Malotte
had marked that subtle, scornful
change in other women, and reviled
herself for needing it. But in some
way this girls manner hurt her worst
Of all. She betrayed no sign, however,
save widening Of the eyes and GER
tain fixty of smile rs she answered:
Il wish you would stay until you are
rested. MISC She paused with out
stretched hand
) Chester. My name is Helen Chester.
I'm Judge Stillman's niece" hurried
The other. in cmbarrass
Cherry Mnlottc withdrew her prof
fcrcd hand and her face grew hard and
hateful
"Oh. So YOU are Miss Chester-and
l-sayod you" She laughed harshly
Helen strovc for calmness I'm sor-
ry you feel that way" she said cooly.
81 appreciate your service to me" She
moved toward the door.
"Walt moment ! want to talk to
you" Then, rs Helen paid no heed,
the woman burst ont bitterly: ooh,
don't be afraid, l know you are com
hitting IN objectionable sin by tnlk
ing to me but no one will see you, and
in your code the crime lies in being
discovered Therefore. you're quite
safe. That's what makes me an out
cast was found out. | want you to
know, however, that had as am. I'm
better than you, for I'm loyal to those
: tl..t IKE ne. and don't betray my
friends"
81 don't pretend to understand YOU"
said Helen coldy.
"Oh, yes. you do. Don't assume such
innocence. OF course it's your role. but
you can't play it with me-" She step
ped in front Of hcr visitor, placing her
back against the door, While her face
was hitter and hooking. The little
service | did you Just now entities me
20 n privilege. suppose. and I'm going
10 take advantage of it to tell you how
badly your mask fits Dreadfully rude
of lac, isn't il? You're in with fine
lot Of crooks. and l admire the way
you've done your share Of the dirty
work, bur when you assume these
sClnGalzed. sup"ryir:uous airs it Of
tends me-
Let me ont"
Eve done bad things" Cherry con-
tinued unhoodilE,T but | was forced
Into them usually, ana | never delibcr-
atcly tried 70 wrecl; a mans life Just
for his money
What do yoU mean hv saying that |
have betrayed my friends and wrecked
anybody's l.fc| Helen demanded hot
~.
"Bah, ! had you sized up Mt the
start. but Roy couldn't see il. Then
Strive tCld mo what | hadn't guessed.
\ bottle OF wiuc Il woman. and that
fool will tell all he knows. It's great
Came McNamara's blazing. and he did
we'll to get YOU in on il. for you're
clever. your nerve is good, and your
/ nokn1D is rrcnt for tho pnrt I Ourht