South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-05-17
The Face Value Contract
By Katherine Hopson

ben described-and more. She had
come like an invigorating sea breeze
into the dull aridity of his life.
But I can't tell her so-she
must never know" he muttered. as
he strobe across the dew sparkled
grass.
On the way to the garage he was
obliged to pass the kennel. and a
bark of delight from Brownie his
sisters favorite collie arrested his
attention. Then all Of a sudden he
caught his breath in surprise, for
there by the door with one Of the
puppies in her arms. was the per-
son of all others he most wanted to
avoid.
"Why-Dr. Warren-you're up
early, tool exclaimed Lallah Cor
bley. In her plain linen dress and
scarlet sweater, the fresh breeze
blowing her dark curls and enhanc-
ing her vivid coloring, she had
charming gypsy look.
Yves. 1 was called to see a pa
tient," he fibbed uneasily. a dis
tressed expression on his usually
open face.
But you're dressed for travelling
Her eyes were on the suitcase he
carried.
Il couldn't be sure-I don't know
how long I'll be detained. But you
you're up early, too" he tried TO
change the subject.
yes, l came out 10 see Bobbie
the puppy who was sick last night.
He's lots better this morning." She
shifted the little dog in her arms
Weren't you going to come back
before / VENT" she asked, her
dark eyes under their arching brows
looking into his with searching di-
rectness.
No" the words seemed wrung
from him. Then. with characters.
tic candor. added: For my own
peace of mind. it seemed best to go
away Miss Corbley."
But why"
"As l said before for my own
peace of mind. Why dangie
around the unattainable?" Then,
with Iessening of the tragic tone. he
added: You see / live in a plain
little country town, and have a
large practice there. I've found my
job and am going to stick to IT,
They're good people 1 live among
and / love them and want TO help
them. But 1 can't ask you to share
my life-you'd die of dullness-it
would be such a change"
Why you've told me of the
places you've been and the gaiety
you're used to"
Listen" she broke in, what
would you say if 1 told you I've
never seen any of those foreign
| places I've described, or experienced
any of the gay good times I've told
Iabout?"
What do you mean?" he began
/ bewfdered.
That / made 1t all up-lied. to
I be more exact" In her earnestness
she took step nearer, still clasping
the puppy in her arms. Il teach in
quiet little country town. as dull
as any you live in, and I've lived
there all my life-only occasionally
\ in the summer vacation l take a
short trip somewhere. II was on
one Of these that I met your sister
/ Nellie. And / let my imagination
run away with me, and made be-
lieve. as the children say. II was
only in a spirit of adventure. a sort
/ Of outlet for the starved life in me
but now I'm being punished-for
you'll want TO go away sure
enough"
But I'm coming back" he de-
clared firmly.
NO one could forgive such a silly,
/ senseless piece Of childishness." a
sob choked her voice and tears
dimmed the brightness Of her eyes.
He set the puppy on the ground
and took her in his arms.
I'VE all have those moments
when the make believe seems
truer than the true You just let
your imagination run away with you
bit that's all"
"Could-could you ever believe
my word again."
why not? We all have 10 take
each other more or less on faith.
/ don't we? he smiled whimsically.
Then, at the look OF relief in the
/ beautiful face so near his own, ne
caught his breath quickly
Wen call it a face value con-
81 ~