Connecticut western news., 1919-11-27


 this place before fall"
 There must be an end somewhere" Irene murmured, rather weakly.
 But her mother was writing check. "I shall give you five thousand dollars now," she said, "and the balance when you give me the deed, or whatever it Is. That Is the proper way, isn't it?"
 "Well, it's done," said Irene with an pitched little higher than she had Intended.
 In an adjoining room Dave Eldel heard that laugh, and 1t stirred son remembrance In him. Instantly Ie connected 1t with Irene Hardy. Tka truth was Irene Hardy had been i1 the background .of hls mind during every waking hour since Bert Nor rison had dropped her bombshell upon him. And now. that voice
 Dave had no plan. He simply walked into Conward's office. His eye took in the little group and the mind behind caught something of It's DOT tent. Irene's beauty! What quick ening of the pulses was his as he saw in this splendid woman the girl who had stirred and 1returneat his youthful passion But Dave had poise. He walked straight to Irene.
 'I heardet your, voice." he. said, in quiet tones that gave no hint of the emotion beneath. ,,"I am very glad to see you again." He took the hand which she extended, In a firm. warm grasp; there was nothing In 1t, as Irene protested to herself. that was more than firm and warm, but it set her finger tips a-tingling.
 "Ny mother, Mr. Elden," she man. aged to say. and she hoped her voice was as we'll controlled as his had been. Mrs. Hardy looked on the clean-built young man with the dark eyes. and the brown, smooth face. but the name sug- gested nothing. "You remember" Irene went on, "I told you of Mfr. El- den. It was at his ranch we stayed when father was hurt"
 But thought he was a COW punch err exclaimed Mrs. Hardy.
 "Times change quickly In the West, madam" said Dxxe. 'tMost of our business men-at least. those bred in the country-have thrown iasso in their day. Tea shsarR hear them brag of theix stseHropIng yef in the Ranch mems club"
 Irene's eyes danced. Dave had al- 1r %r,w hn koh hnr mother had implied contempt he had set up a note of pride.
 "Oh, I suppose" said her mother, for lack of a better answer. Every thing is so absurd In the West. But you were good to my daughter, and to been spared. Women are so unused to. these business responsibilities, Mir. Conward. It is fortunate there are few reliable firms upon which we can lean in our inexperience."
 Mother has bought house." Irene explained to Dave. "We thought this was a safe place to come"- A look on Elden's face caused her to pause. "Why, what Is wrong?" she said.
 Dave looked at Conward, at Mrs. Hardy, and at Irene. He was instant ly aware that .ConWard had '.stuug" them. It was common knowledge in inside circles that the bottom was going out. The firm of .Conward & Elden had been ,scurrying for cover, as quietly and secretly as possible. to avoid alarming the public, but scurry- ing for cover. nevertheless. And Dave had acquiesced in that policy. His position was extremely difficult.
 II don't think I would be in hurry to buy, he said, slowly turning his eyes on his partner. You would per haps be wiser to. rent home for a while. Rents are becoming easier"
 But I have bought" said Mrs. Hardy, and there was triumph rather than regret in her voice. 'I have paid my deposit"
 Tt is the policy of this firm," Elden continued, mot to force or take ad- vantage. of hurried decisions. The fact that you have already made a deposit does not alter that policy. l think ! may speak for my partner. and the firm when say that your deposit will be held to your credit for thirty days, during which time it will constitute an option on the property which you have selected. If, at the end of that time, you are still of your present mind, the transaction can go through as now planned; and if you have changed your mind your deposit will be re. turned"
 Conward shifted under Dave's direct eye. He preferred to look at Mrs. Hardy. "What Mir. Elden has told you about the policy of the firm is quite true," he managed to say. 'sBut, as 1t happens, this transaction is not with Conward & Elden, but with me personally. I find it necessary to dis pose of the property which have just sold to you at such an exceptional price"-he was looking at Mrs Hardy