Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-08-10
CHAPTER NU.-(Continued)

I'D EALLY, Foster. I don't need it."
IL declared Mrs. Challoner stoutly but
kindly. II can't take Il. Some day,
perhaps I may need money, and then I'll
send for you" And then, quietly chang
ing the subject: How fresh you look,
Foster! And what a man you've married!
There is no need to ask II you are happy
for"
WELL" said Stevens, approaching them,
I'VE must be going now. for Bernhardt VIII
be waiting for US"
"It was good of you to see us. ma'am."
said Foster, putting out her hand, Just as
she had seen the ladies' do In the old days
at the big Challoner house on the Avenue
$50 you married for love-" said Miriam
Challoner. as they started to go.
well, he did" conceded Foster.
"She did, ma'am," corrected Stevens; and
presently they were sailing down the street
| like a pair of lovers walking out" on a
Sunday afternoon.
zone hundred dollars a MONTH" sighed
Miriam, reseatng herself at the typewriter
| "And they were going to give me s-'--the
| faithful dears!"
| Once more engrossed in her work. she did
not hear the doorbell. which had been ring
| ing persistently. At the end of page she
paused and bent her head low over hel
work
| for love- she mused, hali
aloud
Meanwhile. her caller determined to b
admitted had stolen softly into the room
though 1t was not until she stood beside he
that she attracted Mlram's attention. Fo
| a moment Miriam glared hard at her sh'
could not believe her own eyes; then, SUD
denly rising to her feet she cried half-joy
| fully, half-regretfuly:
"why, It's Shirley Bloodgood Oh wh!
Iaa., OF nof
| not see
"Why did you hide from me?" quickl
returned Shirley ~ have searched FOR 70
for months, and II was only yesterday ina
III learned from Stevens where you were
who by the way, had orders not to revea
your whereabouts. You might as well hav
moved a thousand miles away, as everybod
thinks you have"
| at takes money to move thousand mile
away" she protested feebly.
"You are like a needle In haystack owe
here" continued Shirley.
But why did you conner" Miriam kept o
protesting. "Why. Shirley
Shirley stretched forth her arms, saying
"And you didn't want to see me!''
"Yes, yes" cried Miriam, suddenly catch
ing Shirley and cllnging to her affection
ately Eyes, have wanted you to come s
| much but I hoped you never would Sc
this!" And she spread out her arms q
though to exhibit the room
'What a poor opinion you have Of me
Why, Miriam, IL wanted to see handsom
apartments I need not have taken all tn
trouble to find you. No indeed, / Walt
| your friendship too highly TO desert you 2
account of this"
| And now the two women fell to talkin
about things past and present After
while It was Shirley who delicately broacht
the sub 'ect OF Laurie.
"And Laurie--how Is he?" she asked,
/ Mirlams eyes kindled for an instant, b,
their fire soon died out.
poor boy" she answered. hes und
such a strain It's wonder he doesn
. break down. He's so good and kir
through 1t all, too. He's a fine fello'
now" she went on with great enthusiasm
Let me see," said Shirley, reminiscent
''his conviction was reversed on appea
wasn't it?"
"Why. no; don't you remember that
was aflrmed--aflrmed ."
II do remember now. And II was tn
day or the next one that you ran aw;
from me- you bad girl and I've never SCI
= YOU since. Aftlrmed-affirmed," she muse,
: and then suddenly leaned forward al
= inquired eagerly:
4 "Then how did he get off?"
Miriam shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know" she said nobody know
: not even Laurie knows that. one d
! after the afflrmance, the jail doors we
opened, and he was free-that's ALA
4 he came back to me-"
4 "Surely Murgatroyd knows" said Shirlt
q ooh, yes, of course he knows; but
4 have never asked any questions w
a should we? l shall never forget Murg
a troyd thought remember him In 7
prayers lie was honest; he kept
word"
a "Murgatroyd, the man with a pric
a Well, ] suppose it's Just as well that the
are people in this world who can be bous
a | now and them 49,.
y "I have never forgiven myself" sigh
!. Miriam.
Shirley looked at her questioningly.
M "You? What for, pray?"
h "For blurting out in the courtroom wi
N did when the jury found Laurie gui
Il whv. II was abominable II was treachei
34 | had promised don't you see?"
~ 'aThat was clever In Murgatroyd" I
n mitted Shirley "He would have been
a fool TO acquit Laurie on that trial.
81 yes" she added. with sneer. hes clev
all right"
Mrs. Challoner Strengthened up.
"Fortunately my outbreak did no gr
harm: nobody believed me"
except myself" observed Shirley. "a
Murgatroyd" "
an Miriam, ''until--well. / don't kn
yhether he's quite sure about II tod
We never discuss the subject, anyway
hsreIv possible" she said. flushing. q
-. thinks We spent tho money long aso,'
There wss : pauso that weS y
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