The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1908-05-01
tContihued

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. How
ever, 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 elaborate
mockery.
Helen was too bew1ldered and hui
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-
ton which she encountered on all
sides This might be merely wom-
ans jealousy, and yet she said Strive
had told her all about it-that a bot
tie of wine and a pretty face would
make the lawyer disclose everything.
She could believe it from what she
knew and had heard of him. The
feeling that she was cropping in the
dark, that she was wrapped in a myS-
FERROUS wool of secrecy, came over her
again as it had so often of late. If
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 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 l 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 MANI" she inquired.
Eyes, 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 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 on well from the way his pro
had dropped off
Eyes, | 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 90 you mean?"
"Your marriage. When does it &C.
cur? You needn't hesitate" he added.
''NIcNamara told me about it 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-
~, 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
ngly aloof and distant. He grew bold
er in his speech.
"How are things going with us?' she
questioned as his warmth grew pro-
"Uncle won't talk, and Mr..
Mcnamara is as close mouthed as can
be lately"
He looked at her quickly. I'm what
She summoned up her courage and /,
walked past the ragged edge of uncer-
ainty.
Now, don't you try to keep ME in 5
hort dresses too. It's getting weari- ,
tome I've done my part, and ! want |
o know what the rest of you are do /
ng" She was prepared for any an {
Iwer.
what do you want to know he |
lsked cautiously.
Everything. Don't you think | can 8
rear what people are sayingT"
ooh that's 1t! Well, don't you pay q
my attention to what people say" C
She recognized her mistake and com s
inued hurriedly: b
"Why shouldn't /? Aren't we all IN t
his together? object to being used 6
nd then discarded. | think I'm emit Il
led to know how the scheme is work a
ng. Don't you think can keep my u
mouth shut?" {
"Of course" he laughed, trying to
hnnge The subject of their talk. Pu. a
he arose and leaned against the desk e
ear him, vowing that she would not h
cave the office without piercing some n
art of this mystery. His manner q
her suspicion that there
vas something behind II all This dis
ipated, brilliant creature knew the sit
in fiox, thot.opohlu oud fhouuh q