The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-09-11

way. They stood rather In awe OF the
and " who also could be = most unap-
proachable.
All day, Madge svaded West. She
once moved near TO Walter so that she
would not be obliged to listen TO his
passionate love-making. Her actions
OF the night before had set fire TO his
for her, and he had begged her to lis
ten to him until, exasperated with him
and with herself for bringing such q
condition to pass. she had fed to wal
ter.
what is It. Madge?" Walter had
asked as he made room for her beside
him.
Nothing. I'm uneasy. that's all"
well. sit heEe quietly awhile. You
overdid yesterday, I'm afraid"
Madge looked up at him as she might
at a stranger. He had spoken in a
quiet. even voice, but there was a soft
ness In 1t unusual TO him when he talked
with her.
She had felt like fly caught in a
net-West. the spider. who was trying
to catch her and hold her against her
willard all because she had wanted
to punish some one she had walked
open-eyed into the net.
had played and knew that when In
gram West realized 1t was but a part
he would despise her also. Not that she
cared or that 1t troubled her, only as it
made the foolish thing she had deliber-
ately set herself to do more loathsome
In her own eyes.
In the cool of the late afternoon she
slipped out alone into the grounds. She
thought herself unobserved. But West
had seen and followed.
II love you! You must give yourself
to me! Get divorce, darling, and come
to me! l shall never be happy again
until you belong to me, are my wifew
he pleaded, not giving her time to speak
or to escape.
"Don't" She put up her hands as II
to ward Off blow. Don't! l am not
in love with you. care about you only
Of Walters friends. Please go away!
And never say such things to me
again" She covered her face with her
hands.
"Then all that you have done-your
actions-mean nothing?" he stam-
mered.
mol didn't mean anything! Not
even now could she bring herself to tell
the man that she had used him to hurt
Walter, because not even set did she
want him. or others. to Know from her
that Walter had ceased to care. 1t was
too belittling. They would all know it
soon; until then she would not use it as
an excuse for her outrageous actions
with West.
"But-you have been so sweet. 80
different with me" Man of the world
as he was. he had no words to express
himself. His love for her had been
real, perhaps the greatest love of his
life. and she was slipping from him just
as he thought to grasp her and hold her
forever.
"Yes-forgive me If I have made
you think l cared" and wrenching her.
self loose she reached her room, where
she remained scourging herself until
Kitty came for her.
What do you suppose happened to
make Mr.. West leave?" Kitty asked,
looking keenly at Madge.
Has he gone?'
Yes. Claimed he had a message this
afternoon. But he acted so queer. as
any one. Did he say goodby to your
mo. have been up here for hours"
Madge's relief that West had gone,
that SHE would not have to face him,
was lessened by the thought that she
had been to blame, had driven him
away. her self-loathing made her very
quiet. although she tried to rouse her
self, fearing they would connect her
distract manner with Vests sudden de-
parture.
To her relief they all voted to turn in
early. Tomorrow she would be all right
again. So, affecting a gayety she was
FAR from feeling she again merrily babe
hem all good night once more blowing
Kisses from the landing and looking so
ovely that Walter suppressed groan |
,ver what he had lost.
CHAPTER CIV.
At home once more Madge allowed |
Ter depression full sway. She seemed |
% have lost all interest in everything |
except only her little son. She spent |
much time with Douglas in the nur-
'ery and when she went out in the car
Invariably took him with her. Often
The would stop for Kitty, knowing that
The would not annoy her with CONVEX
alton II she wished to be silent.
Mrs. Gleason called one day soon |
lfter their return from their visit to
he lodge.
II hear that you are a great shot;
hat you took all the honors."
"Oh, no! l did very well consider
ng 1 had not touched a gun since
vas married"
Did your husband shoot with you?"
mo, he remained with the fishing
'arty. Mr.. Hobbs and Mr.. Campbell
we're with me-"
IT heard that Mr.. Kenney remained
With Mrs. Lorce, but scarcely believed
hat you would be SO foolish as to go
ff and leave them together in that
place"
'.What has the place got to do with
/? They, with the rest of the party,
shed while we hunted. That was ALL"
The place has great deal to do !
nth ones feelings. Aimee Loree is Il
cry sensitive to her surroundings-she
Did me so herself. What could appeal
D the romantic. sentive nature more
p In the mountains?"
Yes, but Mr.. Kenney hasn't grain
sentiment in his whole body" Madge
stlrned lightly, $50 why try to connect
hem? Really, Mrs. Gleason, l know l
on mean kindly. but l am older than
hen / first met you-older in every !
ay. 1 think l am quite capable of
now without help from--any !
ne. So, please. do not refer to my .
lsband and Mrs. Loree again" q
Madgo afterward wondered where she '
1t the courage to speak as she did c
fferent was she from the weepy, easily S
WED girl of only a short time ago. {
"Oh, very WELL" Mrs. Gleason had
1swered. Il have always liked you I
Id felt so sorry for you. have warned 4
III for your own good. Your husband o
a dangerously fascinating man-esps-
ally to women of his own age and
omen OF accomplishments who know u
NV to appreciate man OF his type. Z
never could understand how he came So
marry a child IKE you were-not u
ghteen, l believe"
mo. not until l had been married t.
,out two months" She might as we'll 81
t things straight, Madge thought with J.
curl of her lip. n
II heard So Well, II you could have 4
lown how astonished we all were! We p
id thought he surely would marry Il
NEE Loree. They were thick as
icves-are still. as far as can see" 7
Perhaps you do not see far enough" k
ndge answered steadily They are n
ry old friends and like all old friends Il
Joy each others society. As long Il
l do not object l can't understand
~ s-you--should be so inter- W
ted
We'll all I'VE got TO say is that you al