Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1912-01-16
IheGivers
BY INEZ c. THOMPSON.
Copyright. 1910. by the Pearson
Publishing Coz

|
Christmas-and you know how easy
that sort OF thing isn't. Livia said that
mate to this very string, per-
haps-"
There he stopped Pens gray eyes
flickered upon him like threatening
steel, through narrowed lids, and
Pens white teeth set viciously through
his cigar, the muscles whitening about
his tense lips. And then-quickly as
II came. the look was gone. Pen was
doing no more than squint through the
fragrant haze of smoke. and his lips,
relaxed, were even smiling.
"Pearls?" said he. Why. that's
mighty nice OF you, but, as chance has
ii, I'm planning to give Sue that very
thing-myself.'
Under Horny Remsens attractively
guileless exterior lay depths OF eXpe-
rience. He showed. therefore. only the
right expression and his voice was not
shade of its usual even tone as he
answered.
Bother lake you-might have left
us that solution. seems as IL. BY the
way, if you haven't picked your string
yet. | know the people" They
talked easily together of pearls-price
so on TO commonplaces. On the train
cityward they chatted with other
towngoing members OF the colony and
a cheerful arrangement had been made
for luncheon before Pen was dropped
from the taxi at his Office. Then and
not till then did Horny Remsen let his
bewilderment show.
I'm the name of all the forgotten
no w moi Il 4 IL"
What is ailing him? What can be the
matter with Pen?"
An hour before the appointed time
he went to the club, where he was 10
meet Penny for luncheon; and Penks
was The frst voice he heard OH enter
ing-Pen's laugh that led the rest
And ii came TO Harry suddenly, that
he hadn't heard Pen laugh out that
way at home for long time
And as the men called greeting and
Pen turned with them. Horny fancied
he saw swift clUuding-gone as soon
as come-that Grove the persistent
question back upon him. lead Weighted
and sickening. Did Pen dislike him1
And for what? What had he done
how could it be? The unsettling
thought drove him to the silence OF
thS NiitlAS -IODiIi. ~ tutUh II over. ne
sat far down on his spine al a table in
the unoccupied room and glOvered al
the club letter-head on the ready
placed thick white paDer. AS an in
dividual with opinions ana a well-de-
veloPed personality e had won the
valuable experience II ,o-e... enmiJles
in his globe-circlings: but they had in
terested rather than annoyed him.
This. thought il were true-was
heart-shaking thing. He had felt so
contentedly confident of Pens friend
ship and understauding-had proved 1t
many time.-and now-this,
He showed himself up and bent over
the blotter as some one entered the
room. Undeterred by his preoccupied
appearance, the newcomer made
straight for his table. Horny looked up
with the expression that marked him
his mothers soma blending Of re-
moteness. cool surprise and Olympian
question that usually sufflced TO rout
undesirables without waste OF words.
The look changed as he saw il 10 be
Billy Trudell. who was seating himself
so unpardonably near. He and Olivia
had run into Trldell in Switzerland
the past July. and Trudell had re-
moved himself from their honeymoon
world in a highly likable manner.
Horny smiled bis friendliest.
Hasn't occurred to me TO ask VIXEN
you returned. Tru'. | thought you were
over for a lengthy stay, as We thought
ourselves TO be. When did
The steamer ahead OF you" Trudell
answered briefly He was I big, I'M
distinguished, well-enough looking and
fastidious person OF accepted selfishness
and scant speech. His gaze, when he
chose 10 center il, gave one the sensa-
ton of having stepped. nude. into an
icy draught. He treated Horny to
seconds congealing stare. threw of
hesitation with a wave of his hand,
and went to his point.
Il hear that you and Mrs. Remsen
are staying with the Bonds. | must
ask you TO remember that | have been
Pens friend for many years. | want |
to ask if you have noticed"
With a rush of relief and emotion |
that surprised himself. Horny lunged |
forward, scattering the paper broad |
cast
Thank the Lord, But you're the !
frst-TrudeI, what is the matter with !
Penny"
Trudells pink and impressive face re-
vealed nothing. but the temperature Of |
his regard seemed 10 go up degree. |
Then you have noticed said he. |
do you mind telling me what?"
Horny sat back, feeling young and !
confused; but his concern for Penny |
held him.
WHY can't say, 1t has been a
undercurrent OF strain. of |
well. for instance" And he told (
the happening in the car. I've almost |
got to thinking that it's personal-thst
I've offended Pen; though Heaven
knows how or when" he ended. frown-
ing. 1t went against him to talk the
thing over, TO seem to gossip. but Billy
Trudell took it with business-like i'm
personality
1T was so before you came" he as
sured Horny. Pen laughs too hard
plays too much. I've been
away for months and I've lost any
clue / might have picked up.
wrong, though. Ter
will you try to understand my motive
In asking if your cousin, Mrs. Bond,
Il think I can assure you" said
Horny, hastily, that she is content.
Pen cares-as he used-l'm absolutely
sure