The Washington times., 1920-12-11

every day II you can. There are
many men and women. friends OF
mine, whom I should like. you TO
know who would like TO know you"
II will, and thank you" Holder
answered. Words were Inadequate
for the occasion.
CHATTER All.
On leaving Mr.. Bentley. Holder
went slowly down Dalton street,
stopped on the sidewalk, locked
around him, and read sign in
glazing, electric letters, Hotel AL
bert. On the doors,ep he saw
figures outlined. slatternly women
and men in shirt sleeves who rose
in silence TO make way for him.
staring at hin curiously. He
plunged into the hot darkness OF the
hall, CROPPED his way up the stairs
and through the passage, and hesi-
tated, He drew a deep breath. and
entered; at the sound OF his step
Mrs. Garvin suddenly started up.
"Richard!" she. cried. and then
stood staring at the rector. Have
you seen my husband. sir: He went
away soon after you left"
Don't worry" he said. "Remem-
great deal, and il is natural that
you should be overweight Your
husband feels strongly don't
blame him. And the sight OF me
this afternoon upset him. He has
gone out to walk"
Richard Is proud" she answered,
simply. HE used TO say he'd rather
die than take charity-and now he's
N nd IL II.
who's got on his brain. and changed
him.
I'VE shall find something said
the rector. striving to throw into
his voice confidence and calm He
did not dare 60 look at her, but
continued to move the fan.
The child stirred a little. Mrs.
Garvin put out her hand.
Yes, the doctor was here. lie
was very kind. Oh, sir" she OK
claimed, 81 hope you won't think
us ungrateful-and that Mr.. Bent
ley won't. DR.. Jarvis has hopes,
sir
Suddenly her tears flowed, un-
needed. and she chung TO the little
hand convulsively. al don't know
what l shall do without him. sir
| don't-and when he's sick among
strangers"
The rector rose TO the occasion.
Now, Mrs. Garvin.'' he haid
firmly, you must remember that
there il only one way to save the
boys life. II will be easy to get
you . room near the hospital where
you can see him Constantly"
IL know know. sir. But
couldn't leave his father, couldn't
leave Richard" She looked around
distractedly. where is he?"
She did not reply, but continued
to weep in silence. Suddenly above
the confused noises Of the night,
the loud notes of n piano broke,
and the woman whose voice he had
heard in the afternoon began once
more with appalling vigor~to sing.
The child moaned.
Mrs. Garvin started up hysteri-
cally.
Il can't stand it can't stand
her singing that now" she sobb I'd.
I'll speak to her" he said.
1t was not until the rector had
arrived at the vestibule of the
apartment house next door that
something of the difficulty and
delicacy OF the errand he had I'M
dertaken came home to him.
MAKES A REQUEST.
He climbed the staircase. and
stood in the doorway of what might
be called a sitting room, his eyes
fixed on a swaying back before IN
upright plano against the wall; his
heart seemed to throb with the
boisterous beat Of the music. The
xIyT hnt IN, nd
heavy plaits falling below hcr
waist, suddenly fascinated him. 1t
was of the rarest OF russell reds.
My God, how you scared me"
she exclaimed. Evidently a second
glance brought to her a realization
of his clerical costume. Say, now
did you get in here?"
Il beg your pardon" he said
again, but there IL a very sick
child in the house next door and
came to ask you If you would mind
not playing any more tonight"
Quit. stringin' me-" she said.
For a moment he was at a loss.
He gathered that she did not be-
lieve him, and crossed to the open
window.
IF you will come here" he said,
II will show you the room where
he lies. We hope to be able to take
him to the hospital tomorrow" lie
paused a moment and added, HE
enjoyed your music very much
when he was better
The comment proved a touch
stone.
Say" she remarked. with a smile
that revealed "a set OF surprisingly
good teeth, 81 can make the box
talk when | get a-goin'. There's no
stopping me this side of grand
opcra-that's no fable. I'm not so
bad for an cnginoo. am II"
Thus directly appealed TO, in COM
mon courtesy he assentcd.
She reached out hand and closed
the piano softly.
IL guess L can hold off for to-
night" she said. Sometimes things
get kind OF dull--you know, when
there's nothing doing. and this
keeps me lively. How old is the
kid?"
About nine" he estimated
10 he Continued Monday.