The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1920-01-22
HOUSE HUNTING
BY ELlzABETh oE BoEa.

tended a warm hand to Josephine Will
by. 1t was indeed 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" Uncodcealed surprise and
pleasure glowed In Josephine's dark
eyes as she placed 4 slender hand In
his. There was pause, then she con-
tinued:
"When did you arrive?
| Late last nieht-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 1t awk-
wardly, and went on. II don't want to
be curious, but really, what are you
doing up here7"
"Why-I'm house-hunting."
"House-hunting g 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 busted a pink flush that crept
up her cheek. Then suddenly they lift
ed and Josephine spoke:
Cant I take you downtown-or
wherever you're goiug?" she added,
doubtfully.
That's mighty nice Of you, 10, but l
told my chauffeur to be back In about
bten minutes, so I guess I'd better
wait"
"Well, anyway, Bert, you must come
to see me before you leave, that Is, II
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 a forced smile,
started the car and drove down the
boulevard. The smile disappeared and
frown not forced, slipped into its
place. She lifted 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
,nI .ba hnrcf iptn taorS
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-all
my plans, wonderful plans, for moth
ing"
He thrust his hands into his pock-
cts and as the car stopped before him,
ordered:
Back to the Biltmore, Ted" then
relaxed and meditated.
II wonder who the chap is-lucky
man! What fool am. Had no busi-
ness getting q house before wife
anyway. Jove! How I've wanted her
ever since that day in Chicago
wanted her to work for, to love; and
now! I'll be a man. I'll see her again
and we'll be friends" He fingered
over the word friends"
10 sighed softly as she replaced the
telephone on the table and returned to
the drawing room, where she seated
herself at the piano and played dream
lily, dstantly. She was A. beautiful as
the melody she played. A wealth OF
auburn hair crowned her oval face. At
the belt of her white georgette gown
was q cluster Of forset-me-nots-one
had fallen on the bench. Suddenly
the music blurred before her and lean
Ing forward on the piano she mur.
but 1 do, DO"
The doorben rang and Mr.. Gleason
was announced.
I'm 50 glad you came. Bert"
There was q duiver In her voice as she
welcomed him. II was wondering how
I should pass the long evening. It's
too rainy to motor and there is no
party on for tsaight." She laughed
and waved him to chair.
Hes probably In France Bert
thought.
sometimes one does get tired Of
these everlasting dances, you know" !"
she added softly.
Bert studied her In Silence, admired
the soft hair, noticed the artistic
hands, beautiful, unalded by jewels.
"D'you know, Jo." he said impulsive-
ly, you're beautiful"
"Why, Bert" she laughed. II was
lust thinking what a handsome man
ysu are"
Handsome Is as handsome does"
he quoted. "You remember that"
you're fishing, you naughty boy,
and 1 absolutely refuse to make You
conceited."
There Is only one way you could