The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-10-01
When A Girl Mnrries
(Contin11ad \
By Ann IAsie. tCnpyrfght f114 by King Features syndi- cAnR. Incl

(Continued.)
 But Jim lifted his hand and laid 1t across mine. For a moment we shared life to the uttermost. His our-ours to meet together-noi merely his. Then Jim spoke but not ito me:
 Phoebe I came across topaz chain of mothers the other day. I'd like you to have it. I'll get it fo, you now"
 As he 1imped into the bedroom ] blessed that bit of jewelry of which I hadn't even heard before-blesseo it because it gave my boy what he so needed-the chance to be alone.
 Mothers chain! I'll love it, Jim mie-how good you and Anne are to let me have it."
 And while I was thinking what 8 dear child she was to credit me witf having a part in the gift, the tele- phone rang.
 "HeIlo-is this MT. James Harri, sons apartment came the query.
 Evvy's voice! Of course she mus know mine too. But of that she gave no sign. asking merely to speak te MT. Hyland. Oh, how I longed to say: He's not in.'' But I couldn, bring myself to lie, and saying in stead that I would call Neal. A the little scene that greeted me my hand fairly flew to cover the trans,
 
 Neal was sitting on the couch, hi: head hunched down between his shoulders He looked old and spent and not boy of twenty two. Phoe. be's glance swung back from tht door through which Jim had gone and turned to Neal.
 She flashed across the room to hi: side, put her hands timidly on hi! hanging arms, and cried wondering ly:
 "Nea1 NeaI-uba+,s +bo+ r,,++or. Are you blue dear ?''
 Such tiny, timid- whispered half reluctant word-that "dear'- but pressed my hand tighter against the telephone transmitter till the harl rubber circle bruised and hurt couldn't faSten my eyes on the tele phone, though confess that. I hae to watch Neal.
 Then Neal leaped to his feet. as i, Phoebe's touch-her words some, now. had power to renew him. HC caught both her hands in is an6 drew them against him. They stoot there like two children-almos frightened at what they have done own heart throb at the passion in hi: voice:
 "Oh, little Phoebe-you, you wonder! You stand by a fellow know you would!' O
 Then his eyes lifted and met mine The softness went out of them and 2 challenging defiance took it's place.
 l wondered how much this really meant to Neal. I could see thai Phoebe was vibrating in response te his every tone. Perhaps her sin cerity-at once tinid and fearless would call out something more ir Neal than a boys attraction to the want Evvy to have a chance at nl1 brother-a chance at Phoebe's han. piness; but she was waiting at the other end of the telephone wire-ant my lips before I could say: Neal"
 Neal started, his eyes hardened 2 bit more, and his hands closed tighter for second about Phoebe's ceiver on the top of the telephone box. Then I crossed to the windows Phoebe might have a minute tc readjust herself.
 phone as calmly and as evenly as if had only dreamed that he hat been holding a trembling girl close to him a moment before.
 4s-Yes; this MT. Hyland. Oh Yes it's Neal. Yes-Yes, account or Goodbye" All iisn'' VIII
 The long gaps between his no-com initial words were piquing. I won. dered what Evvy had been asking or him His acceptance made mt doubt again his sincerity to Phoebe But just as Neal was putting up the receiver and before a word could bc said, Jim came back with the strins or gold brown topaz set in leaves o. wrought silver.
 "Oh. Jim" cried Phobe in joy tha was almost breathless That loveI, necklace for me! And it was moth: erS; Will you put it on me, dear ?'' and as Jim held the wonderful oic chain against it, Neal caught m, hand in grip that hurt PhoebI snuggled up to Jim, and I think Z tear or two dampened his coat befor, to make a dash for the mirror which Jim stopped by holding he close.
 Not so fast, kiddie," he cried. de lighted at the success of his gift The clasp doesn't fasten-it must h, f1Xed-so I've been holding you Jewels around your lily-white throat Now I'll put the necklace back in it case and transport it and you home You're too excited to be trusted on without a guardian"
 NeaIs eyes sought mine-and the, caught themselves away He star-te, toward Jim as if he were goinr 4 say something, but Jim turned t .4iii SouuuSHly,A ana Neal, biting hi IDS, almost Slunk across the room and putting the table between hin and the door, stood balancing on hi heels uneasily-but with an effort f seem entirely at ease
 fhoeoe stood a moment in troub led s1lence-then she came to m Tor her good-night kiss
 AS her lips trembled against mine l felt that they asked a question. could guess what the question was put didn't know the answer. | CHAPTER LVIII. IT you don't mind. Babbs I'll t1,n, | ble right into bed I hate to comics II, but city hours are kind of gettin your old fox Neal and making hiT | think he isn't so foxy after ali" sai my brother ruefully the very secon 1 the door closed after Jim and Phoebe
 But l do mind. I want to talk t you first, Neal. I don't understa n you at all. Why didn't you offer t take Phoebe home? Couldn't you SC