Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-10-07

myself You'll pardon this little burst
Of feeling-profession pique. I'm
Jealous of your ability, that's ali. How
ever, now that you realize were IN the
| same class. don't look down on me
hereafter" She opened the door and
bowed her guest out with elaborate
| mockery.
Helen was too bewildered and hu
inflated to make much out Of this
vicious and incoherent attack 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
| tion which she encountered on all
sides This might be merely wom
ans jealousy, and yet she said Strive
had told her all about 1t that bot
tie OF wine and u 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 tho
dark that she WAS wrapped In mys-
FERROUS wool of secrecy, came over her
again as 1t had so often Of late. IL
Strive talked to that other woman,
why wouldn't he 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 In his private
office, but he leaped to his feet on her
entrance and came forward. offering
her 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 ut the thought OF
what made her cheeks glow and Ian
ruidly loosened the buttons Of her
jacket
~ suppose you're very busy. you
lawyer MANI" she inquired.
"Yes. but not too busy to attend 10
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,
twisting his chair about. I'm more
than delighted" She Judged she was
getting on well from the way his pro-
fessionalism had dropped off
| Yes, get tired Of talking to uncle
and Mr.. Mcnamara. They treat ME
as though I were little girl"
"When do you take the fatal stepT
What step do you mean?"
"Your marriage. When does 1t oc-
cur? You needn't hesitate" he added.
..McNamara told me about 1t Q month
ago"
He felt his throat gingerly at the
thought, but his eyeg frightened when
she answered lightly:
! II think you are mistaken. He must
have been Joking"
For some time she led him on adroit-
". talking Of many things In way to
make him wonder at her new and flip
! pant humor. He had never dreamed
she could be like this-so tantalizingly
close to familiarity and yet SO madden
ingly aloof and distant. He grew bold
err In his speech.
How are things going with u.s." she
questioned as 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. I'm what
respectY
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 wearf-
some. I've done my part, and | want
to know what the rest Of you are do
ing" She was prepared for any an
| swer.
what do you want to know?" he
asked cautiously.
Everything. Don't you think can
hear what people are saying?"
ooh, that's 1t! Well, don't you pay
any attention to what people say"
She recognized her mistake and con-
tinued hurriedly:
"Why shouldn't 1? Aren't we all in
this together? object to being used
and then discarded l think Pm enti-
tied to know how the scheme is work
ing Don't you think can keep my
mouth shut?"
"Of course" he laughed, trying to
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
part Of this mystery. His manner
strengthened her suspicion that there
was something behind it all. This dis
sipated, brilliant creature knew the sit /
uation thoroughly, and yet, though |
swayed by her efforts, he remained
chained by caution. She leaned for
ward and smiled at him.
you're just like the others, aren't
you? You won't give me any satisfac-
ton at all"
"Give. give, give" said Strive Gym
ically. "That's always the woman's
cry Give me thls-give me that. Self
ish sex! Why don't you offer some
thing in return: Men are traders;
women usurers You are curious; |