Argosy, Vol. 147, No. 1 — page 84: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

oy Me Soe ae ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “You've dined with us! You know — Garry felt underneath this calm, cynical ong, narrow table? Well, George was exterior the woman's terrific feeling—knew ae head of it, and I at the foot—alone that she was maintaining her composure ther- niles: apart. Or so it seemed. only because it had become second natore | re were servants, of course, In attend- to her to do so—because it was her tradi- i —and George respects and fears ser- tion not to yield—because generations of at He is terrified of their tongues; so breeding had bestowed upon her this per- den—in the intervals that we were alone fect poise. “He wondered how she had ever T told him calmly that I was going to come to marry such a man—in spite of his e him and go away with Guy, he was millions, his importance. She must have ss, He would have liked to strangle been so lovely—before her first freshness at he dared not. The servants were had gone—her features were still fine, and thi call. He would have liked to rant she had that distinction of bearing that ad swear and smash things. But he was perfect grooming that is rarer and more aid of what the servants would say. He precious than mere physical prettiness. a slow-thinking man—George. He end- “ Well.” she said slowly, rising, “I have = = - ’ ’ 8) ave by leaning forward and hissing at me in given you my testimony. It is for you to vhisper: ‘Tf you do that, Tl Rill the fel- follow it up, All I can add is this: If vy, and swear that I struck him down in George killed him—if you can succeed in sfense of my home! They always acquit making that fact clear—he shall not escape or that!’ 1 think George is probably punishment! On that point I am deter- ~ man who could think of avenging mined. I believe there is something in the and saving his skin at the same law which prevents a wife from testifying ical against her husband—but if I must divorce She smiled. him to do it—I will go on the stand and ‘Bu surely he was not in earnest,” pro- tell the truth about this! 1 will tell just ed Garry. what George has made of my life—how « Oh, yes, indeed he was! He is just he has neglected me—flaunted his disgrace- he type of man who would mean ++—-who ful affairs in my face—humiliated me—de- oulc | do it, too. You know him, Garret nied me affection and children—and I will hick-necked, heavy, stolid, vicious, with repeat under oath what he said to me at savin x sense of humor. God defend me dinner—‘I will kill him and swear that L 1 men without a sense of humor! And_ struck in defense of my home ’—in defense — nis tremendous ego — his colossal of his home—think of it—‘* because they nity. He would infinitely prefer to shed always acquit one for that!” d—somebody else’s blood—than to cut “Youre not in earnest!” cried Garry. gor figure in the public eye. And he “ You couldn't appear against your hus- ted my preferring Guy to him. He band in your lover's defense!” “not have had the world know it— “Jt is the only thing I can do now— rything!” for Guy,” she said. \ ad he is at the King of Clubs to- “But you will be publicly disgraced— Ls L§ T oo @ + yy - | reviled — ostracized! Public opinion ost likely with his latest mis- , be against you!” adores showing them off at such She shrugged. Tt makes him seem so awfully § “ Public opinion?” she murmured grimly. You must have seen him dancing “ Who cares. Can public opinion give me LT have, myself, a few times. happiness? Can it give me peace of mind? them beautifully turned out Can it cure the ache in my heart? Damn vith diamonds, Poor things! public opinion!” ps them long! Ihave always He laid his hand on her arm. ae < gle stise e a: SOE 30. Fae comicbooks.com