The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-24
CHAPTER VII What Mrs. Catty Said.

It was eleven o'clock the next morning when Roland returned and met Mrs. Catty in front of the house. She greeted him with what was meant to be a sweet smile. We do not wish to criticise Mrs. Catty's smile. Suffice it to say that there is somewhat a comic artist who is missing the opportunity of his life by not looking Mrs. Catty up and hav- ing her smile for him.
 ''Mr. Steegan,' she exclaimed, How are you?"
 Roland stopped and raised his hat
 All right" he said. And you?"
 Mrs Catty was studying the sky with her small, shifty eyes. Sudden ly her head lowered, and she looked straight into MT. Steegan's good-Iook- ing face.
 There is something I believe I should tell you" she said. 'I believe it is my duty to tell you. MT. Steegan."
 What is it?" Roland asked.
 Mrs. Catty paused long enough to get the right effect. Then:
 There was a man in your apjart- ment last night with your wife"
 MT, Steegan's traveling-bag dropped to the ground as he fell back against a railing.
 "A man in my apartment?" he gasped.
 Mrs. cstty nodded. Her one am bition in life, if it could be called an mbition was to create sensation to spread scandal, or anything which could be made into scandal, and she looked at MT. Steegan's mortified face her heart pounding poyously. It's strange how some people find joy" Mrs. Catty could find almost anything but a charitable thought
 "Of course, it's none of my busi- ness" she said. but I couldn't help feeling sorry for you. Yesterday when I saw you going out with a bag in your hand, and you said you would De away over night, I said to my husband later. Felix I said, MT. Steegan is such a nice man. He works So hard. and he's so pleasant to every one. He"
 "Yes, yes" MT. Steegan interrupt ed. He wasn't bit interested in what Mrs. Catty was saying now That was veery nice of you, Mrs Catty. But tell me about my wife How do you know there was a man in the apartment?"
 Mrs Catty leaned closer and low cred her voice
 looked outside my door to see 1T there was any mail" she said. Mrs. Catty as always looking outside or her door for mail q heard voices Then saw man step out of the apartment door, and your wife was With him. He was holding her hand and smiling at her, and she was smil- Ing at him, and altogether, MT. Stee- gan, they seemed to be quite taken with each other"
 And what time was this?" Roland demanded
 After nine o'clock" Mrs. Catty re- phed. He rang for the elevator, ana then IT closed my door, be- cause there wasn't any more to see.'
 But you saw this man get into the elevator?'
 Mrs. Catty nodded.
 Yes. Then I heard your wife close her door,
 And the maid ?r Roland said quickly. Where was she?"
 Mrs. Catty was ready to meet any detail.
 Annie was out" she replied. I saw her earlier in the evening and she said she was going to a picture show
 MT. steegan picked up his bag, and pulled his soft hat down viciously over his forehead
 Ihank you" he said, '1d appre- l ciate It. Mrs. Catty, if you'd say noth- Ing about this to any one. Isdon't l want talk
 m sure it's none of my business" | Mrs. Catty exclaimed
 No' or course not" and replied giv- l S hel khoWing look. ''I can trust | you, Mrs. Catty to be conservative" 1
 e houoed curtly and entered the house. Mrs. Catty looked after him