South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-24

from the corridor struck IN across
the threshold, a white hand at
rest upon the floor. woman s
h1rd. palm up. the fingers slightly
contracted, absolutely still. A start
ling thing 20 see.
For a few seconds Lucinda stood
entranced with premonitions OF
horror. Then she moved 10 the door
and raped on II gently. There was
no response. the hand didn't stir
She called guardedly. Miss Mar
quis!'-and when nobody answered
laid hold OF the knob.
Nelly Marquis lay supine. breath
Ing. II at all, so lightly that the
movement Of her bosom, beneath
the ragged lace OF a pink silk negli-
gee, was imperceptible. Her lids,
half lowered showed only the
whites of rolled up eyes. her lips
were parted and discolored. her
painted pallor was more CHASTITY
even than il had been IN the morn
ing. On the evidence Of her body's
posture in relation to the partly
opened door. she had been taken
suddenly III; had rushed TO call for
assistance. and had fallen in the
act Of turning the knob.
Lucinda shut the door. knelt.
touched the girls wrist. and found
l. icy cold. But when she placed her
hand upon the bosom she found il
warm, and that the heart in it was
family but Enthusiastically fluttering.
In relief and pity, she essayed TO
take the girl up IN ner arms and
CARR her TO the bed but found the
dead weight too great.
Casting round at random for
something in the nature Of a restor-
alive she found in the bathroom a
bottle Of aggressive toilet water and
a pint flask Of whisky. half emptied.
Alternately moistening the pale
lips with the whisky and bathing
the brows and temples with toilet
water, she observed for the first
time reddish brulse under the left
eve, the mark OF a blow. possibly
sustained in falling But there was
nothing nearby that the girl could
have struck, 70 infiict such a hurt.
except the ooor-knob, and II she
had struck this with sach force she
must, one would thing. have
slammed the door.
II was puzzling
Her ministrations eventually be-
gan 20 take effect The bleached Iips
quivered, closed then opened and
closed several times. The woman's
lashes trembled and curtained her
eye
The girl nodded: ". try" she
whispered. Using al her strength.
Lucinda succeeded in getting Nelly
Marquis on her feet About this
time the clCuAsd faculties began 10
clear. 'Chnging 70 Lucinda's arm,
the girl started as IL In a spasm OF
fear. IarJed swift glanees Of terror
rouri the room. then turned 4 look
OF perplexty 70 Lucinda.
Where Is he?" the whisper de-
randed. 'Ras he-has he gone? ?"
"There is no one else here, no
thing 20 be afraid OF. Come: let
me help YOU 70 bed"
Recognition dawned as she spoke
with a movement or feeble fury the
SRI threw Lucindas arm away. but
deprived OF its support staggered 10
the foot OF the bed 10 which she
chung. quaking
"Youv' she cried-"what you do
ing here?"
The door WAS open, 7 saw you
lying senseless on the floor. You'd
have done as much for me"
"Oh. would /? a lot you know 80
Her knees seemed about 10 buckle;
vill-power alone kept Nelly Marquis
from sinking: yet she persisted; Il
suppose I ought 10 thank you Well:
much obliged. I'm sure. L that
enough ?
quite enough. I've no wish 70
annoy you Only, let me suggest.
YOU need a doctor Nay I ask the
Office 20 call one7"
When I want a doctor. I'll call
him myself Good night"
I'm sorry" said Lucinda simply.
With no choice other than 10 go.
she went. But the vision she car
ried away. Of Nelly Marquis glazing
az her with eyes malevolent. her
frail body vibrating 80 shat IL shook
the bed
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