Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-11-03
The Implication

CHARLOTTE had mistaken her mother
~ in-law's attitude toward Nick and
had breathed u sigh of relief. The Sra-
ciousress and ease with which Mrs. Har..
rinian had accepted his apologies and
had even smiled or the afternoons en-
joyment as bit Of innocent fun, which
in truth was all II was. had entireiy
quIeted Charlotte's fears She did nos
know until Nick Fowler hau leit tn't M J,
was she herself who was to bear the
brunt OF the entire affair. But when shH
was finally alone with Tony and his
mother, and looking up met tho concen-
trated fury Of Mrs. Harriinan's eyes, shc
understood.
TONY spoke first. "If hadn't warned
you 1t wouldn't be so bad, but to de-
liberately disobey my wishes on the sub
iect Is unforgirablo.'
Charlotte shrank from the first angry
words nc had given her. and he mistooi
her shrinking for guilt.
But why" she begun, "why are yo',
so angry with me? You were very nice
10 Mr.. Fowler: thought YOU understood
that there was no wrong in IT,"
"Do you think we could make scene zen,
that he could tell It all over town."
"But. Tony there was nothing to tell.
| was lonely and no was very kind to me.
Besides. he's so old: why. he must be at
least forty"
Charlotte said this with such entire
humor could have mistaken her youth
and ignorance. But Mrs Hartman was
too angry and too prejudtccd against the
girl to be kind
"Of course she would say that, Tony
Of course she wants US to believe that
Nick Fowler is old and decrepit She
spent the afternoon with him, because he
treated her as her father might have.
Nick Fowler, the most noted profiigatc
In town, who makes a joke Of women.
That IL funny isn't it?'
"Oh. but surely you don't think--'
"That will do I; there is no need Of
your protesting. Charlotte. We know
Nick Fowler and his destinations. and
for you to talk that way IS absurd. You
ming what you could expect. and now
roi have your first bitter dose to swal-
low" -.
Charlotte protested. IT admit that after
what Tony said shouldn't have gone
nothing wrong about It. and no was
merely kind to mo. These awful things
that you are saying, they're not true"
her eyes were full of horror. II love
Tony, and no one else I couldn't be like
that. couldn't! How can you say such
things? Tony. you believe me, don't
vou?' And she turned her blue eyes
swimming with tears pleadingly upon
him.
Tony loved her. In his heart of hearts
he knew that there was no guile in
Charlottes nature. that she could not
have a wrong thought. and that she was
entirely innocent of wrong; but his
mother was there accusing her, and he
was tco young 10 take Charlotte's blame
upon his own shoulders
Il don't know what to believe" he
muttered.
Charlotte drew back rs though she
had been struck That Mrs Hartman
could think these things OF her was bad
enough. but that Tony could lovo hor
and think that shc would look at any
other man was unbelievable She thought
Of Nick Fowler's kindness his courtesy,
tho smile In his eyes. his consideration
of her She saw now why he had insisted
upon coming In. II was for her sake, and
the thought that he cared more for what
might happen to her than Tony did was
heal tbreaking.
This thing has happened, and IL
comes from allowing Charlotte to go out
alone. Hereafter she will have 70 be
watched. In the future. you will not
leave the house unless some one is with
YOU" Mrs. Harriman's tones were cold
and even. "As lons as you live In this
house you will do as I say as far ay
keeping. up the dignity OF 1t is con.
cerned."
(Tomorrow-A BIRD in a CnKe)