Arizona republican., 1912-03-15
W hats Ours
-N By WINONA GODFREY
Copyright, 1910, by the Pearson
 Publishing co.)

stand. who would know perhaps wha she ought 10 do.
 She was putting all thought of sell aside; she wanted to do what was righl for Burton, what was best for Burton Was 1t true that to marry him was t6 ruin him? Who could tell?
 Suddenly an idea darted into her mind that caught her breath with iGa daring. There was one person who Og0ht to know-HrS. Burte, She was kind, they said she had retained her interest in the girls at Hathaway & Eaton's. She had married Burke. and he did not seem to be ruined. Sydney recalled her-young and lovely and happy surely-with the smile that ca ressed Surely she would understand.
 Her resolution was formed
 She was sure that Burton would be waiting for her when the store closed if his mother would let him. There was an unaccustomed irony in her smile.
 He was waiting. Sydney! what did my mother say 10 you?'
 Cant you guess?"
 oh. I can guess" gloomily See here, dear he added eagerly. do you care so much for the money"
 Why. didn't know you had any she reminded him gently.
 He laughed a hard little laugh. "I haven't. That's what bothers me. I've been a fool---''
 4 quick fear stung her. About me?"
 He stopped short Don't you trust me-"
 She met his eyes and the blood red dened her cheeks again. Yes" simply
 I've been fool about myself. about money. about life. about everything" ." he continued sadly.
 She thrust her hand in his Wait, Burton-Oh. here's my car. Go hone 10 your mother tonight and--think il all over. Tomorrow, we-we'll de cide--'
 We have decided" he declared -hotly.
 No Wait until to-morrow-if-" She broke from him and ran out 10 the approaching car.
 He stood for a moment as if uncer- tain. then walked thoughtfully away
 At eight o'clock that night, Sydney rang the bell al Ihe mansion of Va!en-
 
 sufficiently stately. opened the door.
 Il wish to see Mrs. Burke" Syd- ney was determined not to be over awed by him. He ushered her into small reception-room, and she. remark ing the question in his eye. forestai!ed him. Tell Mrs. Burke it's one of the girls from Hathaway & Eatons"
 He departed. and panic al once seized her. What foolish girl she was to do this! What would Mrs. Burke think of her? And she knew her tongue would never dare to tell her dearest se- cret to a stranger Her courage would have ooZed entirely perhaps had she waited long Very soon she heard the swish of a woman's gown, and rose bravely to meet its wearer.
 Mrs Valentine Burke. once Christa- bel Shannon. came forward with out stretched hand and that wonderful smile. Exquisitely gowned as always. .i.s seemed to the eyes of the shabby little shoI-girl even younger. even lovelier. more gracious. than the pie ture she had carried in her mind. Syd- ney's heart frightened at sight of her. and warmed at he touch of her cool, firm hand.
 T am Sydney Chase. Mrs. Burke. work at Hathaway < EatOns. I-" she hestated
 That always interests me" came in stantly the soft clear tones of Christa- bel You know l used to work there. too. And yes. remember you. Sit here. won't you?" She drew her own chair companionly near 10 cover the girls momentary embarrassment.
 There was no hint of hauteur CT con. descension in her manner-it vas wholly that of friendly equality. Chris tabel was one of those surely blessed of Heaven who learn to see with the heart Happiness had taught her not to forget. but 10 remember. So she was not looking at Sydneys neat shab biness: she was seeing the brave youtL of her, the eyes little sadder than young eyes should be- the wistfu!ness of the tender mouth, and understand ing so well that touch of defiance. of sophistication with which adventurin2 i'll the world had alloyed her natural gentleness.
 T hardly know how 10 begin" Syd neys smile was wistful Nor what you'll think when I've told you I'm d SUI bbt -i Nt uCIih so much about you al the store
 Christ abel laughed. 'I know: Tn the heroine of all romance at Hatha- way's!"
 Sydney caught at the word That was it, Your romance-will you think me too absurd? l wanted your-ad vice"
 Advice? Tn afraid I'm not very wise, Miss Chase, but you're surely welcome 10 all the poor wisdom can muster" The cordial interest in her voice brought tears close to the lonely girls eyes
 You're very kind" she cried.
 Christabel waved this aside. You said romance'-is il that you have one of your own perhaps"
 Sydney nodded. And its-its rath- | CT complicated, Mrs. Burke, and l wanted so much 10 tell some one" she broke off.
 Christabel took her hand-they were | very much alike, those small, capable | hands. Tt was so nice of you to think 1 of me"
 Il wanted to rIn away, at first" Sydney confessed. Int TOW l feel that 1 I can be quite frank w,,h you
 "I am so glad
 Sydney took the plrnge. "I-met l young man--he came up to one of the ! dances just for fun one night, and | well, he came to see me. had no req 1