Evening star., 1919-03-02
CHAPTER XIII.
Mr.. Morton Takes a Hand.

Al! thought of the sickly smiling
LoNeman, and all his irouic jocularity,
slipped from Clifford as he stepped
back into the srayer situation which
existed in the DRAWN room. The
pair had seated themselves during
his absence; Mary was regarding MIR
Morton with a composure that must
have heavily taxed her nervous cap
ital
CliHord took a chair slightly apart.
He felt that he had become merely
an onlooker. The scene was to be
played out between Mr.. Morton and
Mary. He Judged that the easy man
ner of Mr.. Morton was a ruthless
fury, marvelously controlled Watch
ing them. he pulsed with suspense
as to how Mary would bear herself
during this scene, as TO how it would
come out
Clifford had found them silent
when he had re-entered. and this
silence, pregnant with big drama,
continued for Il moment longer, Then
Mr.. Morton smiled.
Il don't believe in beating about
the bush, Mrs. Grayson. It's awfuny
hard on the shrubbery. so IN come
To the point. OF course, you know
why I'm here"
You said you came to renew your
acquaintance with Miss Gl.a9res' she
managed TO say. '~~''
'Oh, that, Of course. Rue there's
anorher reason. You see'-~with his
pleasant smil-'1 happen to know
Mr. Grayson.
tWhy in Gods name clifford asked
himself didn't the man set loose the
anger and denunciation and defiance
CUSTOMARY in such situations. and
not play this catand mouse gameD
And Mr.. Grayson being such a
good friend" MIR, Morton continued.
"in Fact. a most intimate friend. 7
naturally was most eager to become
acquainted with Mrs. Graysou. Please
do not considcr that ! am descending
to mere fattery. Mrs, Grayson when
say that applaud his taste"
Thank you|
"a do not mean to depfeciate him
but he has shown a finer discrimtna-
tion than | thought Mr. Grayson eapa
BILE of"
clifford saw Mary stiffen. He knew
her instinct to rush forth to meet am
inevitable danger.
Il also do not believe In beating
about the bush" she said quietly. We
both are aware that in speaking of
Mr. Grayson we are spea King of your
sou"
The Neiled keeuness in MIR. Morton i
eyes became open. Il perceive. Mrs.
Grayson, that you are not only beau
tiful, hut that you are an unusual
woman" lie did not speak for mo-
ment; then, let me add that I not
only applaud Jacks taste, but APP
prove his choice
Both Clifford and Mary started.
You approve Jacks choice she
breathed.
How could | help it?" he returned,
clifford and Mary could only stare
at him. They had expected outraged
fury--and this had come. They were
so dazed that they did not know Jack
had entered until he stammered:
"Father--you here"
'The evidence indicates such, my
boy" returned the elder Morton.
Why--why-----" He looked about
frightened, helpless, at the three; {;
and then stammered on: 81 went 10
the Biltmore To meet YOU, as you tel
ephoned: but they told me you were
out and thought I'd run up here for
minute and then get back
My engagement with you inter-
rupted Mr. Morton, was merely a
fatherly subterfuge To keep you
away from here while | had little
visit with Mrs, Grayson."
Then he Choked, swallow ed
then you know everything
Not everythng. But know the es-
sentials
"oh, my God" Ana Jack collapsed