South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-06-17

something oddly akin to cunning might be read
cheeks, and she hesitatsd; then folding up the
letter, she placed It IN her bosom.
-Come on dear cried Susie. For won
der the cocoa isn't cold"
Miss Susan slipped hers refectively but she
refused both beef and pickles. Her face looked
very thoughtful now
Susie" she said at last In a low voice,
what about that lover OF yours. Sir James
son? What does he say about things?'
susie's cheeks went IN exquisite blushrose
color. and her eyes were very bright.
How odd that you should ask that question
just now susan" she said Jimmy was going
to have a talk with his father last night-he
was going to tell him. about us, You
see. Jimmy would like me to promise to give
up the stage; he says his father is dreadful
old fossil over things to do with the footlghts.
and that he's afraid he won't get his consent
But. of course told him I couldn't possibly
give up my work My chance may come yet.
and if-if-" she paused. III make good.
then Sir James might be willing You see. a
star is different from an understudy. even in
the eyes of an old Puritan like imagine Sir
James to be"
Miss Susan said nothing. but as she leaned
forward she heard the cracking of the paper
she had thrust In hcr bosom, ind her rather
.i,ed face flushed guitug.
Is the privocy of the - :ro, she read tho
letter again. IL was addressed to Miss Susan
d'Anvers." but directly she had glanced at the
enclosure, she knew it was not intended for
her She had acted upon impulse and kept
the missive, but her heart beat little faster
as she realized what she was about TO do.
Dare II" she whispered. Dare I?T And
looked at herself in the glass which showed
back the reflection Of a rather tired-eyed, but
sweet.faced woman Of about forty. with faded
complexion, hair streaked with grey but with
that certain something about her that spells
charm.
Il suppose must make up" she sighed
must hire Wig and get some smart clothes
daresay If went to one Of those agencies
they'd manage to make me look STACEY. I oe-
lfeve / WIN
She picked up the letter again.
Dear Madam" It ran, Il have Just had an
interview with my son. who tells me he is
anxious 10 marry you. Such a marriage
would be very averse 20 my principles. and
IL has occurred to me that II we could meet
and discuss the matter the alternative sug
Eestion which I would put before you might
appeal. am an old man, but not q wealthy
one, and would do anything within reason
TO settle what claim you may consider your
self to have upon my Perhaps II we
could meet and discuss terms the matter
might be arranged or course. my son must
know nothing OF this
Yours truly
Miss Susan shifted II was not the letter Of
a gentleman. but then-ss she remarked later
Sir James had made bis money out Of black
ing, and might be anybody.
Yet, neither did Miss Susan look a lady the
day following when she quilted certain offices
where theatrical properties and costumes were
TO De hired or bought Not soul who knew the
timid little lady in her worn. but well-cut suit
OF navy blue serge would have recognized her
in the smart-ooated dame with the furs and
much-feathered hst who tripped along Hen
riettR street, wondering why white cloth uppers
To patent leather high-heeled boots made ones
feet SO painfully conspicuous, and whether any
one could possibly recognize her behind that
rouge
She hated her golden hair, hated her cherry
rcd lips. and hated more Than anything else
the smell Of cheap perfume that hung about her
person. But the assistant who had helped her
to adjust the clothes assured Miss Susan
that she looked 'rfpping-just a tip-topper!"
Miss Susan blushed beneath her makeup At
the glances OF the passers-by. and IN despera-
ticn. hailed a taxi In spite OF the dreadful ex-
pense. she must DO It: she could not possibly
run the gauntlet OF those gRzes any longer.
Yes. sir James was IN. The liveried servant
stared at her IN superciliOus fashion she
vUfced her inquiry. Her heart beat fast as
she waited. wondering what she should say
when she entered Sir James presence.
A pair Of fierce grey eyes met her rather
t1nid glances as she was ushered into the
library, and a very gru1 voice apologized for
its owner not rising to receive her
-Unluckily I kept to the sofa by a
sprained ankle" said Sir James. III Is ex-
ceedingly good OF you to come TO see me-
Won't you sit DOWN."