South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-08-26
CHAPTER III.
Mrs. Hanska's Story.

The first was tall and big. But her
height was mainly the superb carriage
Of her shoulders, her size but the ripe
roundness of a goddess figure. She
was dark; she was young; she was
beautiful. At that moment, her face
limited tragedy in every line and color;
but at any moment she must have
been serious. 1t could smile only in
flashes that face-with its broad Sc
rene brow which held its own only by
force against floods of dark hair, with
it's regular line of profile, with it's
large ripled mouth parting slowly even
on her speech. But mainly ii was the
eyes which gave gravity to her beauty.
They were clear and big; they had the
rare lift at the inner curve which lends
an appearance of frankness and in
genuousness Beyond their beauty
however, they had an arresting quality
so strong, when she regarded you full
face, as TO be poignant. 1t all lay
in her expression of innocence tri-
umphant over experience, of sincerity
triumphant over many lies. Rosalie
LeGrange, cOnnoiseur of her sex. sat
regarding her spellbOund.
The second woman-in fact she was
little more than a girl-had every
thing which the other had not; she
seemed but the illuminated shadow of
her who called herself Mrs. Hanska.
She was slender, blonde and fragile
her quality was elfin. Rosalie could
spare her but a glance.
II am Mrs. Hanska, widow of the
man who was killed last night" said
the taller woman; and she hesitated.
1t was not the custom of Inspector
Martin MCGEE to rise when women
entered his office in the role of the &C
cused or OF witnesses. A little bru-
tally, of attitude. he felt, put them
in a meek and humble mood for the
subsequent third degree proceedings.
But this woman-or was it the re-
spected presence of Rosalie lie
Grange drew him to his feet.
Won't you sit down." he said.
Thank you. May I introduce Miss
Elizabeth Lane? She is here TO CERTIFY
what l have to say" All this with
then. with a quick glance of inquiry,
10 Rosalie lie Grange.
This" said the inspector, taking his
cue at a quick proc from Rosalie's
foot lis Mrs. lie Grange. She is the
lady who came into the house right
after the-accident-and took the
boarders over TO her place for the
night. She's kept them there ever
since She was just telling me what
she knew. Maybe you'd like TO hear
it."
With her beautiful seriousness, Mrs.
Hanska considered Inspector McGee's
words. considered the situation, con-
sidered ROsalie lie Grange. Never
had Rosalie presented more con-
vincingly the appearance Of simple.
placid. bourgeois responsibility. Not
the culver of an eyelash, not the flash
OF a dimple-quiet-ey she gave Mrs.
Hanska glance for glance.
Il should like very much TO hear
it." said Mrs Hanska earnestly.
But maybe you want 10 be alone
just at first" interposed Resale. max
ing pretense Of rising.
''No-there is nothing secret" re-
piled Mrs. Hanska. Il see no reason
why YOU should not stay. Indeed you
may be able 10 help us" She trained
her look steadily upon ROsalie lie
Grange Resale. with all the gravity
OF this world in her 5rows. looked
back Something unseen OF Martin
MCGEE passed between them. Women
have with women their own ways, un-
perceived. unweighted. unvalued. by
you or me or Martin MCGEE OF any
other man who ever lived. In that
glance. two currents or fine subconsci-
Gus emotion had met and fused. RO-
salie lie Oranges mind had said
You marvel. you beauty" And Con
stance Hanska's mind had said 81
trust this woman whoever she is"
Now Martin MCGEE summoned the
: police stenographer and ordered hin
| TO stay within call. Gone from hin
was the heavy humor OF his half-houl
with Rosalie. He was the chief-sus
| picious and brutal.
II must warn YOU" he said. tina