The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-11-16

vealing tho truth. But II was use
less. Teaderly as he approached
her she Insisted that she Was not
Ill. was not troubled about any.
thing save tie slight operation
which WAS 90 be performed On
Vance
Meantime the child had run into
the room aud WIS IN his fathers
lap, making extravagant love To
him. The boy. always affection.
ate. layished the whole OF his ar.
dent nature on Circuit.
Suddenly he ceased his chatter
and elasped the man franticaily
around the neck.
"Why--why, you're crying"
cried tho boy. awed "Ohl--you're
sorry cause I'm going to be sick.
You aren't afraid I'll die. are YOU
! won't It's only little operation"
he aoothed. feeling very big and
manly in his own indifference.
The operation will be day after
tomorrow" iuterposed Gail. Il
saw DR.. Beatson this afternoon
while yol were away. The sus-
pcnse will be over then"
And ! will 10 the sooner TO
Florida. said circuit significantly.
DO you ever pity your poor hus-
band. my--wife9 ?"
Il am giving you Vance" cried
she. her voice choking over the
words But | can't help but think
of it-every hour | see YOU and
Vance on the train and alone
watching YOU speed away"
Mamma" Vance slid from the
mans knees and ran quickly 10 her.
DO you mean you aren't going
with u.s."
With a heroic effort. the mother
repressed her feeling.
Papa and | cant both go. dear.
One OF Va must stay at home be-
cause OF something you would not
understand. even II could tell
you. Miss Lauder will take care
OF you. and you will have Papa for
company and Aunt Kate and Uncle
Dick
want fbh NV NtAifA NhA'hls q
Il want you and Papa"
You can have only one OF MS"
she returned. as quiet as he. 1T
had better be Papa. think.
The little face was strangely
troubled. lie stared dazedly as his
mother rose and fled the room.
Il wish-i could understand
things"
One thing you must understand.
partner. that man must protect
woman. always. always" came In
chokcd voice. We must take care
OF Mamma. you and I. without ever
questioning what Mamma does.
see. partnerf"
because we're gentlemen p"
queried the boy. wanting. as usual
TO understand things.
Because we're gentlemen. part.
ner." was the grave answer
The breakfast the next morning
was a silent one. As they left the
breakfast room they encountered
Doctor Underwood In the hall
Their greetings over, the child
looked wistfully from face to face.
his own unchildishly sober He
stoCd nj the foot of the broad stair.
way "a the man reached the upper
landing. curiously pathetic. Both
looked down. drawn by the child's
aching sigh.
Poor little beggar." murmured
the doctor.
circuit ran down the steps.
caught the dropping figure with a
single move to his breast, whisper.
ed something in the little ear.
"Oh. OH OH shrieked the boy IN
a transport Of joy.
Setting him on his feet. circuit
moved swiftly up the two imposing
flights OF stairs to his study. The
doctor was already seated
"WSl. what have you learned ?"
Intercepted the alienist crisply.
circuit flung himself into n chair.
"Um-nothing." grunted the 9th.
err. Il expected as much Now
what"
Il must know. OF course"
when? ?"
To-day. Vance Is TO he operat.
ed on tomorrow. ! must be here
with him till he goes South. then
both his mother and | must take
him. ! Just gave him that assur.
ance. Gail will not consent to the
plan unless this matter Is cleared
up. and she knows can no longer
lay claims as a husband"