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

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tried TO avoid u mention OF his age,
or anything that seemed like n refer
ence 10 II.
Mndge wondered II Jack Turner'S
name had been among the guests. but
would not ask Walter. Had she known
that he had looked anxiously, almost
fearsomely. for II she would have been
astonished. Had she known that ever
since Jack had parted from her win
words OF love that night when he
lieved she was in love with Jack. she
would have been stu more surprised.
When Mr.. Hobbs asked Kitty Camp
bell TO his house party he had also
asked her to suggest some young nlaii'
I'VE old folks may bore you. MRS.
Kenney is young and perhaps two or
three more young people VIII make my
little party more lively. What do you
say to that young Turner.
oa No wouldn't dT ]! WV Klt1 m 2eaiz cd
things were reaching crisis with
Madge, but she would do all she could
TO stave II off. She still had that guilty
feeling because she had Introduced
"Yes-perhops 1t will be better not to
was not asked.
But Ingram West was included
Madge. reckless. too young to realize
the seriousness of leading man OF
MS type on, u leL w oitVh
see that she was DIS attractive to In
gram West as Aimee Loree was to n;m
In spite of all she had learned, all
she had seen since her marriage,
Madge's mind was still almost primi-
tive In many ways. Walter had LETT
companion. Kitty Campbell. whose
mind, like Madge's, was a clear pool
| OF clean wholesome thoughts, that she
had only lately sensed the other side
OF llfe--the ugly side-to any. extent,
and then only because Of what she
| Aimee Loree. 1t was this belief that
prompted her to use Ingram West In an
effort to save her pride.
This man Ingram West. who he'd Ind
so much exjerience. who knew life;
had looked upon her with interest, had
found pleasure In her socity. He was
only a littlo younger than Walter, yet
| he never seemed bored or to want to
leave her. Her face burned as her
thoughts stumbled on. What would her
| life have been lived with a man like
him instead OF with Walter?
| To her establishment she found she
| hated, loathed the thought. and pushed
1t from her. She was something
shocked at herself. for this something
which had sprung up within her that
great revolt came upon her-revolt at
| the self that could think such~things.
Then like soothing influence came
the thought of Jack Turner's honest.
boyish love. But even this did not halt
her determination to make Walter see
her fascination for others. Principally
West.
T Madge had not yet recognized that
as she was growing further from girl
hood. her nature was changing. develop
Ing. She had given way Of late to lonrs
OF sef-pity of such doubt OF Walter
that all that was girlish had been
forced under By this change going on in
her.
SO she planned to "show Walter"
while no also planned and hoped that
In the changed surroundings he might
perhaps get a little nearer to this girl
wife Of his: might perhaps hold he a
little longer.
And the little gods of love nd fate
laid their fingers beside their noses and
laughed.
CHAPTER c.
Never had the lodge housed a gayer
party than that first night when all met
at dinner. 1t was as II bit OF fairy
land lad been set down In the midst OF
a wilderness. The softly lighted room,
its beamed ceiling and wooded sides
shining almost black IN their mahogany
polish. made a background upon which
stood out effectively. The lively ban
ter interrupted only by the popping of
corks-the lodge was still plentfully
supplied with rare old vintage wines
went on INCREASINGLY.
Ingram West had taken Madge in.
Walter. as usual, sat next 10 Aimee
Loree. and where he could look directly
at Madge. Kitty Campbell was out
of range, for which Madge was thank
ful--although she would scarcely have
been able to explain why
The force. the intensity OF Vests I'D
miration, made Madge's task OF SEEM
ing pleasure in his society easy, and |
left no slightest doubt of his fascina-
ton.
Walter seemed puzzled at what he
saw. This did not coincide with his |
idea that Nh dge cared for Jack Turner |
and 1t seemed so foreign to ner-;his
brazen Irritation with West was she
so unhappy with him. Walter. that sho
welcomed diversion Of any kind? The
attentions of any man?
Madge fairly scintillated. She laughed
constantly and drank two glass; OF
wine where never before had she tasted
more than one.
your wife seems to be having
wonderful time" Madge distinctly hoard
Mrs. Loree say to Walter. She did not
hear the answer, but acted as II still
more interested In West and more reck-
less OF what she said.
She saw the puzzled look on Walters
face and thrill upon thrill pierced her
/
sense OF something akin to intoxication
swept over her-not due to the wine
drunk.
'You are not only wondrously lovely
West had said to- her. but
you are so clever. l never half appre-
riated you before--even II have been
wild with love OF you." He added the
last In a whisper. II
Dinner over they danced in the great
hall, Here, too. Madge was 50 gay. SO
seemingly light-hearted that Kitty said
10 her In a quiet moment:
81 never saw you enjoy yourself as
you seem to be doing tonight
That's strange! Neither have L.
was Madge's cryptic answer. causing
Kitty to look at her more closely
Dance with Madge," she whispered /
% Clark little later. "She is terribly
.ecltless tonight. wonder IL she and
Walter have Quarrelled?" Ii
"No--therel They are dancing to- ,
yether."
lance in his old masterful way. At tirst
The had a mind to refuse, to send him {
,ack to Mrs. Loree, who she saw watch I
ng them. Then: 1T would be child
sh," she thought, and laid her hand y
IN Walters arm.
you are having a good timer" he
sked as they moved away together. !
"Wonderful There Is no need to
Isk you the same question Mrs Loree G
3 here
Don't be sarcastic" he returned. r
more as II he were hurt by what she |
aid, than as he usually spoke to her 4
"That was farthest from my inten- /
lon. Yes, am enjoying myself. 1t
promises to he n wonderful party" *
What were you and West talking I
bout that was so interesting ne y
skcd after turn or two. q
"Oh, many things. l guess he was
cling me most of the time how he ad- a
nircd me. lie is a sad fiattercr. you 5
now" v
Yes, told you long ago not TO pay
ny attention to his batteries" a