The weekly Iberian., 1920-05-22

some bad mistakes. | gave him rht
last Job he ever had in Syracuse bu
had TO let him go and | tolC
MN some plain facts when l did
mats what he refers to-"
Il assumed" said Hilliard, hesitat
~, that at one time he had been what
you might call disappointed
IN love? Something was weighing on
him-he practically admitted
put that was one point that he didn't
appear to want to confess, even to
me-"
lie was engaged to Carol Durant.'
Angela had taken the cross again. and
held it like precious relic. "She
broke it off, just before he went
away"
THE day BEFORE" added Mr.. Cul-
len. THAT was one of the two rea-
sons why he went"
Hilliard nodded.
L see. On account of his
habits?'
THAT was the gossip" said Mr.. Cul-
len heavily. doctor Durant was SUD-
posed to have"
Didn't he write to her?" asked An
gela, raising her eyes.
Not that l :" He stopped
quickly. II trust you'll forgive me.
but I'd imagined from various remarks
he made at different times, that he
bn
ly attached to you" This last was ad-
dressed to Angela, who was both digni-
fed and shaken by the suggestion.
Her father, however, nodded in the
negative.
Angela wasn't much more than fif-
teen, sir. They were great friends: he
was very fond of her. No. it was
Carol Durant he was engaged to.
Didn't he ask you to see herr"
''No."
"But you will, l hope, won't your"
"You can see Carol here tonight. If
you care to-" said Angela, uncertainty.
"She and and friend of hers
are coming over to talk about another
Red Cross drive. Carols on the COM
mittee. They ought to be here any
now"
yes" said Hilliard. "If I'm going
to see her, l think 1 should rather
see her here"
Mr.. Cullen sighed stertorously.
"Well, perhaps it's better
and / shall want to telephone this to
the Herald if you don't object. It's
the least we can do, all things consid-
cred" He reflected a mo-
ment. "How long are you staying in
town, Mr.. Hilliard?"
"Tve made no plans whatsoever"
he said, after a slight pause. 81 sold
my interests to British syndicate of
bankers two months ago. My home is
where my baggage is. I'm thinking of
taking day or two to see certain of
Dicks friends-the ones he talked
about most-and after that, the future
IS on the knees of the gods"
Mr.. Cullen regarded him with sim
,ere respect.
ut would give me great pleasure"
ne said, a trif1e pompously, eff you
would be my guest for the time you're
lere, Mr.. Hilliard. 1t would please
ne very much indeed" Hilliard's
leart pounded.
*And me too," said Angela, gently.
billiards. heart threatened to suffo-
fn hno
,ame was going so Infinitely better
han he had dared to hope, but also
because it was Angela who entreated
lin.
ITS wonderfully good of you," he
:but 1 couldn't disturb you
o that extent. Thank you, but"
Mr.. Cullen stopped him by an in
lusive gesture.
"You won't disturb us in the slight
st l wish you'd come with US, Mr..
Iilliard. / should feel much better
han having you stay downtown
"Well--" said Hilliard, obviously.
lis soul was filled with unholy joy,
ut his outward demeanor was depre-
atory. "It's ever so kind of you; |
till"
"As a favor to me-" urged Mr.. Cul- |
IN.
"As a favor to me-" echoed Angela, |
nd Hilliard looked attentively at her, |
nd was obviously swayed She not
d it; he had intended her to notice |
:. He gave her a smile which had /
he power, even in her somber mood, |
D draw faint response in kind
"If you're sure it won't be a hard
hip to you"
Nonsense! It's settled, then, is it?
II send one Of my cars down for your
lings."
Hilliard's eyes flickered at the in
enuous vanity; he had recently
earned that Mr.. Cullen had made
lore money during the past twelve
lonths than during the previous
velve years.
"Well." he said. ''if you're so char
able as to insist"
Il do, sir, ] do! -. You're at