The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-02-07
TheSpoilers.
ny REX E. BEACH,
Copyright. 1908. by Rex h Beach.


Eyes. let us co." she painted, and
| when they were outside she walked so
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 n chair
storming back and forth like little
fury. Her eyes were starry with tears
of anger, her face was flushed. her
hands worked nervously. He leaned
against the mantel, watching her
through his cigar smoke.
You needn't tell me-" he said mt
length. Il know all about it"
II am glad you do. | never could
repeat what they said oh, II was
brutal" Her voice caught, and she
bit her III. What made me ask
them? Why didn't | keep still? After
YOU left | went TO those women and
faced them. oh. but they We're bru-
tai, Yet. why should | carer She
stamped her Sllppered foot.
Il shall have 10 kill that man some
day" he said. ficcking his cigar ashes
into the CRATE.
What mauT She stood still and
looked at him.
"Glcnister, of coUrse. If had
thought the story would ever reach
you I'd have shut him up long ago"
III didn't come from him." she cried,
hot with Indignation. Hes Il gentle
man. It's that cat Mrs. Champian."
He shrugged his shoulders the slight
est bit. but 1t was eloquent. and she
noted It, "Oh | don't mean that he
did it Intentionally he's too decent n
chap for that-but anybody's tongue
will wag 10 beautiful girl, My lady
Malotte is a Jealous trick"
"Nalotte! Whols shef" Helen ques-
toned curiously.
He seemed surprised II thought ev-
cry one knew who she is. It's just as
well that you don't"
Il am sure Mr. Glenister would not
talk of me" There was pause.
who Is Miss Malottef"
He studied for moment. while she
watched him. What a splendid figure
he made in his evening clothes, The
coy room with its shaded lights on
HANGED his size and strength and rug
gcd outlines. In his eyes was that adj
miration which women live for. He
lifted his bold handsome face and met
her gaze.
Il had rather leave that for you 70
find out. for I'm not much ut scandal
/ have something more important TO
tell you. It's the most important thing
l have ever said to,you. Helen" II
was the first time he had used that
name. and she began to tremble. while
her eyes sought the door in panic.
She had expected this moment, and
yet was not ready.
Not tonight I'On't say IL now"
she managed to articulate
"Yes, this Is a good time. II you
can't answer, III come back tomorrow
want you TO be my wife. | want to
give you everything the world offers.
and | want to make you happy, girl.
There'll be no gossip hcreafter-Tll
shield you from everything unpleasant.
and IL there is anything you want In
life, I'll lay 1t at your feet. can do
it," He lifted his massive arms, and In
the set of his strong. square face was
the promise that she should have what
ever she craved If mortal man could
give 1t 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. mis-
judged her cruelty. The women were
enYious, clacking scandal mongers. all
of them. who would ostracize her and
make her life In the nOrthland a mis-