The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-07-30

the non-committal answer.
Then both girls lapsed into si-
lence. Helen was Gliding herself
for having discussed the chauffeur
with her friend. The romance she
had built up about him as a person
with a mysterious past was all her
own. She had determined not to
mention her suspicious to her friend.
Not only did she shrink from
Desiree's ridicule, but If Smith was,
as Helen fondly hoped, "a reformed
somebody trying to keep straight"
it would not be kind to suggest
this to his employer.
Desiree's silence was due to the
fact that her heart was so full of
the meaning of the signing Of the
armistice that she scarcely dared
allow herself to speak. There was
a lump in her throat and tugging
at her heart-strings.
David DeLaine, on the front seat,
driving a rich mans car slowly
through crowded New York streets,
was conscious of little except his
own seething thoughts. Almost me-
chanically he piloted the big
limousine, regarding strictly the
traffic regulations.
All about him were laughing,
shouting, singing crowds. But
above and beyond them he was
seeing another picture. He was
once more overseas, driving an am
bulance with wounded men in it.
He heard again lie screech and
roar of bursting shells
Stop"
A policeman's voice rang out
you can't drive a bit farther, my
man." the officer declared. If you
want to get farther down you'd
better get out and walk"
Further Orders.
Desiree leaned forward. "He's
right, Smith," she said impulsively.
Draw your car up on one of the
side streets and we'll walk the rest
of the way"
When David had obeyed her or
ders, she spoke again.
Leave the rugs in the car and
lock the door. You will want to
see the crowd, too. We will go
down Fifth avenue on foot-Miss
Goddard and 1. You may go where
you please-and meet US here
later"
"Thank you," he replied courte-
ously.
He stiH felt like one in a dream.
But through that dream he saw the
dark eyes Of the girl who was in
his charge.
az will. walk behind her and Miss
Goddard" he resolved. 'It's too
rough a crowd for her to go about
alone"
When the pair in front Of him
reached the avenue, he. saw them
pause. The human stream flow
ing up and down the broad thor
oughfare was almost appalling in
its strength.
A man whom Helen Goddard
knew addressed her.
Come with me-" he urged. 81
have a window here in a hotel-and
my mother and sister will be there,
too"
Then, as Helen introduced him to
Desiree, he included her in his in
vitation.
Wont you come too. Miss Leigh
TOM"
Desiree shook her head. mo,
thank you" she smiled at him.
81 prefer to be right among the
people this afternoon. Goodby"'
With a nod, she went on down
the street, her slender body sway
ed and pushed by the jostling
throng. She was glad to be among
them just now. Here she need not
talk. She could just think and be
thankful
Yet once she stopped to speak.
1t was when an elderly woman in
mourning. with a gold star on her
arm, passed her.
Desiree laid her hand on the
mothers arm. you must feel con-
secrated," the girl murmured. He"
with a glance at the star, helped
bring about this wonderful day"
God bless you. dear" the woman
whispered, her lips trembling.
Then the young woman and the
matron were swept apart by the
noisy crowd.
Ito BE COntinuedD