The Washington times., 1920-08-25
CHAPTER LV.
Copyright. 1890. star Comp

Copyright, 1890. star Company
IVY HEN Arthur Paige got an
M idea, he held fast to It.
w Thus il came about that dur
Ing September and October he
watched his niece as he had never
watched her before.
At times he almost believed that
he was wrong in his half-formed
suspicion that she was not happy.
She was SO appreciative OF all that
John did for her, and he was so
considerate OF her every whim that
the casual observer would have
considered the couples engagement
q happy one.
Yet Arthur was rot satisfied. He
recalled Barbara as she had been
six short months ago-bright.
merry. full of fun, always ready
for a romp, always brimming over
with the JOY of life. Now she was
pale and thin, less talkative than
ever before, and unnaturally docile.
What had wrought this change?
OF course, Cynthia would attribute
II to the warm weather and to Bar
bara's suppressed excitement over
her wedding plans. But Arthur did
not consult Cynthia. In the problem
without her dominant spirit direct
ing him.
First Of all. he would study Bar
bars, being careful that she did not
suspect him OF doing so.
To this end he introduced again
the subject of the birthday cele-
bration he proposed giving her in
October.
SUSPECTS HIS SISTER.
'Bab." he ventured in an off-hand
way. you must make out for me
list of all the young people you
want to have at your party"
Thank YOU" she said. But.
uncle. won't 1t be a great deal of
unnecessary expense to you to give
this affair just because l happen
to be twenty-one next month You
know my wedding is costing a lot"
Her uncle asked a question with
such suddenness as to startle her.
"Child why do you speak so
often Of being an expense to me?
Have I ever suggested that l could
not afford to do just what / wish
to do for your"
'Why-no-indeedy you have not"
she stammered "Only- Il know
that my father left nothing for my
support-and that all these years
you have done everything for me
just as il / were your own child.
And, Of course, it has been a drain
upon you"
Who" he demanded, "ever told
you that your father left nothing
for your support"
She started to reply. then checked
herself.
"Who told YOU" her uncle per-
sisted. ~ never did-did I?'
mo, sir-but it is true, isn't it,"
A light of hope came to her eyes,
but died when he answered her
honestly.
"Yes dear, it is true, and ! am
glad that it is, since that has given
me the blessed privilege of provid-
ing for you. l only wish l were
to do it for years to come. But
you have not answered my ques-
ton"
She was silent. and out OF pity
he changed the subject.
1t was evident that she did not
wish to name her informant.
Arthur suspected Cynthia. but pre-
ferred just now to let the matter
rest
Never mind" he said cheerfully.
" HOcNcE tolu you nave
added the fact / just mentioned
namely, my satisfaction with con-
ditions as they have been ever since
you came here to live.
"And now, let us settle an i'm
portant matter. Whom shall we
have at the party?"
II will think about it and let you
know" Barbara replied. Il have
hardly thought"
We'll, it is high time you began
to think about it," the man smiled,
'planning-rememb And If you
dare even to suggest the word 'ex-
pense' to me about it l shall get
angry. Why not make out your
list now?'
81 promised to go out for a while
with John and to be ready at 4
o'clock.
He and Aunt Cynthia and I are
going. Oh, Uncle"-with a sudden