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

I
 with pathetic gesture that touched
 Lucille's heart.
 There. there! Don't you worry about
 him. He isn't worth it."
 Shirley rose to her fleet, staring
 wildly at the other.
 Hes yours--I-I don't want him any 1 longer. Yes, I believe everything you l say. Good by. No-don't try to stop
 mel just want 10 be alone I--Tll get 1 over it all right in time. Good-by.'
 A SAFE HAVEN Lucille was left alone, as the dazed
 girl hardly knowing what she did, rose
 and fled down the lane, away from the 1 painful scene
 A feeling of immense humiliation, of | outraged pride, mingled with her pain
 and disappointment What a credulous 1 little fool Jim Dalton must have thought heri
 she-Shiriey-had been ridicuiously trusting. Into loves gamble she had
 plunged most recklessly-and she had losti
 Along the now dusky country road came stealing soft strains of melody. 1 She was nearing the gates of David
 Burke's estate, and through the trees she could glimpse the lighted windows | of the music room he had built for him. l self out in the grounds. I He was there now--playing on his 1 violonceilo-putting all the romance
 into an improvisation that he had 1 missed in life. A desperate longing came to Shirley to confide in this kind friend. In a world that had somehow toppled down l in ruins, he anyhow stood staunch and true.
 1 How dusky it was growing. here on l this quiet country road And--hush!-- what was that? Footsteps were follow 1 ing eerily close to heri perhaps some l tramp some threatening danger? 1 In her ver-wrought condition, the | haven of that lighted music room beck oned to Shirley. Warmth safety, sym l pathry, love--it held these things She darted through the gates, skirt ed narrow strip of shrubbery, ran | across an open clearing, rumbled lit- tie wildly over the fastening of the studio door, then swung it open, and stood there in the aperture, flushed, swaying palpitant Shirley my dear child-why, what's the matter?" David Burke, concern on his kindly features, rose to his feet and faced the girl. She tried to speak but the trembling of her lips prevented her. She could only stand there dumbly, staring at nina slim, pathetic little figure that Il pointments of the music room. Shirley. something has happened to upset you" In two strides Burke was by her side. "Shirley-my dear-what is it?'
 She sank down suddenly on a wide divan that faced one of the big win dows. and. staring straight ahead of her, said, hopelessly: "Nothing's the matter. David-except tha panera1 rnttanpeaa of lifars He lifted one of her small hands into his own strong clasp then, and his voice held a real concern as he made answer: That doesn't sound 2 bit like you, my dear. Come. tell me what's the matter"
 Shirley made no sound. Her face was white now-rigid, with a curious tenseness. Burke tried a lighter tone. If it's the heart affair gone wrong. then don't forget the dear old adage that re course of true love never did run smooth" Come. Shirley, I'm a very ancient friend--teli me about the little quarrel you and Jim have hadi It'll all come right. you'll see-- Tt never will come right" said Shir- ley tragically, Burke cleared his throat. An embar- rassing little lump had come there at the sight of Shirley's misery "Oh, cheer up, little girl" His smile
 was very kind and full of sympathy. Tt isn't bit like you to talk like that"
 divan and faced him. Big tears stood in her eyes.
 TT can never be the same again. just feel as though life was done, and and finished with. And don't, please, ever mention Jim Dalton's name to me again-because IT can't bear it." Have you quarrelled with him. then2"
 shirley's tears went trickling down as she answered, drearily--
 "He--he isn't my-fiance-any longer. because--oh, MT. Burke-he--he's got wife already!'
 "The deuce he has.- David Burke bounded to his feet with the velocity of a six-inch she'll "The scoundrel- oh--the blackguard"-
 'Tt-it's quite true-I--rve met her and oh. I'm so miserably unhappy, David"--,
 It was then that simple, kindly Da- vid Burke quite lost his head. Sinking down at Shirley's feet, he held her two hands in his own. and poured out words of eager love. Forget this miserable affair. my dear. and marry me! I'll do everything | y to teach you to forget! Shirley, I adore you
 The words froze on his lips as the studio door swung open and tall athletic figure stood before them, a light of angry jealousy blazing in the fine dark eyes. Shirley gave a little cry of;
 '.Jimi"
 But Jim Dalton--drinking in every detail of the romantic scene before him was beside himself with fury.
 50. Shirdey. this is the kind of girl you are. stealing out here--alone. and at this hour--to meet your lover~ He glared at Burke with hatred on his finished making love to my fiance. I should be glad to have a word with you you cad@ he cried.
 INTERPRETATIONS
 David Burke rose to his feet, and in two strides was across tho room and facing Dalton. His usually benignant countenance was now one blaze of an- ger.
 How dare you break into my studio in this fashion?. His eyes flashed fire And how dare an imposter like your self speak of love---and lovers--2 rogue like you who cannot understand the meaning of the word?"
 He flung protective arm round Shir- ley. who, too, had risen to her feet and was standing close beside him trembling.
 T don't in the least understand the meaning of this scene, although it's quite apparent that you're attempting" -Jim's lips curled in curious little smile that maddened Burke-"attempt-