The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-29
A REUNION

A hEUNION In two strides he was across tha 1 room, and stepping over Lueilles pa tient.
 No, Shirley, don't get upi Stay just as you are!" He caught her two hands i in his own and held t1em warmly | "Oh, I'm so glad and thankful that you're better-p He drew long, deep breath. A lump had come into his throat. You're looking beautiful, as | usual-but you've given us all an aw- ful frightl' His voice was quite htsky as he spoke.
 Won't you sit down?" said Shirley
 rather timidly She was wondering if
 Jim had really forgiven her for her
 abrupt behavior on their last meeting Lucille moved forward low chair, right in the line of Shirley's vision, but not too close to the fire. And Jim
 sat down.
 Lucille began her preparations for the tea She moved about the studio rather noisily, keeping up running fire of chatter, so that Jim and Shir- ley might have time to recover from the natural embarrassment and awk- wardness of this meeting.
 As she looked at the two happy, glowing faces her thoughts involun- tarily turned to David Burke, still out in France. She was missing him. He had only written twice and had not yet heard of shir1eys illness. It would be such a relief when he came back. Her eye rested for a moment on Jim Dalton's handsome features illuminated by the fire and by an inward glow | that proved his happiness. She could note the flickering resemblance to her
 late husband-but with huch a diff l ference! Jim's chin was firm where l the down -and-outers had been weak | Jim's eyes were straight and honest where the others had been shifty- Jim's skin was bronzed and healthy. in sharp contrast with the others sallow- ness-and Jim's air had nothing furtive in it, nor did his laugh ring hollow. Yes, Shirley was a very lucky girl! You must get out of London for a bit" he was saying to her tucking the sofa-rug about her knees, and thor oughly enjoy being 'fussy.' Shirley apparently, enjoyed the process, too. He turned to Lucille.
 Fair dragoness, d'you hear what l say? You and the young woman must take a holiday in the country"-- Shirley looked from one to the other anxiously. Finances had been worry ing her of late. She knew she couldn't
 afford to leave her work. much less to take an actual vacation. And hotels were so expensive!
 Of course, Lucille had been a won derful manager. To be more accurate though Shirley didn't know it--Lu- cille had proved born diplomat She had explained away the necessary pur- chases she had made with Jims s money as "giftsY from Chelsea friends.
 But now monetary matters had be- gun to worry Shirley. of course. we'll take a holiday" said Lucille, dispensing tea and cakes to her patient and to Jim. She spoke with a positive air. What place would you suggest? For goodness sake, let it be somewhere lively. Shirley and need stirring up!"
 What about Surrey?" Lucille shook her head. She thought that Surrey wouldn't have entirely happy memories for her little patient, at this juncture of affairs. Personally, there wasn't any place that she liked
 better. But, enthusiastically. she put Miss Shirley first.
 We want the sea-and brass bands --and pierrots---and pink teas-and young meh?' she remarked firmly,
 Nothing blue moulded--somet thing live and modern. eh, Shirley?"
 Shirley smiledN faintly.
 What about Brighton. then" sug- gested Jim. Tt seems to fit the bill.'
 The very spot" cried Lucille, nod Z ding at the speaker. wen telegraph for rooms today. and you can motor us down in your car tomorrow morningns
 Shirley was about to raise a pro- test.
 But Lucille wouldn't listen.
 This isn't your affair-it's ninei" she cried