The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1918-03-09

He had the counterfeit all ready, Of
course"
But that's what don't understand"
simplest thing in the world.
Chance is he found the copy ready made
to his hand. Nine out of ten Of these
smart Frenchwomen. like the original
owner of the collar. have their best
pieces duplicated in paste for public
wear. Somehow or other he must have
got hold Of that. The only question is.
when did he make the substitution?
Betty swears 1t was the genuine ar
ticle she received, and 1t hasn't been
out of her possession since. except
while in the purser's safe. and when l
brought 1t to her. up there In the
veranda 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, I'm glad you do,
my DEAR" His humor had softened.
Drawing near, he pinched her cheek
affectionately. 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-youll marry some day, and pearl
collars don't grow on every bough of
orange blossoms"
I'm not thinking of being married."
Lydia murmured, looking away.
'Oh, l presume not-nO more than
the next girl of your age! Nothing do
ing with Peter Trait, eh?"
"Oh, daddyl 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. He's
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"
II 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 NINE"
Had he slapped her the girl could
| in nd
humiliation. He wanted to be rid of
her! 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 a drag, she must cease to
be such at once-instantly-tOnight.
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 cheerful
countenance Craven returned to the sit
ting room. "Hello! What's troubling
my girl? Something on your mind. eh2"
She eyed him gravely. do you real
" 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 childrenl 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 l thought l
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, II that must be-than
to know I'm in your way"
"Liddy, my dear little grill" The
tone was fond, the smile indulgent; but
with sharpened vision she saw through
the pretense.
"Now she cried passionately. mo!
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. "Liddyw
| The girl made no answer. She
couldn't; she was struggling to hush
her sobs.
'Liddyv Craven came to her side.
and seated himself on the bed. Little
sirk" he said, with melancholy. you've
hurt me terribly, misjudged me SO
cruelty. But no matter. I realize that
you don't understand"