Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-10-22

EVENING PUBLIC LEDGER.
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had first loved in him. Perhaps he could |
have chosen no surer or swifter way to |
her forgiveness than this.
In q moment her arms were round his |
neck. She tried to drag his head down |
to her shoulder Her sweet face was |
all concern and motherly tenderness as |
she kissed him and kissed him. |
Don't, Jimmy-dont! oh, do love |
you'll do love your
She began to cry, too, and they kissed |
and clung together like children who
have quarreled and are sorry.
Jimmy drew her into his arms, and
they sat clasping one another in the big
armchair. 1t was bit of a squeeze,
but neither Of them minded. His arms
we're round her now, her head on his
shoulder. He kissed her every minute.
He said that he had all the bygone years
Of both their lives to make UP for. He
asked her a hundred times if she really
loved him: II she had forgiven him
and II she loved him as much as she had
done month ago--two months ago: IL
were children and II she would love him
all his life and hers.
"All my life and yours" she told him
with trembling lips.
He had kissed the color back to her
cheeks by this time. She looked more
night In the stalls at tho theatre. He
kissed her eyes because he said they
were so beautiful kissed her hair.
Presently she drew little away from
him.
"But I want to talk to you," she said.
She would not look at him. She sat
nervously twisting his watch chain.
Yes" said Jimmy. He lifted her
hand and held itagainst his lips all the
time she spoke.
IT'S about-about Mr.. Kettering." sne
said in q whisper.
Jimmy swore-a sign that he was feel
ing much better.
II don't want to hear his confounded
name"
"oh, but you must-Jimmy. IL
He's been making love to you--"
No answer Jimmy took her face In
his hands, searching its flushed sweet
ness with jealous eyes.
Has he?" he demanded savagely. ,,u,
my, don't look like that. He only
came up this morning because-because
Gladys Is ILL., He thought / ought 10
know-and-and-I thought would go
down and see her But in the train--
shs sYes ,a,'e.eo ." said Jimmy from be.
tween his teeth.
Christine raised her brown eyes,
HE saidA-he said--' Suddenly she
fell forward. hiding her face against his
coat "oh, 1t doesn't matter. dear 1t
because 1t was then that knew 1t was
only you wanted--only you ! loved.
knew that I couldn't bear any other
man to say that he loved me-that 1t
"oh, my sweet p. said Jimmy huskily.
He turned her face and kissed her lips.
II don't deserve It but-oh. Christine.
do believe that there's never been any
one like you in my life: that I've never
cared for any one as 1 do for you--all
"I've never. never loved any one but
you, Jimmy" she said earnestly. I've
never, really loved any one but you"
And Jimmy said Thank a;,,tn God" .s,o,..,
thankfulness and love. He told her all
that he had suffered since he went to
| the hotel and found she had gone. He
said that she had punished him even
"And that wire-There was wire
to say that you were not coming back,
he said with sudden bitter memory. She
Il sent it from oxford. We had to
Gladys. Poor GLADYS" she added with
little soft laugh of happiness. "
said quickly.
| fully.
Jimmy drew her again into his arms.
He held her soft cheek to his own.
1--WE never really wanted anything or
any one badly in all my life until now"
he said. Now you're here, in my arms
and I've got the whole world"
They sat silent for a little.
"Happy?" asked Jimmy in a whisper.
Christine nodded.
"Quite--.quite happy" she told him.
UTin,poy vo,, uop't-voI, WON'T ha bor
rid TOTO Mr.. Kettering. will you? He
was kind to me--he was very kind to
me when--when was so unhappy"
"Hrss "WeDe sai,S,Iv yEp very unhappy my sweetT'
"I'm sorry, darling-so sorry. ! can't
tell you.'
Christine kissed him.
you won't ever be unkind again.
Jimmy?"
She looked into his eyes. Yes"
"And do you love me?'
Christine made a little grimace.
I'm tired of answering that ques-
| ton"
II shall never be tired of asking it,
he said "And about Kettering? we
sha'n't ever need to see him again, shall
we? So there'll be no chance for me to
tell tell hin him that that should like to punch his
Christine laughed happily. then she
grew serious all at once.
Jimmy, do you know that somehow
think he will marry Gladys"
What" said Jimmy In amazement.
She nodded seriously.
II believe Gladys likes him. don't
know, but I do believe she does. And
she'd make him a splendid wife"
Jimmy screwed up his nose.
Don't let's talk about her." he said.
I'D much rather talk about my own
Wife--"
Christine flushed.
do you think I shall make a---nice
wife. Jinmy?" she asked In a whisper.
Jimmy caught her to his heart.
do IT Darling-I can't-somehow
I can't answer that question. I'm not
half good enough for you. I don't de-
She laid her hand on his lips
you're not to say rude things about
my husband" she told him with pre-
tended severity.
He kissed the hand that covered his
mouth.
stifed exclamation; he dragged his
watch from his pocket.
by Jove |" he said.
whats the matter?" she asked anx-
iously.
He explained. II had a wire from the
old chap. We were to meet him at
ly eight now"
Christine climbed down from his knee
with sudden show Of dignity.
I'VE must go at once-of course we
must" She came back for a moment to
his arms "Oh; Jimmy, aren't you glad
we haven't got to pretend now the Great
Horatio Is homer
IT can never tell you how glad" said
Jimmy humbly.