Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-04-15
HUMPS CUPID'S AID
By SUSAN E. CLAGETT.

stI cannot understand your reason i1g, I am not q child to follow blindly where you would lead. There must be some better argument than any you've made yet before l give up a purpose Ghat means so much to me-
 "But Helen-'
 The girl flared around upon him, her eyes flashing; yet she spoke quietly.
 tIt is useless, Dick. l have looked coward to such trip since 1 was q child of twelve. l never imagined it possibility and I consider myself for ! innate to be included among the guests 0e inc Neris. I know that it will be ! costly trip, but can think of no better i way of putting the money to use."
 ''lf it weren't for the people you are aaing with" he said absently, looking f at her with full appreciation of her per~onality. "They are not your sort; : .Qo newly rich-and vulgar" " eli, my wealth is newly acquired, | .5s" she retorted, "yet doubt if you 1 you'd apply that ugly word to me-"
 I2icH replied gravely, ''The money is, z9 JCu we'll know, my last thought. What troubles me is that in your new .5aIacter of an independent woman | ..gu are slipping away from me-" | She faced him open-eyed, then 1 tTlIned abruptly toward the window. It wz5 some minutes before she remarked 1 .rf@lavantly:
 ''t nave not told you, Dick, that T. 'E----'' She hesitated. Then the words
 4Ao with rush.
 T have promised Perry Olcott to
 arvy him when I return"
 Richard Grahame laughed a tritle u1l- i steadily, but the reply to this an- nouncement was the unexpected one.
 ''I think not, Helen. I will prevent that"
 "How?" she asked curiously.
 "It seems to be the hour for confi- dences,' he said. "I have a little one of my own to make. l hope it will please you. I have accepted Mrs. War; burton's invitation"
 "A queer decision, when you consider ! your attitude of mind toward the newly [ rich," she replied. "I presume you think you will have unusual advan- tages for espionage on board the yacht
 "Not at all. Like yourself, I have always hoped for such a trip. As to my dissertation upon the newly rich, it was merely a family discussion be- tween two. The puzzle to me is how you made their acquaintance"
 '"The usual way" she said carelessly "At the Philippse lawn fete, believe. But I honestly like Ceily Warburton, even if she is not to the3manner born
 "What loyal soul your are Helen But we are drifting away from the trip, which is the matr issue. You don't seem happy over the fact that l will be guest on board the Neris. I'm sorry. I had hoped you would be in. terested.''
 "When I know thats espionage has much to do with it..
 s'What cats the bestrof women can bev' Dick Grahame answered with a laugh. t3'i7
 My dear Dick, do you think that will stand quietly by and let my very best cousin become interested in a mere bundle of fashionable clothes! Why, I would rather marry you my self" She stopped, appalled, by what she had said. "I forgot" she ended hurriedly.
 "What was it you forgot? The en. gagement you mentioned while agoi I wouldn't bother about that, Helen It is as good as broken already" The Neris was to leave her anchor. age in the Potomac the middle of Jan. uary. A few days before she sailed there was frantic ringing of Richard Grahames telephone.
 There was no answer for long time then came a muffled voice she did not recognize, and she asked again for Dick.
 Her eyes opened wide at the answer "For heavens sake! Mumps? On both sides? What a sight you must bel" She tried to keep the laughter the Neris sails on Wednesday. What on earth will you do? Will you be we'll enough? No? And you will miss seeing the moon shine upon ruined Thebes with Edith Schuyler? Don't be malicious? I'm not. I'm sorry Sounds like it? Laughing at your dis appointment? Of course not. How in the world did you catch them? You don't know? I wonder. wonder Dick, did you kiss anyone when you were here last? Dolly? Then that ex' plains it. The dear child has given them to me, too. You are laughing you brute! For that I will not tell you piece of news. No. Well, then if you really want to hear it, I sent my engagement ring back this morn ing. You will give me another? What ,, dear! That was what was hoping , you would do when Iscalled you up" Copyright, 1917 by the Mcclure Newspa- per Syndicate.)