The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-14
10 VE,S GAMBLE
By MAY CHRISTIE

| You're just child--a foolish little child that needs to be looked after and ! protected" He led her up the steps and fitted latchkey in the door. neigh | boring clock struck 10. Come in, my dear. and the maids will get some sup per for you.'
 They walked into the dining room and David rang the bell. He gave his orders.
 Miss Shirley seated herself in big, comfortable arm chair beside the fire. For the first time in her life the pro- tective attitude of David Burke ap- pealed to her. Her whole heart warmed to him.
 His kindness and his thoughtfulness after her recent dreadful experiences were very soothing Moreover, it had now been clearly proved that David had been fairly ac- l curate in his estimate of Jim Dalton! ] He wrenched my purse right out of my hand and ran away-just like any common thief" said Shirley dolefully. T can only think that the accident has turned his brain" 1 David was silent. He was not in any way obtuse And shrewd suspicion had been forming in his mind that Lu- cille's erring husband--Jim Dalton's "double'-had turned up again. Did you say that you saw him confs from Lucille's flat?' The question sounded casual. It wouldn't do to seem I too curious
 l Shirley nodded
 He was wearing awfully shabby clothes-but it was Jim all right I'd know him anywhere" she answered confidently.
 Burke suppressed smile. As a mat ter of fact, he thought that Miss shir- ley had been remarkably credulous ] throughout the whole affair Shirley. don't waste another moment thinking of the fellowi Forget you ever knew him, dear!" T think,' said Shirley knitting her pretty brows together thoughtfuIIy and looking very solemnly. T think he has moral kink somewhere One side of him is very good-the other very bad indeed. Like Dr. Jekyl1 and MT. Hyde, you know. A dual personality" Here a discreet maid entered with a tray of food. She set 1t on little ta- ble close to Shirley. Then. noiselessly, she closed the door behind her leaving Shirley and Burke tete-a-tete once more
 Isn't this cozy and delightful?' Burke suggested, pouring Shirley out a glass of wine. Somehow I feel now as though you actually belong to men Ne.,. Shirley said nothing. But Burke's at titude, SO respectful, so adoring. was immensely soothing to her wounded pride
 "A heart caught at the reboundn' thought Burke, reading Shirley's mind.
 He knelt down on the rug beside her, holding both her hands.
 Shirley. say 'Yes'-and make me happyn'
 Rafora tba ar;rI oou15 angror +ha,a was sound of voices in the hall, the dining room door was opened and Mrs Arnold and her husband stood there, astonished. smiling.
 Why Shirley,p Mrs. Arnold's gim- let eyes took In the whole romantic pictureADavid on the hearthrug, right at Shirley's feet and holding both her hands in his. Apparently Shirley didn't mind. She had "given way" at last
 'Oh, I'm so glad and thankful. dearn Here Mrs. Arnold bounded forward You two-engaged at 1ast--I heartily congratulate you bothw She bent and bestowed a peckisll kiss on Shirleys forehead Welcome my sister in la w to- be.' she cried
 THE NET TIGHTENs Shirley turned helplessly from Mrs Arc Id and gazed expectantly at David Burke, as though seeking some assis- tance from that quarter.
 To her astonishment however Da- vid Burke was smiling There was a complacent smugness on his rather kindly face
 Thanks for your good wishesr' he nodded toward his sister. And I'm sure Shirley wants to thank you too,'' He rose to his feet, still holding Shir- ley's hands, I'm going to do every thing in the world to make this young woman happy"' he added, smiling.
 Shirley's amazement was so absolute that for a moment she couldn't find thing to say
 Her hesitation was her own undoing.
 Mrs. Arnold kissed the girl again.
 T always guessed you really cared for David.' she said briskly. well, after all, who wouldn't?" She turned smilingly toward her brother. The same complacent look was on her face, too You must get the ring at once"
 To shirley's chagrin and dismay David Burke replied:
 q have the ring already-its in my pocket"
 He drew out little leather case and touched a spring. The lid flew open There on a bed of white plush lay platinum circlet, set with diamonds. Shirley hated it on sight!
 But what the young girl lacked in enthusiasm. Mrs. Arnold quite made up forl That good lady bounded forward with a little squea1 of pleasure.
 Tiffany's, Oh. how exquisitel Da- vid Railways knew that you'd got per feet taste! Why. Shirley. you're the luckiest girl.'
 Again Miss Shirley tried to raise her voice in protest A stopper, must be put on this absurd and meaningless scene. Perhaps 1t was all plot, en- gineered between David and his sister to ehtangle her. Oh, well, it wasn't going to succeed.
 Mrs. Arnold, you're quite mistaken" She got no further with her little speech, for-to her astonishment-Da- .vid Burke flung an arm about her and kissed her full on the lips
 Then he turned to face his sister Though he was smiling still there was note of warning in his voice.
 Shirley naturally feels a trif1e shy Don't worry her. You sec I'd barely time to get her answer before you in terrupted us. You've. been a little pre- mature that's all'.- Here Mrs. Arnold made a coy retreat nodding gaily and reassuringly toward Miss Shirley.
 Come, Frederick.' she led her little love-birds alorss! They don't want us old fogies spelling sport, They've got to fix this matter up tonight'