The Cordova daily times., 1920-01-23
HOUSE HUNTING
By. ELIZABETH DE BOER.

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 "Nhy, hello Jc!" Gilbert Gleason ex' tended warm hand to Josephine W1l- by. It was indeed a treat to meet her on the boulevard. He had seen her for a few moments only during her last visit to Chicago and that was three months ago.
 "Bert!" Unconcealed surprise and pleasure glowed in Josephine's dark eyes as she placed a slender hand in his. There was pause, then she con- tinued:
 When did you arrive?"
 Late last night-too late to call you up, but was going to do so this morn ing. This is wonderful surprise, Jo- finding you up here. don't want to be curious,'' he had forgotten that he was still holding her hand, and when she made a slight move he dropped it awk- wardly, and went on. "I don't want to be curious, but really, what are you doing up here?" ~
 "Why-I'm house-hunting.
 "House-hunting s that so! Funny, but am too.' They both laughed, but it was forced laughter, and when their eyes met, the girls wavered and heavy lashes- dusted pink flush that crept up her cheek. Then suddenly they lift ed and Josephine spoke:
 Cant 1 take you downtown-or wherever you're going?" she added, doubtfully.
 That's mighty nice of you, Jo, but told my chauffeur to be back in about ten minutes, so I guess I'd better wait" .
 Well, anyway, Bert you must come to see me before you leave, that is, if you're here long enough to spare me an evening""
 I'm staying indefinitely and will certainly see you again soon."
 She said good-by with forced smile, started the car and drove down the boulevard. The smile disappeared and a frown not forced, slipped into Its place. She lifted a tan hand and found tear on her cheek. Then her dark eyes flashed and she said aloud:
 Josephine Wilby aren't you ashamed of yourself? Why shouldn't he be house-hunting? Hasn't he a right to get married without you getting, getting-oh, I wish I'd never promised sister to help find house." and she burst into tears.
 Gilbert Gleason watched the car out of sight.
 House hunting! That's just my luck! No sooner fall in love with a girl than someone else gets her-aTl my plans, wonderful plans, for noth- ing!'
 He thrust his hands into his pock- cts and as the car stopped before him, ordered
 Back tc the Biltmore, Ted---' then relaxed and meditated
 T wonder who the chap is-lucky man What fool am Had no busi- ness getting house before. wife anyway. love! How I've wanted her ever since that day in Chicago wanted her to work for, to love; and l now! I'll be man. I'll see her again l and we'll be friends" He fingered l over the word friends"
 Jo sighed softly as she replaced the l telephone on the table and returned to ] the drawing room, where she seated 1 herself at the piano and played dream | fly, dstantly. She was as beautiful as ! the melody she played. A wealth of l auburn hair crowned her oval face At 1 the belt of her white georgette gown 1 was cluster of fOrget-me-nots-one ! had fallen on the bench. Suddenly l the music blurred before her and lean ing forward on the piano she mur fT can't love him-I mustn't 1 but I do, do." The doorbeTf rang and Mir. Gleason was announced. 1 I'm so glad you came, Bert" There was quiver in her voice as she [ welcomed him. ''T was wandering how l should pass the long evening It's | -oo rainy to motor and there is no X party on for tonight" She laughed ! and waved him to a chair. He's probably in France" Bert ] bought. Sometimes one does get tired of 1 ,hese everlasting dances, you. knew," she added softly. Bert studied her fa Alenee, admired | he soft hair, noticed the artistic hands, beautiful, unatded by jewels.
 "Dyou know, Jo," he said impuGsive- ", you're beautiful"
 "Why, Bert" she laughed. ''I was | just thinking what a, handsome man yOu are" Handsome is as handsome does," ne quoted. You remember that" You're fishing, you naughty boy, ! and I absolutely refuse to make you l conceited."
 "There is only one way you could make me conceited, Jo-' He bent 1 nearer and she almost whispered,