The Delta independent., 1917-05-04
MUMps cUpID's AID
BY SUSAN E. cLAeErT.

tdhiiOl sOQi
ing. am not child to follow blindly
where you would lead. There must be
some better argument than any you've
made yet before / give up a purpose
that means so much to me-"
But Helen"
The girl fiared around upon him. her
eyes flashing; yet she spoke quietly.
"It is useless. Dick. l have looked
forward to such a trip since 1 was
child of twelve. l never imagined il
possibility and l consider myself for
tunate to be included among the guests
of the Neris. 1 know that 1t will be
costly trip, but can think of no better
way of putting the money to use"
IF 1t weren't for the people you are
going with" he said absently. looking
at her with full appreciation of her
personality. 'They are not your sort;
too newly rich-and vulgar"
'Well, my wealth is newly acquired.
too.' she retorted. 'yet l doubt If you
would apply that ugly word to mev
Dick replied gravely, ''The money is,
as you well know, my last thought.
What troubles me is that in your new
character of an Independent woman
you are slipping away from me-"
She faced him open-eyed. then
turned abruptly toward the window Ii
was some minutes before she remarked
irrelevantly:
81 have not told you. Dick, that l.
L" She hesitated. Then the words
came with a rush
Il have promised Perry Olcott to
marry him when l return"
Richard Grahame laughed a trifie un-
steadily. but the reply to this an.
nouncement was the unexpected one
Il think not, Helen. l will prevent
that"
'How?" she asked curiously.
at seems to be the hour for conf
dences." he said. Il have a little one
of my own to make. 1 hope It win
please you. have accepted Mrs War
burton's invitation"
"a queer decision. when you consider
your attitude of mind toward the newly
RICH" she replied. 81 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, 1t
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. I believe.
But I honestly like Ceily Warburton,
even II she Is not to the manner born"
what a loyal soul your are. Helen
But we are drifting away from the
trip. which is the main issue. You
don't seem happy over the fact that l
will be q guest on board the Neris. I'm
sorry. I had hoped you would be in
terested."
"When 1 know that espionage has
much to do with it,
"What cats the best of women can
be- Dick Grahame answered with a
laugh.
MY dear Dick. do you think that
best cousin become Interested in a
mere bundle of fashionable clothes?
Why. j would rather marry you my
self" She stopped. appalled, by what
she had said. "I forgot" she ended
hurriedly.
"What was 1t you forgot? The en-
gagement you mentioned a while ago?
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
Grahame's telephone.
There was no answer for a long time.
recognize. and she asked again for
Dick.
Her eyes opened wide at the answer.
"For heavens sake! Mumps? On
both sides7 What a sight you must
bew She tried to keep the laughter
from her voice. "Tm sorry, Dick, and
the Neris sails on Wednesday. What
on earth will you do? Will you be
well enoueh7 No? And you will miss
seeing the moon shine upon ruined
Thebes with Edith Schuyler? Don't
be malicious7 I'm not. I'm sorry.
Sounds like lit Laughing at your dis
appointment? OF course not. How in
the world did you catch them? You
don't know7 wonder. wonder.
Dick, did you kiss anyone when you
were here last? Dolly? Then that ex-
plains 1t. The dear child has given
them to me. too. You are laughing.
you brute! For that will not tell
you piece OF news. No. Well. then
II 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 ! called you up"