Ellsworth American., 1920-01-14

to realize that out Of whole world
of men she had found only one, and
that she was furnishing an apartment
for that ones wife. The thought sent
the blood from her cheeks and David,
watching her, felt his own heart beat
ing unsteadily.
He, however, mastered any emotion
that made the earth tremble under his
feet, and said quickly: III you don't
mind, and II 1t wouldn't interfere with
your ideas-could we net have those
/ four prints you so admired In my
Office framed and hung In the dining
! roomG"
II wanted to buy them myself"
! she said softly, "but l didn't feel I
should-be so extraHagant. They would
be just the finishing touch to these
walls"
Dayld's business was the handling
of old English prints. and 1t pleased
him not little to know that he could
with complete artistic taste use some
in his own home.
I'm hoping when the apartment Is
finished, and l am no longer your
client, that you will come In occasion
ally and look over my collection. am
just next door"
"When your wife Is back" said
Monica in a curionsly hard voice, you
will not be knowing who is next door
to you-or caring"
This was the only dangerous bit of
ground she had stepped on during
their acquaintance, and she realized
II the moment the words left her lips.
She laughed quickly, giving him no
time to reply, then went over and let
her fingers run idly over the keys OF
the splendid toned grand piano they
had bought together and installed in
the big studio. II was dusk now and
David switched on the light. one of
charm wandering softly through the
room. Monica continued to play In
order to still the humping Of her
heart. She wanted to gain calm be-
fore again essaying speech.
David came and stood behind her,
looking down at her golden head.
Now sit in that comfy Chesterfield"
he commanded gently, as If for many
days he had been picturing her there
and was now actually seeing her.
The color famed swiftly into Monl.
cas- cheeks-cheeks that had grown
too pale under the strain of Dayid's
companionship. She arose. however
knowing that obeylng his whims was
the better part to play.
Now" he said softly. and with
great amount OF controlled emotion
beneath his tones. IF you just had
some sewing"
"David-don't." she cried swiftly.
81 WILL" he said. and held her close
within his arms. Il have loved you
for ages loved your voice over the
telephone when could hear you talk
ing with upholsterers, rug men. furni-
ture men, and too many times with
other men with whom you made lunch
engagements. All this | could easily
hear when our windows were open"
David was speaking swiftly now, for
Monica's hair was brushing his face
and her lips were trembling. and he
had to hold her fiercely In order to
still the quivering of her body; "and
once l saw you entering your office.
1t was that day I decided TO have a
wtfe-I want you, dear. as soon as you
can make up your mind to come"
Monica looked slowly about the won
derful studio-just the kind Of home
she had dreamed of-then back 10 the
love In David's eyes just the kind of
eyes she had dreamed of.
"September's only three days off,"
she said, "and have three estimates
to get out before"
Then win my wife come home to
me?"
"She couldn't help coming even II
she wanted ta-David."