The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1917-10-12

COURSE. :.
.But that's what don't understand"
"Simplest thing in the worid.
Chance is he found the copy ready maze
to his hand. Nine out of ten OF THESE
smart Frenchwomen, like the origina'
owner of the collar, have their pest
pieces duplicated in paste for puDhc
wear. Somehow or other he must nave
cot hold of that. The only question Is.
when did he make the Substitutlonf
Betty swears it was the genuine ar
ticle she received, and 1t hasn't Deen
out of her possession since. except
while in the purser's safe, and when |
brought it to her, up there in the
yeranda cafe, day before yesterday.
Looks as if it was up to the purser-
unless you care to point the well-known
finger of suspicion at me-or Peter +
"How absurd !"
"Think so? Well, Tn glad you do,
nv dear" His humor had softened.
Drawing near, he pinched her cheek
offectionately. mot that there's any
reason for you to worry. Only, If Betty
still wants to play Lady Bountiful at
your wedding, she'll have to disburse
the price of another necklace"
Daddy! AS If thought of that"
"Probably you don't, being yourself.
Still-you'll marry some day, and pearl
collars don't grow on every bough OF
orange blossoms"
I'm not thinking of being married."
"Oh, 1 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-
ton.
"Well, I'm sorry for Peter. Hes
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 gay young
butterfly is no real reason why he
shouldn't be in dead earnest this time"
81 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, "0f
course YOU would be happier as mis-
tress Of your own establishment than
well-playing second fiddle in NINE"
Had he slapped her the girl could
hardly have suffered deeper pain ana
humiliation. He wanted to be rio OF
hert That truth was out at last: How
ever kindly Craven's primal impulse to
deceive. the time had come when ne
could or would no longer dissemble.
Her thoughts worked swiftly. Since
he found her drag, she must cease TO
he such at stantly-tonlgnt.
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, aftec-
ton.
With a brisk tread and a cheerful
countenance Craven returned to the SIT
ting room. "Hello! What's troubling
nv girl? Something on your mind ehF
|
She eyed him gravely. DO you real
" want me to marry Peter Traft?" she
demanded.
"Wby consult my desires? You'll dc
nc Won please anyway-just as did al
vonr age. It's a good match, and If you
find Won care enough for the young
ster" he raised his hands in mock oene
diction. "bless you, my children! But
-upon my word never can tell aDou'
Won women. Only two minutes ago
"That was when 1 still believed yor
wanted me with you, when l thought
might be a help to you, not an obstacle
in the path of your happiness. Better
to marry at once-the first Dldder-an'
repent too late, if that must De-thai
TO know I'm in your way"
"Liddy, my dear little girl " Th'
tone was fond, the smile indulgent; ou
with sharpened vision she saw through
the pretense. INV
"No! !" she cried passionately. mo
. Don't-don't waste time trying to de
ceive me, daddy"
Turning she stumbled blindly Int
her bedroom, shut the door, and threw
herself across the bed, sObbing.
After some time the door late
, clicked. "Liddy!
The girl made no answer. Sh
. couldn't: she was struggling to hus
I her sobs.
sIiddyy" Craven came to her side
q and seated himself on the bed. "Littl
girl" he said, with melancholy, "you'v
!. Ihurt me terribly, misjudged me S
cruelty. But no matter. / realize tha
Won don't understand"