South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-01-04

ten in from one Of those mysterious
voyages OF his TO parts unknown"
he said. He was delayed in reach
ing the city. only got in last night.
too late 10 telephone US Seems he
had some cherished scheme Of hav-
ing US his guests at a very special
blowout. Wouldn't mind going il
we hadn't asked these people here
for they, say his little dinners are
something 20 dream about. they are
so unique. OF course, there was
nothing for me TO do but TO invite
him out I thought you wouldn't
mind"
In Dicky's tone there was a doubt
ful infection which ! read correctly
He knew OF my interest IN the elder
ly man OF mystery who had known
my parents so well, and was sure
I that he thought I would be over
joyed because he had extended the
invitation.
was glad that I could honestly
disabuse his mind Of this idea, for l
! had curious little feeling that
Dicky disliked more than he appear
ed to do, the attentions paid to me
by Mr. Gordon.
DiclSy Didn't Know.
"Of course you couldn't do any,
thing else, Dicky," returned heart
/ lily; you had 20 invite him. But
I'm awfully sorry he had to choose
this day for his visit. It's too late
TO get hold OF Lillian now, she's
probably started by this time. and 1
expressly promised her that there
would be no one here but the Dur
KEGS"
Dicky gave me a quick glance OF
inquiry, and then. evidently satisfied
that I meant exactly what I said
drew a long breath which my mag
ination fancied was one OF relief.
why. what's eating Lii" ne said
carelessly. that she can't stand tho
presence Of strangers? She's usual
" keen on having a crowd
She's in some trouble" I explain
ed, which she couldn't tell me over
the phone She wanted TO be sure
there were no strangers here, said
she needed me. and warned me not
to be shocked or surprised at her ap-
/ pearance"
Dicky's face clouded saw that
my news troubled him. as I was sure
: it would. for ] knew his very real
affection for Lillian Underwood. the
woman who had made such won
derful sacrifice for his sake.
Il wonder what's up" he said.
worriedly. Come to think of it, Lii
hasn't been in her studio for a week
{ but then, she's very irregular there
! anyway, does a lot OF her work az
home. you know. And when 1 saw
| he was in a devil OF a mood, licking
up highballs and swearing at the
world in general"
Poor Lilliani" ] sighed. with
1 swift mental vision of what her life
with Harry Underwood must be.
Dicky looked at me curiously.
You don't altogether approve OF
| friend Harry, do you. Madge ?" he
said, after a pause.
mo. I don. - I returned spiritedly
/ Il think he makes Lillian perfectly
miserable at times"
ooh, I wouldn't go as far as that
Dicky returned easily Ills pretty
well able 10 take care Of herself. and
Z Harry isn't the worst fellow in the
world--an angel OF light compared
TO the article Lii drew out OF the
! grab-bag when she tried marriage
the first time. Harry has his faults.
/ but at least he's q human being.
which is a long sight more than the
other chap was"
Il agree with Margaret" said my
mother-in-law. abruptly rising.
there are few more detestable men
in the world TO my notion than
Harry Underwood OF course. Won
have 10 invite him here if you en-
terrain his wife. But you mark my
word Richard. you viii some day
bitterly regret that you ever brought
+ that man into your home"
\ Strange Shock
Ny mother-in-law swept maiest-
ically out Of the room. Dicky wait
ed until she was well out Of earshot
before indulging in the fit of laugh
ter which I had foreseen was COM
ing when his mother made her dra-
matte prophecy.
Gee. mothers a cheerful lady to
have about the house" he said
! when he had finished chuckIing. DO
you suppose she'll treat Harry TO an
other Of her tantrums?" he asked
anXiously, "a moment later
NO, ] don't think shell do any
thing worse than treat MIN with the
frigidity she always used toward
him. 1 replied.
"Oh. well. he's used to that"
, Dicky returned, in a relieved tone
AT any rate. we've got TO take what.
ever comes now. Il won't be long
now before they arrive"
And, indeed, it was Jess than an
hour before their taxi swung into
the driveway
Lilhan's head and face was so
swathed in wells that I did not real
lie what the change in her appear
ance Of which she had warned me
was until / was alone with her In
my room. which 7 intended giving up
/ 10 her and her husband while they
stayed Then, as she took of her
hat and wells I almost cried out IN
( astOnishment-for 1t my first unac-
customed glance. instead of the
2 rgrrraG q. nd r.ors-Far-.T rara ovg 1r-o|