The Washington times., 1920-07-20
from Ye.terdsyJ
CHAPTER NJ.

When such a thing happens TO
young people certain mental
numbness follows the irst shock,
limiting the capacity for suffering,
and creating its own anodyne.
The mental processes resume
their functions gradually, chary OF
srousing sensation.
Grief produces a chemical reac-
ton within the body. poisoning II.
But within that daily visitor to
the body, the soul, a profound spir-
itusl reaction occurs which either
cripples il or ennobles IL eternally
Many people called and left
cards, or sent cards and flowers.
Some asked for Jim; among others,
Chiltern Grismer.
"M-m-m'yes." he murmured, re-
tanning the young mans hand.
my friend of many years has
left us;-m-m-m'y my friend OF
many years. ] am very sorry to
hear IL: yes. very sorry
Jim remained passive, incurious.
Grismer prowled about the dark
ened room. alternately pursuing up
and sucking in his dry and slitted
lips. Finally he seated himself and
gazed owlishly at the young man.
"And our little adopted sister?
How does this deplorable affiiction
affect her? May ] hope to offer
my condolences to her also
MY sister Stephanie is utterly
crushed Thank you.
She is very grateful to you"
M -m'yes. May | see her.
u am sorry. She Is scarcely able
TO see anybody at present. Her
aunt, Miss Quest. is with her"
"M-m-m. After all--but'let 1t re-
main unsaid-n- -m'yes, unsaid.
SO her aunt is with her? M-m-m!"
Jim was silent. Grismer sat i'm
movable as a gargoyle, gazing at
him out of unwinking eyes.
M m-m'yes," he said. ''Grief
was his due. My friend OF many
years was worthy OF such filial
demonstrations. Quite so-even
though there is, in point of fact.
no blood relationship between my
friend of many years and your
adopted sister,
my sister could not feel her loss
more keenly If she and ! had been
born of the same mother" said the
boy in a dull voice.
quite so. M-m-myes. Or the
same father. Quite So.
"I-simply can't talk about it yet,
muttered the young fellow. IF
you'll excuse me-
quite so. Far better to talk
about other things just at present
m'yes, far wiser. Mm-m-and so
the young lady's aunt has arrived?
Very suitable. very suitable ana
necessary. And doubtless Miss
Quest will take up her permanent
residence here, in view of the-ah
-n-m-m'yes doubt OF 1t; no
doubt"
1--WE have not spoken Of that
A moment later Miss Quest en-
tered the room.
"Stephanie is awake and is asking
for YOU" she said. As the young
man rose with a murmured excuse
Miss Quest turned and looked at
Chiltern Grismer.
Madame" he began, rising to his
gaunt height. permit me-my name
is Grismer-
ooh" she interrupted drily, 1--WE
talked you over with the late MT.
Cleland."
my friend of many years, Ma
dame"
I'VE didn't discuss your friend
ship for each other. Mr.. Grismer,'
She snapped out. "Our subject or
conversation concerned money"
"Ma'am?"
IAN inheritance, in fact. which, l
believe, you allege that you legal.
" converted to your own uses
she added, staring at him.
They sustained each others gaze
in silence for a moment.
Then Grismer's large, dry hand
crept up over his lips and began
rhythmical massage of The grim
jaw.
MY friend Of many years and
came to an understandinf IN re-
gard to the painful matter which
you have mentioned, he saio
slowly.
"Yes?"
absolutely, Madame. Out of his
abundance, ] was given to under
stand. he had bountifully provided
for your niece-m- -m'yes, boun-
teously provided. Further. he gave
me to understand that you, Ma
dame. out of the abundant wealth
with which our Lord has blessed
YOU. had indicated your resolution
to provide for the young lady
There was an uncanny gleam In
Miss Quests eyes. But she SAID
nothing. Grismer watching her,
softly Joined the tips of his horny
fingers.
"M-m'yes. Quite so. My friend or
many years voluntarily assured me
that he did not contemplate reopen
ing the unfortunate matter in ques-
tion--in point of fact, Madame, he
gave me his solemn promise never
to initiate any such action in be-
half OF the young lady.
Miss Quest remained mute.
"And John Cleland was right,
madame" continued Grismer in a
gentle, persuasive voice, because
any such litigation must prove not
only costly, but fruitless of result.
The unfortunate and undesirable
publicity OF such case, II brought
to trial, could not vindicate my
own rectitude and the righteousness
Of my cause while gossip and scan
dal cruelty destroyed the social po-
sition which tho young lady at pres
ont enjoys"
After another silence:
"well?" inquired Miss Quest. us
there anything more that worries
YOU, Mr.. Grismer?"
"Worries me, madame? ] am not
a.. ,.l, at do