The Washington times., 1920-01-20
Copyright, 1920. King Features Syn
dicate, Incl

(CopyrISht, 192O, Ming reatuieS o'
dicate, Incl
SETV TEST wasn't in the Office
wv .,.,s today: Hes out s.,t of o,nn, town
osition. So / couldn't speak TO MIN
about that stock transaction you
accuse him Of" said Jim, crum-
Ming the paper he had been read
ing and fiinging it down beside the
couch where he was stretched OUT.
II think I'll telephone Phoebe ana
see IL she'll jump in taxi ana spin
over here to give me the straisnt
of that story"
wait, JIM" I said, rising ana
STOPPING automatically TO PICK up
tho paper. why do you want to
ask phoebe about it?' I continued.
STRENGTHENING up, we'll pleased that
had an excuse for my crimson
face.
"Why do I want to ask Phoebe?'
repeated Jim, starting up impa-
tiently; "to get the straight OF IT,
of course"
Don't you think I've given you
the straight of it?" / asked BREATH
lessly.
Land-no!" chuckled Jim. Il
don't think you've got VESTS num-
Der at all. And I want this story
from a witness who isn't so bloom
ing prejudiced."
Jim" 1 cried. You doubt my
word, You doubt my word! NOW,
listen! I gave you that story just
as Phoebe told 1t to me. But l had
to plead for permission to tell. She
doesn't want'to go over 1t and agon-
ize about it again with you. But
NJ II go 10
her-to ask her II told you tho
truth, I'll-I'll never forgive you
as long as we both live. / couldn't
bear that. Oh! The humiliation OF
having you think 1 could lie"
Jim Hates . Scene.
"Anne. don't make a scene, for
mercy's sake" began Jim impa-
tiently. Then he limped across the
room to where I stood with back
turned, and caught me by my trem-
bling shoulders and turned me to
face him. He put one strong hand
under my chin. and raised 1t so that
my burning eyes looked straight
into his. 1 felt the tears start but
1 forced them back while / waited
a breathless moment for MIN TO
take me in his arms and soothe
away all the doubts and differences
there.
He didn't, though. Instead he used
words, and they pushed US apart
again. r
Don't whimper," he said Il
won't call Phoebe But you've got
to let me get Vests side OF 1t when
he comes back right"
That's exactly what I think you
l~N LIT n n
Jim with great satisfaction. II
not very successfully when you
look at him so keenly."
mo, I guess he won't, said Jim,
dropping his hands from my shoul-
ders and dawdling back to his place
on the couch with an air OF indif-
ference that was like a dash OF Ice
water in my face.
The days of our romance seemed
dead. hadn't II in my power any
longer to kindle Jim's spirit nor yet
to stimulate his mind. AS he settlei
himself among the pillows / rose
and went over to his side, running
my fingers through his hair.
That's comfy. Good old Anne
stroke the animal and he'll get In a
nice temper" said Jim contentedly.
wasn't content, and longed 20
tell him SO, to ask him what magic
Valerie Cosby had to darken his
eyes to deep pools when he looked
at her. They had twinkled for
Envy. and softened to tenderness
for Betty, but since my own en-
gagement days I had never seen him
look at a woman as now he an
swered Val Cosby's amber
eyes. II only he'd reach UP with
strong wrists and pull me down to
his side! II only he'd put his arms
about me and hold my lips TO his!
All About Neal.
But Jim lay passive, contented,
with his eyes shut and his dark
lashes shadowing his cheeks. And
stood stroking his hair, aching
because he wanted nothing more
OF me, and trying to dismiss the
fear that he might be thinking OF
Valerie Cosby even while my hand