The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-09-02
Love Affairs of a
Lonely Woman
By MARI HAu

, the electric stove wave of gratitude
swept over the girls being. A great
thankfulness for that nod of the others
head. 1t meant at least that she had
been safe during those hours of oblivion,
for somehow Jane knew that, no matter
who might be employing this woman, she
was not her enemy.
You'll feel better after you drink this
coffee" the woman said, approaching the
, girl with a steaming cup in her hand.
Il guess you're all petered out. after
having no dinner last night and no
breakfast this morning. I've got your
bath all ready for you. so just take your
time until you feel stronger"
Jane accepted the cup and drank CRATE
fully of the coffee. It seemed to diffuse
new life in her veins. and an instant
later she felt almost IKE herself.
II wish you would tell me where 1 ann
she asked, looking up with a pathetic
little appeal in her eyes. Why have
been brought out here? 1 know there
is something queer in it ALL started
out to go to Mrs. Van Bleeker's house,
but this isn't her house, is it?''
For an instant the woman hesitated.
She seemed on the point. of speaking, 1t
, was almost as though she wanted to
tell Jane something and could not bring
herself to the point. At last, turning
back to the electric stove, she once more
IlOQueu n6T nSdu. sure, size dHS ciSuf
after another moment of hesitation.
You're at Mrs. Van Bleeker's. Now,
when you feel strong enough, your baths
all ready. You'll find your clothes in
the bathroom, too. I've pressed your
dress and freshened up your things a
little. If you want me all you have to
do is ring that bell" She motioned to an
electric button hanging by a long cord
near the head of the bed, and added my
names Helga."
Once again she hesitated as she looked
into James eyes, then turning with an
abrupt movement, she opened the door
and Disappeared.
I'm not at Mrs. Van Bleeker'sv' Jane
exclaimed under her breath. II know
L m not! But what could have happened,
and why was l brought out here? ! don't
know anyone in New York who would
wish me HARMON, wish 1 knew what
it was all about! And what is Mr.. Nor
timer thinking because l didn't go TO
work this morning."
That thought gave the girl the greatest
pang of all. To have Mr. Mortimer
who had been so kind to her, at whose
office she had such pleasant position
thinking of her was the last straw
needed to complete her feeling of lone
someness, and with a little gasp she
dropped her head on her arm and broke
into fit of crying.
This won't do' she exclaimed, rails
ing her head and gazing through her
tears at the outside world, touched by
the quiet and peace of the country ut
won't do at all, I've got to find way
to get back to New York and explain to
to him. I'm sure he'll understand when
I tell him it wasn't my fault"
Rising at last she moved instinctiVely
toward the dresser, gazing at her dishev-
eled appearance in the mirror. Her
hands went to her hair in an attempt
to arrange its rumped disorder. but the
next instant she started back in surprise
and terror, for in a little silver tray.
tucked away among some hairpins and
small pieces of jewelry, her eyes caught
sight of a calling card.
Mrs William Burns!' she read aloud,
then with a nervous gasp she turned. and
stared at the door as someone swung 1t
open.
Copyright, 1919 Thompson Feature
Service.)
(So be continued tomorrow