The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-11

! scoundreI that he iss'
 "He-he isn't-there's some dreadful mistaken breathed Shirley. wide-eyec and trembling. She had lost her olc aplomb. This handsome stranger witt air of fashion and of worldlness-sht wasn't in the least like Jim! It was impossible that Jim could be entanglec } with her.
 Then a timely recollection of hel duties as hostess swept over Shirley The. day was warm-this woman looked as though she were exhausted. She was certainly harboring some absurd delusion. Perhaps she was even jus; a trifle mad
 Do sit down in the shadow of the trees over there, and I'll bring you out some tea!' Shirley's active mind sprang , to woman's panacea for all ills. "A i cup of tea will make you feel quite diff , ferent. And then we'll clear this mud de up between us.F She forced a smile to hide the trem- , bling of her pretty lips. Down in her heart was a real misgiving and anxi- ety. But she wasn't going to show it. You're a kind little thing-as well as being really prettyr commented the . other gratefully. Compunction glinted for moment in the weary eyes. Don't think I've any grudge against you per sonally. It isn't you I blame--v
 
 the strange woman was once more seat , ed on the rustic bench below a dropping , willow tree. with half closed eyes, and every muscle of the supple figure re- faxed
 The coolness of~this place. the rest fulness-and the security" Her gaze widened to include the trim sweep of lawn and the ancient gables of the : house before her. Its been like this for the last six hundred years, I guess?' ! The young girl nodded.
 Envioiusly the other looked at her.
 You happy. sheltered 1ittle-ignor- anus" she said softly. T Again a little red flag of protest mantled in Shirley's smooth young cheeks.
 "Oh, mean it as a compliment-dont misunderstood me-" went on the new conner imperturbably. I'm not casting any aspersions"-she hesitated for d moment on the unaccustomed word "any aspersions on your mental powers. It's just that you don't know life the way know it--and pray heaven you
 She drank two cups of tea before she spoke again.
 There! I feel better. And now I ought to introduce myself properly to you" From her elaborate vanity bag she drew forth card and handed it to shirley. 'Read that.
 The young girl took the piece of pasteboard and scrutinized it eagerly.
 It bore the words: Mile. Lucille Derange, variety artist.- You guessed I was on the stage 7' ' resumed the othAr, leaning back luxu- riously on the rustic bench and eyeing Shirley in an interested fashion. 'It's a ghastly life if you haven't any par ticular talent or money, or friends at the back of you"
 Then, why-why did you choose the professional" Shirley put the question timidly, as though fearful of the an swer.
 "Because-after Jim Dalton deserted me, out in South Africa three years ago I'd got to earn some kind of a living Tor starvei"
 stammered Shirley. Only two days ago Jim Dalton had been telling her of that land of glorious sunlight and of ] sweeping veldt, expatiating on it's beauties and it's El Dorado qualities.
 Lucille Derange nodded. and her handsome, world-weary eyes narrowed as she looked searchingly at Shirley.
 He's been telling you about it. has he? Well, that's like his nerve!" She gave cynical little laugh. But, of course, he omitted such trifles as our romantic wooing, romantic honeymoon and highly unromantic sequel when tiring suddenly of me as he does of everything--he abandoned me in lit- tie one-horse town way back on the veldt-to starve"
 There's some mistake" said Shir- ley, brayely. determined to crush the dreadful feeling of anxiety and sus- pense. The Jim Dalton that I know is kind and-and considerate-and a gentleman He isn't like that-he"--
 It's plain you don't know single thing about him." cut in Lucille De- range. But let me tell you he's a past master at the gentle art of cam ouflage. Oh, you aren't the first girl that he's hoodwinked"-the beauti- fully modulated tones rose to shriller, less attractive key"-and you won't be the last either--in a world of gullible womenw
 Shirley put an imperceptible fraction of space between herself and the speaker. little scornful smile how cred about her pretty lips. She did not ! speak. Yet her distaste was evident. Ignoring it, Lucille continued:
 Out in South Africa he was every thing--to everybody Transport rider chiefly-farm hand. digger in the mines, driver of bullock teams, store keeper oh, and professional gambleri But he made good at nothing He was
 
 down-and- outer. Heaven knows what saw in him, except-oh, his good looks and his charm,''
 She cleared her throat.
 The very first time he looked at me with those fine dark eyes of his knew my hour had struck! And that curly dark head of his. too--there was some thing so boyish and so appealing about him"-
 An icy hand of fear gripped Shirley's heart. Wasn't this woman echoing her (Shirley's) own opinions? "Fine dark eyes. and "curly dark hair''--yes-and Jim Dalton's "boyishness" was his pe- culiar charm.
 Lucille was digging deep now into the jumbled mysteries of her hand bag
 "Oh. here it is.''
 Envelope in hand, she rose to her feet She crossed to Shirleys side.
 Maybe this'll convince you" she said simply. My marriage certifi- cate"
 She dropped the document in shirley's lap.
 You open it--I can't" There was piteous appeal in shirleys eyes-a trapped look which went straight to Lucile's heart.
 forth a parchment paper from it's cover. smoothed if out on Shirleys lap. The last rays of the setting snn shed a pinkish glow upon the document.
 Lucilie's white finger traced a little path along the lines while she read. It was all quite clear and evident.
 Four years ago one James Dalton bachelor aged 20, had married Lucy smith, spinster, 24, in small town near