Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-12-06
CHATTER XXI.
!, VI $500

\ FTER . sleepless night Paul roes
~ late Monday morning. he
heaped fresh coal on the
crate. coaxing the dying en-
bess into roaring blaze. Then he
spent . few minutes in vigorous exer-
cise with the dumbbells. followed BY
q cold shower. After a quick. hard
rundown ~ dressed very carefully.
The mirror told him that his sleep
lessness had left no trace other than
the faint shadows under the eyes and
Q slight pallor that was very becom-
ing.
He went ont and. boarding q car.
rude downtown to bis favorite grill.
room, where he sat for more than an
hour dawdling languidly over his
breakfast For another hour he tramp
Cd the streets istlessly. steering an
a1mless course through the busting
ctowds. 4 faint. not unpleasant. mel.
ancholy fell upon him. such az some
times comes to one who beholds an
autumn sunset or the unhappy denoue-
ment Of q play. He fingered iuxu-
fiously IN the mood. tasting 1ts favor.
His course. without conscious inten-
ton. led him to the First National
bank building. Nor was he conscious
Of any exercise Of win one way or the
other 40 he entered the elevator and
was whisked to Sangers Offices. San
ger greeted him cordially. with no out
ward sign Of exultation. Paul's only
sensations were surprise that It was
% easy and matter Of fact. and some
what OF disappointment that it was
20 nat and tasteless. this treachery
upon which be had brooded 80 fore
bolingly. He read the formal state
ment twice before signing. He could
not realize that it meant the end Of
six years friendship. the beginning Of
q new scheme Of existence for him.
Only when the notary administered
the oath did b feel qualm- A slight
SILVER passed over him. Then he
laughed uncertainty. He drew deep
breath Of relief-he thought-that It
was over. The melancholy returned.
His next stop was at telephone
booth. where he called up the Sanger
home. In response to his inquiries
Eleanors maid Informed him that
madam had signi1ed her Intention OF
going to q certain department store to
DO some shopping.
Paul hung up the receiver and steer.
Cd straight course for the department.
store designated With q sigh Of re.
lief he espied the big hooded automo-
bile standing before the entrance to
the store. The chauffeur was fussily
examining the machine. Paul stopped
and abstractedly watched him. The
latter touched his hat. Importantly
containing his labors, which seemed
to be- superhuous. Paul sat in the ma
chine and waited. smoking dreamily.
An hour later he heard a surprised
seWhat are you doing hereT'
He turned quickly, his eyes lighting
M warmly. waiting for you"
She laughed. II was % vain 40 to
Euess that Are you going somewhere7
Perhaps We can Get you down thereY
.YeS," be said. with q proprietary
air: I'm going to luncheon. and you
are coming with me-"
SIS that IN invitation7 Then I &C.
eept. III lstiyou into a secret have
been wretchedly lonely all morning.
came shopping just to escape It
And was dreading the prospect Of an
afternoon alone In that big empty
house.
Then I'm twice glad waited"
He opened the door. and they both
entered the car James cranked and
deftly lodged through the crowded
thoroughfares toward the restaurant
Paul had chosen.
He turned dreamily to her.
You shouldn't be lonely" be said In
the hushed tone one would use at a
Neathbed, ..sipce you have for COM
pany-you.s
n Ind myself sorry company some
times." she answered. with an attempt
1t brightnsss.
A Hi beautiful woman's mouth curv.
"a IN drValny smile. 1T is company
worth any sacrifice to win.'
When the car came to stop before
he restaurant they alighted and went
81. Paul made only prstense Of eat
ing.
'sYeu're eating hardly anything" she
aid. Aren't you well?'
For answer he pointed to her own
platA. hardly touched.
II had . very late breakfast" she
s9plained
$50 had !. Hushl'' hs almost whis.
1ered. LIT M not talk"
witt sSss:.ss sSs:emptuous shrus Of
Her shoulders she gave over the At
tsmpt to disturb him. She wondered
now she could ever have deceived her.
oelf into tie belief that she could love
q that shs wanted to love him.
1t was pity only" she thought.
sAiways pity"
Paul stirred uneasiiy. lowering his
ovD to meet hers. He looked &C her
1oug and steadily.
.Eaeanor. Eleanorl'' hs cried. softly
pleading. sit isn't truer'
s what isn't truer' she asked. though
the knew the answer.
- nj go viii never lore meS he
5 Whispered tremulousiy.
~ put out her hand uncertainly. u
1ho1sh shse would tighten the blow.
- .ssse !. ese said natyinaly. - = en-
49, lsge you 3 5oi wish."