Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-06-25

Widower made her feel more kindly to-
ward the old bachelor ana her. How
good it is to see you again." was so
cordial that Blanchard decided that she
was an unusually attractive and de-
lightful woman.
i thought you might not mind see
ing me- he admitted with a gratified
smile. 81 just got back from Boston
this afternoon I ran in to see Helen
right after dinner, but told her had a
call to make and could not stay She
asked me where I was calling, but I
pretended not to hear her and to be alb
sorbed in discussing the political situa
ton with her husband Then l came
away before she had a chance to ask
me again. She's good girl, but a bit
inquisitive at times"
That's because she's so fond of YOU. -
said Beatrice. I'm sure if l had as
nice an uncle as you l would like to
know about him and his affairs"
Il always fancy she's Just little
jealous" said Blanchard. 81 would not
say SO to most people, but I feel that
you're to be trusted-so l acknowledge
that l think often that Helen would
rather | didn't go to see any of the la :
dies. Perhaps"-with churckle-
shes afraid I might, even at my age.
get into my head the notion of marry
ing and setting up an establishment of
my own"
The speech was made apparently in
fun, and Beatrice was annoyed to feel
herself blushing consciously. She spoke
hastily and at random.
We'll. and if you did, I suppose that
is your own business, isn't ito" she
queried.
Again her companion chuckled.
More Embarrassment.
That's about the way it looks to
me- he agreed. But / suppose Helen
thinks it would be very foolish for an
old codger like me to marry-for she
considers me really old"
But you're not" declared Beatrice.
eagerly. You seem to me to be just in
the prime of life"
70 hide her embarrassment she had
spoken without thought, and her com
panion looked at her happily.
Then YOU really think" he said with
a pleased laugh, that man of my age
has right to ask young woman to
consider seriously the subject of mar
riage to him?"
But Beatrice was not obliged to reply
to this leading question, for, to her
relief, the telephone bell rang sharply
and she fastened into the hall in obedi-
ence to its summons. She was amused
to hear Helen's voice.
Beatrice, dear" she said, II have not
heard from you for some days. and
am just calling up to know if you are
well and what you are doing with your
self"
Beatrice was aware that her friend S
seeming solicitude was the result of her
! suspicious as to where her bachelor
relative was spending his evening and
her desire to assure herself that he
was not in the presence Of the attrac-
tive widow. So Beatrice talked rapidly
and lightly of one matter after another
cleverly keeping Helen from asking any
direct question. 1t was a nice bit of
fencing, but the widow did her part so
well that when the conversation ended
Helen knew no more Of her uncle's
wherea bouts than when it began. Nor
had Beatrice called Helen by name.
using instead the convenient my dear
which might apply to any friend So
Henry Blanchard. overhearing the con-
versation. did not suspect that his willy
niece had been attempting to spy upon
his movements.
He Calls Her.
His hostess had scarcely returned to
the drawing room when the telephone
bell sounded again in an insistent and
persistent ring. With a laughing apol-
ogy and the comment, 81 seem to be in
demand this evening, just when l would
like a quiet talk with YOU she went
once again into the hall and put the re-
ceiver to her ear. She caught her
breath as she heard Maynard's voice
He had been so busy, he said, that he
had not had time to call her up until
now. Although have thought of you
much" he averred, 81 wish I might
think that you had missed me a little"
Really" replied Beatrice, careless
y, Il have not had leisure to think Of
anybody much Of late, for my time has
been so fully occupied"
An awkward silence ensued, then
Maynard spoke again.
when are you going to be kind
enough to spare me little of your pre-
cious time?" he asked When may l
come and see youl dear LADY,"
But Beatrice was unmoved by the
pleading voice.
q really can not say Just now when
| will have a free hour" she answered
in as Indifferent tone as she could as
sumo. 81 have company this evening
and must really ask you to excuse me-
as | ought to return to the drawing
room"
Another silence attested to the mans
surprise. Then he asked:
You will drop me line when you
can make time to see me, won't you?"
II will think about it." promised
Beatrice. Good night" And. hang
ing up the receiver, she returned to
her guest.