Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1913-10-30

get me Of. We had Y WITT WI
been married but a few months and
this was the first night that | had left
her alone. Her manner, to say the
least, puzzled me.
But Nells actions, however, were
soon forgotten. At the club, was
hailed as one back from the dead.
The boys crowded about me. chaffed
good-naturedly about giving the "old
lady" the slip and welcomed me into
their midst with open arms. Once
more l was the reckless, fun-loving.
devilmay-care fellow that my friends
had known.
The banquet broke up, but | did not
go home. The night air was glorious.
Never had l known night to possess
such alluring charm. A party of six
kindred spirits set out to do the
town." A masque ball was being held
in a nearby hall and we broke in upon
the dance.
A dainty little creature robed in
quaint Japanese costume, coyly ap-
preached on tip toes and chucking me
under the chin, fitted gayly away. ]
tried to pursue, but Mephisto in fam.
ing red, with a demure little black.
draped nun in his arms, laughingly
bumped me back into the crowd.
/ stood fascinated. All about me was
life-life that had once known. Gro
tesque and fanciful attired maskers,
waltzed and paraded before me.
| tried to join in their march-but
a dull sickening feeling overcame me
l suddenly awakened to my true sell
and my thoughts returned to Nell
dear trusting girl, awaiting alone al
home for my return. With conscience
severely pricking turned to leave the
hall.
A girl attired in red; red dress, red
slippers. red gloves. red hat and red
mask, fitted past rae. stopped alb
ruptly. The figure was strangely ia.
miliar. / stood, bewildered, puzzled
and then, as my gaze followed the red
masked figure whirling about the ball.
room, my breath came quick and
short.
"Ah! l saw 1t all, now. l saw why
she was so anxious | should go to
lodge. Never could l have dreamed
of such a th1ng-such treachery, such
wanton deceit. But here"
The music ceased playing and the
dancers were leaving the floor. Lean.
ing on the arm of a cavalier, she en-.
tered the palm room.
Annr
and savagely brushed aside the cur.
tains.
staggered back. clutching the
draperies for support. My head
seemed to swing and a mist gathered
before my eyes.
The fellow had deliberately kissed
her.
There they sat, her head resting
contentedly on his shoulder and he
holding her in tight embrace.
A few swift strides and | stood be.
fore them. The man. angry at my
intrusion, attempted to arise, but be
fore he could do so, | seized him by
the shoulders and with almost super
human strength hurled him from me,
sprawling to the floor. Turning |
gazed at his companion, who covered
trembling in the seat.
$50 this was why you were so
eager that / should go to lodge?
Wanted to meet this chivalrous lover
of yours. eh?"
Fearfully her hand sought the mask |
as II TO remove IL, but after a mo- |
ment's pause. fell mechanically back
into her lap.
Cant you speak; can't you talk"
| cried Lets see your face-let's
see II it has any shame In it?"
Reaching forward with a savage
jerk l tore away the mask.
The revelation staggered me.
Il beheld-not my wife-but the
cook.
She had appropriated jewelry and
from the mistress.