Evening star., 1919-03-02

IT'S all right. Jack" explained
Mary. Your father says he approves
your choice!"
Jack was on his feet as though an
electric current had hurled him up
right. "Is that so, dad?'
Mr.. Morton nodded.
In two eager steps Jack was across
the room wriuging his fathers hand.
You don't know how relieved l aml'
why should YOU think I'd object
after really meeting Mrs. Grayson?'
can her Mary, cad
MARY, then, With your permission;
PLAINS Mary is young woman of
except onal sense, and ! am sure she
and wiz understand each other
spIendidry.'
JACK crossed swiftly to Mary.
Mary" Ne exclaimed, sezing her
hands. Mary" And then in a lower
voice, though Clifford heard him; It's
all coming true, Mary--its all coming
true"
The golden doors had marvelously
swung open!
MI. Morton was speaking again:
Tets get back to Sensible talk
which is what 1 came here for. /
wish to commend your discretion in
this matter. Boys will be boys but
usually they're boys in such noisy
way, I'm sure the discretion was
yours, Mary"
Discretion? I don't know what YOU
mean." said Mary.
II mean that you have done every
thing so WELL he continued pleas
antly, You've not laid the affair
open to instant recognition by
thoughtlessly haunting yourself about
with Jack. You've even taken the pre-
caution of wearing the conventional
rings. It's the Riverside Drive affair
done in the best Riverside-Drive-a affair
manner,
CTiford saw Mary go white again.
and whittier than before, as Mr. Nor
ton spoke; and he thought she was
going to fail as she gathered the
meaning of his Words--gather what
since he had first entered, had been
his real conception of the relation
ship.
But, dad" began Jack in
throaty voice You don't know what
you're saying You don't understand
The truth iS--
"Jack!' cut in Mary
ON, yes, | do understand" his faith
er assured him. And don't try TO
shield Mary with protestations. She
doesn't need such tlimsy protection"
Dad demanded the young fellow
huskily. what do YOU think this sit
uatiom is?
The obvious and usual one; you're
living here together as they always
say it on the stage. she's your mis-
He turned to Mary. Jacks a senti-
mentalist. But you're sensible
woman and don't humbug yourself by
hesitating to call thing by its right
name"
His last words were an even-toned
affirmation OF a commonplace. not a
question. Clifford watched Mary
closely; of certainty, life was test
ing her, He waited tensely for her
reply. and so did Jack--and Clifford
realized what vague worlds of differ
ent events hung upon the words yet
within her lips.
81 am Jacks mistress-yes." she
Il III gy,.t..
Morton's eyes
Mary. that's
lack she ordered sharply
mere 8 no nonsense about you,
Mary said Mr., Morton appruvingly
Jack has braced up so much re-
Gently"
'if have hraced up, it's been be
cause Mary has made me-" put in
Jack.
Il don't doubt it., and | want to
thank you, Mary. He's braced up so
much that long contemplated mar
riaSe. which has been delayed by his
irresponsibility. can now go through;
and | want it settled and over with
quick, while Jack is still In a re-
formed mood~-before he breaks loose
again. ! know youll be sensible and
reasonable about this matter for I
know you went into the affair know
ing ii could not last"
Jack seized his fathers arm.
Father. you've got TO listen
'iack" Mary again cried peremp-
thrily.
shes taking it with a lot more
sense than YOU are, son. I'll see that
YOU have no reason to complain
Mary. III ask Mr.. Clifford to talk
over the arrangement with YOU He
can speak in better taste for me than
can speak for myself"
He took her hand and there was a
very real admnation-of it's sort--in
his gray eyes. He spoke in lowered
voice.
Merely because Jack must go. |
don't want 1t to be the end of things
between you and he Mortons ] hope
may have The pleasure of seeing
YOU soon"
Perhaps seid her lips
II shall count on it"-presSine her
hand.
He turned away. "wen. son, are
YOU ready I've made an engage
ment for you tonight"
But Jack sprang to Atary's side and
seized in both of his the hand his
father had just relinquished His
handsome II weak face was working
With Indignation. protesting passion;
for the moment he was strong and
sincere and fine to the capacity of
his nature.
Mary, I'm not going 10 stand for
thiSE I'm not going to leave you in
this Way--l'm not that kind OF rat"
We're going to do just as your
IA Ia, 81, -