The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1934-08-07
Chapter 20
THE BLoWa

Chapter 20
rE.rHl sloYits
MARSHA joined him. wearing a
l1f4i SchristS frock that made her q
laah,eI she called from the doorway,
aWhy didn't you smoke. Geoff?
There are things on that low table
by yon."o
She settled In q deep chair near
the hearth and again he sat down.
He fumbled among the promiscu.
GUS brands that filed the humfdor.
lit the captured cigaret. stared at
the gorgeously colored flames.
Dramatic voice you have" said
Geoffrey. powerfully dramatic and
sweet voice. and one that can sway
a man. who hates YOU. Marsha"
Once she had felt herself to be
decorated by D hate that grew OF
love. or she had been amused" at
1t. Now she wanted peace: q
pleasant relation with any human
whose elbow even brushed hers In
q hurried passing.
aMust You hate me, Geoff?" she
asked gently. Il would really so
much rather you did not"
He turned upon her suddenly.
"You know" he accused. "how 1t
was with pmss 4 always auttered
around other candles. but then you
always let other chaps SINCE their
wihgs'at yonrlame. We were even.
there! But thought--you made me
believe-my soul, Marsha. you said.
and not any more than six months
ago."
"Rut Geoff-..
"No. wait! You said you agreed
with me in feeling that We would
make it so all right. | understood
you'd marry me-
She laughed scornfully.
.What about your side OF it?" she
asked. Il ca ne back and found you
with the new Mrs. Tarleton.'
He stood up and she followed his
lead: the moments tense quality
made rappss difAcult.
WHAT he asked. frowning
4ercely, fWhat?.
frThat night (His hands closed
around her upper arms as she spoke.
closed TO hold her drmlyl that
night ! saw you al, the Frivolity Club
You introduced" she stopped sud.
denly and swallowed.
$50 on" he prompted harshly.
and she wondered at the bitter. yet
triumphant quality OF his smile. Go
on"
"Your wife"
He laughed.
"Tell me this" he said. "for the
sake OF old times-because I've
loved you so long and because love
you. Marsha. had you planned to
marry Bob Powers before IL"
His gaze held hers: her eyes fell
under 1t.
"Say it," he commanded.
Her honest mo" was loud. The
qualifying but" which was to fol
low It and tell many things-was
stihed by the pressure Of Godfrey
Tarleton's lips.
WHEN she drew away some mag
" netism Lnade her turn toward
the door where Bob Powers stood
looking at them.
Sorry to seem the spy" he said
through stiff. set lips. Game back
rather sooner than was expected. |
presume"
He slipped shaking, Icy hand in.
TO pocket: he had picked up In the
village small ivory elephant he
had thought she would like: an
amusing small thing that would. the
credulouS believed. bring the owner
luck. rea o. 99+ sass 2~ ..
Marsha saw him moisten bis lips:
glance slowly at Godfrey; at her,
back again. sa ss
"Bobi" she whispered.
"You needn't bother to explain.
he managed to say and fairly steadt
iy. Il heard some OF this: all apollo
gies to you both. couldn't help
hearing 1t. Rather knocked. you see,
i tried to speak. and couldn't. Hope
youth manage to overlook It,"
Godfrey who was not a coward,
was at his best during such mo-
ments. He had had practice with
them. Nevertheless. Bob's attitude
troubled him: he was not used to
apologies from husbands who had
overheard.
"No end sorry. Powers" he muir
INJURED. "but there was a misunder.
standing"
$50 | understand" said Bob. He
turned to Marsha with a question;
If&!s ~ g, ~ g. "a. Ate =