The Parisian. (Paris, Tenn.) 1907-1962, 1919-09-26
A BROKEN LIFE
-
by ALLEN cHAMPkEY.

Copyright 1919. BY Western Newspaper UAion }
miss Cayenne, you saidr'
Eyes"
"Why the peppery Manner
you would know II you spent an
evening In her company Rightfully
she Is Miss Naomi Winters, but in a
casual way the other appelative has
become common. You may wonder at
1t, for she is not only beautiful but
rich. Her eccsntricities are constant
and numerous, and young as she ls
they say she has satire and sars
casm at command that would make a
star Of an old Grecian pessimistic
philosopher. Some deep disappoint-
ment must have rufied the fair sur
face Of her life, for she is a consist
emf man hater and her apt ridicule
Of sham, pretense and affectation has
net made her at all popular"
The speakers stood at window Of
the lobby of the hotel at Walford, re-
garding queenly appearing lady who
was just passing by.
They casually discussed her and
turned away, but man of about thlr-
ty who had stood directly behind them
moved closer to the window. There
was something more than interest in
his face--a token Of deep emotion
and thoughtful expression were in
his eyes a. he remained staring blank.
" cut on the street. He had become
a guest at the hotel and registered as
Randall Paxton that morning. At the
end Of a protrectsd rsverle he turned
away with deep sigh.
The lady who was the object OF all
this attention was life in harmony, to
outward seeing, with the designation
that had been awarded her. Her face,
though smilsless, almost severe, was
perfect In It's contour. Her eyes, which
at times were soornful or naughty,
when In repose bore a half-hldden
sadHsss that told Of some secret sor
rev
A storm Of esnsuYe and disapproval
greeted heg when she selected Alice
Wade as her maid. A member Of a
family poor, obscure, the father Of
wAieh was a drunkard, herself de-
serted wife, Alice had been stunned.
dsspised. With rare human pity
Miss Winters took her up, lifting
oppressed seal from gloom 70 sunshine
and winning a devotion and love that
was almost pathetic
It was Alice who knew of countless
deeds of charity done by her mistress
In secret. 1t was she who knew that
In her dark moody moments Miss
Winters shut herself up in a room
never visited by others. 1t was Alice
who knew that her young mistress
had loved and lost, embfttering her
life in the present.
The stranger at the hotel for three
nights In succession passed some time
In the vicinity Of the house where
Miss Winters lived He was rather
mysterious In his actions. He evaded
pedestrians and never left his hotel
during daytime. One evening he was
near to the Winters home, when Alice
was hurryIng towards the house. AS
she passed hedge a rough looking
man sprang into view and caught her
arm.
TITS me. my pretty, your rowing, I'M
fortunate husband. hear you've GOT
q Job where there's lots Of money and
Jewels. You've got to get me some"
II wouldn't give you penny II you
were starvingi" protested Alice and
broke away. The man started after
her. Paxton interviewed, knocked him
senseless vita single blow, and hur-
red the girl henewards.
There, YOU are SAFE" he said, land
If that miscreant troubles you again
Just call the police. Why what is
thatY as a thunderous sound emanat.
cd from the house, startling, alarming.
Something has happened. Oh, my
young mistress n palpitated Alice, and
she rushed into the house, followed by
Paxton. Into the wing room Alice
dashed. At It's threshold for an In
slant Paxton paused. A part Of the
ceiling had fallen and Miss Winters
lay inssnsible on the floor amid its de-
bris. This was the room where Miss
Winters spent 90 many hours Of medi- |
tation In solitude. Upon table in the
corner was framed Photograph, mar
vslepsly resembling the young man,
some tribes Of jswelry, a faded
evidently love msmentes Of
far past.
Paxtea's face was colerless. He quiv.
cred Nike strong tree shaken by q
tempest as he lifted Miss Winters ten
Derby, carried her to couch in the next
room and teisphonsd for a physician.
A great aspiration Of relief swept his
lips as an hour later Alice came to
him and informed him that the doctor
Miss Winters only tempora.
rily stunned. Alice looked agitated as
she glanced at the photograph and
then at the stranger.
~Yeu are the manr she spoke In q
low, intense tone.
"You mean, an cid friend Of Miss
whom she has remsmberedT