The Mena weekly star., 1920-10-21

WaiieQ. fle s cO uIHdppt. cpiuS- things happened; they're going to sell Cardgans redwoods; and they don't want to. Just before I left the office. Mir. Bryce came in--and stood moment looking-at me-so tragi- cally I--l asked him what had hap pened. Then he patted my cheelN-oh, 1 know I'm just one of his responsi- bilities- and said. Poor Moira Never any luck ? and went into his-private office. I waited little. and then went in. too; and--oh. Miss Sumner, he had his head down on his desk. and when I touched his head. he reached up and took my hand and held it. and laid his cheek against if little while-and oh, his cheek was wet. It's cruel or God--t0 make him-un- happy. He's good-too good And oh, love him so. Miss Shirley, love him so-and he'll never, never know. I'm just one of his--responsibilitie you know: and shouldn't presume But nobody-has ever been kind to me but Mir Bryce-and you. And can't help loving people who are kine --and gentle to melodies"
 Moira's story-her confession O. love, so tragic because so hopeless stirred Shirley deeply. She seated herself in front of Moira and cuppef her chin in her palm.
 "Of course, dear" she said, ''you couldn't possibly see anybody yor loved suffer so and not feel dreadfulls about 1t. And when man like Bryce Cardigan is struck down, he's apt te present rather tragic and helpless figure. He wanted sympathy. Moira woman's sympathy. and 1t was dea of you to give it to him.
 "rd gladly die for him." Moira an swered simply. "Oh. Miss Shirley YOU don't know him the way we whc work for him do. If you did, you'd love him. tco You couldn't help 1t Miss Shirley"
 Tell me about his trouble. Moira.'
 "I think it's money. He's been ter. rihlv worried for long time. and I'm afraid things aren't going right with the business. It hurts them terribly to have to sell the Valley Of the Giants, but they have to; Colonel Pen. nington is the only one who woulc consider buying 1t; they don't wani him to have it-and still they have to sell to him. Mir. Bryce says his father has lost his courage at last and oh. dear things are in such . mess. Mfr. Bryce started to tell me all about it--and then he stopped sud denly and wouldn't say another word
 Shirley smiled. She thought shs understood the reason for that. How ever. she did not pause tn speculate on 1t, since the crying need Of the present was the distribution of ray of sunshine to broken-hearted Moira
 "silly." she chided, 'how needlessI, you are grIevingi You say my uncls has declined to buy the Valley of the Giants?''
 Moira nodded.
 My uncle doesn't know what he's talking about. Moira. I'll see that he does buy it. What price are the Cardi- gans asking for it now?''
 Well. Colonel Pennington has of fered them q hundred thousand dol lars for it time and again, but last night he withdrew that offer. Then they named a price of fifty thousand. and he said he didn't want It at all"
 He needs it. and it's worth every cent of hundred thousapd to him. Moira. Don't worry. dear. He'll buy it, because I'll make him. and he'll buy 1t Immediately; only you must promise me not to mention a single word of what I'm telling you to Bryce Cardigan. or in fact. to anybody. Do you promiseY'
 MoIra seized Shirleys hand and kissed 1t impulsively. "vefy we'll. then" Shirley continued That mat ter is adjusted, and now welT all be happy Cheer up. dear. and remem- Der that some time this afternoon you're going to see Mir. Bryce smile again, and perhaps there won't be so much of a cloud over his smile this time."
 When Moirn returned to the office of the Cardigan Redwood Lumber company. Shirley rang for her maid. Bring me my motorcoat and hat, Thelma." sl,e ordered, "and telephone for the limousine" She seated her self before the mirror at her dressing table and dusted her adorable nose with a powder-puff Mir. Smarty Cardigan" she murmured happily, ''you walked rough-shod over my pride, didn't you? Placed me under an obligation I could never hope to meet -and then ignored me-didn't you ? Very we'll. old boy. We all have our innings sooner or later. you know, and I'm going to make substantial pay ment on that huge obligation as sure as my name is Shirley Sumner. Then, some day when the sun is shining for you again, you'll come to me and be very, very humble. You're entirely too Independent Mir. Cardigan, bur, oh, my dear. Go hope you will not need go mnct mciiey. I'll be pns to my wits end to get 1t io you without letting you know. because if your af- fairs go to smash. you'll be perfectly, intolerable."
 (To be coutinued.)
 
 MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN
 TIf0En nE rLE Tan 4@A IL.