The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-15


 and the eieverest artist in the quar-
 ter. It's only just lately that he's had any time at all for he. He-he's dff- ferent from anyone ever knewr- here far-off look came into her dark eyes-'not woman's man at all-un4
 less I'm very much mistaken-onlv just recently he seems to have changed
 --acts as though he were unhappy bout something." She drew a long
 deep breath He sometimes comes to
 see me, and gets me to play for him She crossed the floor and sat down at an old piano in the corner Ies restless fingers broke into Rachman- ihoffs Prelude" The light in her dark eyes deepened and glowed And 1t seemed to Shirley as though the music of the old piano symbolized the tragedy of human l6e. rising from
 faint nothingness to a~wild insiktent clamor. When the last sounds died away in trembling chords. she rose snd put hand on Virian's slim shoulder.
 You play-mag agnificently! I don't wonder that this Mir. Dalton wants to come and see you. Vivian. Your mu- sie must make him completely out of himselfmfa
 "oh, do ydu really think so?'' A tentative delight and eagerness shoue on Vivians face. confessing more than anything she had said in words "JYm Dalton's such dear-Pm glad if | can be of any help to him
 Shirley hadn't the heart to disiIlu- sion her. She couldn't even bring her self to admit that she knew him. For Vivian would ask unanswerable ques- tions.
 Whats the matter. Shirley. dear?s Vivian stool and caught her friends two Eands in her own warm. impulsive grasp. You've such a queer look on your face. sometimes. as though your thoughts were miles and miles away! And you don't laugh half as much as you used to in the oId days"--
 Shirley colored.
 eVasively, but it doesn't do to dwell on them"
 She certainly wasn't going to let Vivian know of the unfortunate affair with Dalton. Shirley had too much pride. Besides. Vivians own heart might be involved. .. Shirley was 'oo fond of Vivian to hurt her. :. shiriey l wish you'd come and HVe with mel Nivian's fresh young voice cut into her train of meditation
 Y wish you'd take up some career. instead of burying all your talents in 1 q napkin-or the country. to be more l specified"
 She wheeled around on her friend.
 You're infinitely more suited to A | Bohemian life than to the cows and chickens and the lo,ai curate, And | lhink what opportunities you'd have in | London dear. Think of the charming l Feople that you'd meet Why. your | 'vhole point of view would change | would broaden. Shirley. with your good | lcoks, why don't you ero on the stage?'
 Shirley smiled quietly at her mer- l surial little friend
 Because I'd rather hate it." she said | frankly. Then she added:
 And I'd never make a hitr
 Her thoughts went winging to I.u- | ,ille ~Defange. and the futility of her ! sage career" Lucille certainly had | 10 illusions as to that particular mode | If earning ones living.
 Its a thrilling sort of ufe," said | vivian. reluctant to relinquish her dea. But. of coursei it's hard, I'll grant you that. Well. anyhow, there ire lots of other things that you could lotv
 Vivian. I'd love to come to town ind stay with you" said Shirley, earn- 'stly, but grandmainma is so old l ust can't leave her.
 And W hat about this engagement hat l hear of?" Vivian looked quizzi. ally at her friend. If this fiance or ours is anything like his sisters--the ady that me met today--in FuIlers-- hen he must be a super r-dreadnaught -and 1t would be better for you Just