Williams news., 1917-11-22

Probably you don't, being yourself. Still-you'n marry some day, and pearl | collars don't grow on every bough of l orange blossoms"
 'Im not thinking of being married" |" Lydia murmured, looking away. "Oh, I presume not-no more than the next girl of your age! Nothing do- | ing with Peter Trait, eh?' "Oh, daddy! Don't be silly!" Lydia met his gaze fairly and hon. estly, laughter in her eyes, and Craven accepted her disclaimer without ques- tion.
 "We1l, I'm sorry for Peter. He's a good boy-well off too. And he's mighty strong for you. Mustn't let yourself be misled by Peters reputation. Just be cause he's got the name of a gay young butterfly is no real reason why he shouldn't be in dead earnest this time." q wish you wouldn't say such things"
 "Well-don't forget him, when you do come to think of marrying. And" Craven dismissed the subject airily, ''of course you would be happier as mis- tress of your own establishment than well-playing second fiddle in mine."
 Had he slapped her the girl could hardly have suffered deeper pain and humiliation. He wanted to be rid of heri That truth was out at last. How ever kindly Craven's primal impulse to deceive, the time had come when he could or would no longer dissemble.
 Her thoughts worked swiftly. Since he found her drag, she must cease to be such at once-instantly-to Until she could find some way to be- come self-supporting the hospitable doors of Mrs. Beggarstaff's home of fered a haven where Lydia felt sure of finding a welcome, sympathy, affec- ton.
 With a brisk tread and a cheerful countenance Craven returned to the sit ting room. 'Hellol Whats troubling my girl? Something on your mind, eh?"
 She eyed him gravely. ''Do you real. ly want me to marry Peter Traft?" she demanded.
 'Why consult my desires? You'll do as you please anyway-just as did at your age. It's good match, and if you find you care enough for the young. ster," he raised his hands in mock bene- diction, "bless you, my children! But upon my word never can tell about you women. Only two minutes ago"
 '"That was when still believed you wanted me with you, when thought ] might be help to you. not an obstacle in the path of your happiness. Better to marry at once-the first bidder-and repent too late, if that must be-than to know I'm in your way"
 'Liddy, my dear little grill" The fnno fond tho crnfIo h,,f with sharpened vision she saw through the pretense.
 "No!" she cried passionately. "No Don't-don't waste time trying to de ceive me, daddy!"
 Turning she stumbled blindly into her bedroom, shut the door, and threw herself across the bed, sobbing.
 After some time the door latch clicked. "Liddy!"
 The girl made no answer. She couldn't; she was struggling to hush her Sobs.
 "Liddy!' Craven came to her side, and seated himself on the bed. 'Little girl," he said, with melancholy, "you've hurt me terribly, misjudged me so cruelty. But no matter. I realize that you don't understand"
 He touched her hair caressingly. She suffered this without response. To- night her wits were keyed to pitch of divination. Beneath the cloying ten derness in his accents she read the truth too clearly.
 i've just telephoned for dinner It'll be up presently, and want you to try to eat something. Get up, please, and dry your eyes, compose yourself, and be fair to me-
 ''Very well," Lydia said stifly, with out stirring.
 With final approving pat Craven rose. "Thank you, my dear" he said gently. He sighed, moved toward the door, but there paused. "By the way" he observed carelessly, 'that thing gave you the other nighttime puzzle box-it is safe, presume?'
 "Yes," said Lydia, sitting up. "Do | you want it?"
 eff convenient
 Without another answer she rose and | went to the bureau, found her hand | bag, produced the puzzle box, and | silently, with averted face, gave it to | her father
 His footsteps were audible crossing | the sitting room. Then she heard him closing his bedchamber door.
 With some effort Lydia pulled her self together, rose, bathed her face ana | eyes with cold water, then sought her mirror to survey and repair as best she could the ravages of tears