South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-08-01

ousy. Woman-like, l made mental
reservations in my contemplated
revelation. for / feared the effect of
his hearing the whole unpleasant
tale. But ! was sure that in the in
terval which must elapse before
Dicky and l could be alone for any
extended confidential talk / could
map out a story which would satisfy
his wounded vanity at my reticence
and vet leave untold the unpleasant
details il was advisable he should
not know.
l stirred in his arms. the clasp
of which fairly hurt me, so rough
and compelling was il. and put my
lips against his ear.
"Dicky dear" / whispered softly,
don't think you are the only one
who is going TO be generous. II will
tell you about that morning just as
soon as we get a chance TO be alone"
He held me off, looked at me
smiling
80 there was something. after
ALL" he said quizzically. Then voice
and face sobered suddenly:
Please remember 1 am not ask
ing your confidence" he said quietly.
II know" l said. remorsefully,
for there was that in his voice which
told me how sorely J had hur+ him.
But 1 want 10 give II to you.
He kissed me again, not roughly
this time, but with Infinite tender
ness. then released me and picked
I'd Junior, who crowed delightedly at
being taken into his fathers strong
arms.
Il believe the little beggar ac-
tually knows me-" he beamed, rails
ing the baby high above his head
"Of course, he knows YOU" / re-
returned, indignation in my voice az
this implied doubt OF our year-old
babys mental superiority.
Dicky laughed his old, lazy teas
ing laugh. which told me that what
ever tension had been in our inter-
view was gone. 1 settled my hat Sc
dately. tucked into place some stray
strands OF hair.
"A bit rumpled. aren't you" Dicky
said slyly. Never mind, LII won't
care"
The mention OF one OF my guests
made me think a bit apprehensiveiy
of the others.
Did you say the Fairfax girls
were here?" l asked.
Did 1 fancy 1t. or did Dicky color
a bit beneath his TAM
Leila is" he said. Game
down with Lillian, Marion and me-"
OH Why didn't Edith come
too?" / tried 10 make my voice ex-
press genuine regret and failed mis-
erably. 1 gained the knowledge in
the comprehending look Dicky gave
me.
she had another engagement
something she couldn't break" he
said evasively. "She sent her love
and I believe there Is a little parcel
for Junior from her in Leila's keep
ing"
How dear OF her." I exclaimed,
and this time my tone was genuine,
for | had a sudden fash Of cOmpre-
hending sympathy for the lonely
girl who had stayed away from the
birthday festivities of our baby.
For / knew that the reason she
had not come 10 us was because she
could not bear 10 see the domestic
happiness of the man she loved so
hopelessly. and because Of my own
joy l felt a sincere compassion Tor
the woman thus shut away from
happiness.
Dicky gave me a quick almost
furtive look then with Junior still
in his arms. bent his head 20 mine.
You're a darling. Madge." nc
said. with seeming irrelevance.
Now run along 20 your guests. I'm
going TO get acquainted with my
SON
And OF course woman-ike. as
walked slowly toward the house and
Lillian. I could not help torturing
myself with the query:
Why should Dicky be so especial
" appreciative OF any kindly ex-
preston Of feeling upon my part to-
ward Edith Fairfax ."