The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-31

in Timbuctoo, whom all the time the money was from Jim."
 Lucille was nonplussed for. the mo- n,ent.
 T knew hat you'd be worried if you knew its real source" she said at last You might even have refused to take 1t. And Mr. Dalton was so persistent-so anxious for you to get quickly and completely better'-
 "But of course. I'll pay him back" .nterpolated Shirley, with some show of pride. "I couldn't ever be indebted to any one. not even Jim.'
 Shirley's eyes once more filled with tears.
 I'm not ungrateful. and I do ap- preciate all that Jim and you have done-zonly I wish that you'd confided in me about this money difficulty"
 Poor Lucille's thoughts were wan dering toward her lover. David Burke, whom Shirley had apparently antag- ontzed. Of course. he had been suspi- cious and had shown it.
 And Shirley hadn't acted diplomatic ally. She had added fuel to his fire.
 Do you know where David's stav- ing?" queried Lucille. timidly. He surely wouldn't go back to town with out seeing me-
 If I were you I'd have nothing more to say to him, considering the atti- tude that he adoptedl" Shirley had all the intolerance of youth and inexperi- ence. No, l don't know where he's staying-and he's such a hear that do believe he's capable of clearing off N ithout another wordw
 This wasn't reassuring. But Lucille decided to be optimistic.
 And while Shirley rested she gave orders to the clerk downstairs that if one MT David Burke should call she should be informed at once.
 An hour went by. No sign of him. Lucille arrayed herself for dinner 'n a plain black gown that suited her style of beauty to perfection And more than one admiring masculine glance followed her as she trailed through the lounge and on alone into the dining room.
 For Shirley had a headache and had gone to bed
 \ tall young man rose up to greet Lucille as she reached the little table in one corner reserved for herself and Shirley II was Jim Dalton. T thought I'd take you by surprise, he said, holding out his hand and smiling frankly. Where is Shirley?' An anticipatorv light was in his. fine dark eyes as he. glanced over Lucille's shoulder towards the door. It was evident that he was eagerly awaiting Shirley.
 I'm sorry to say she's gone to bed with a bad headache It hurt Lucille to see the light die from the young mans eyes and a look of disappointment take its place.
 Poor little grill She has my sym pathy. But oughtnt we to phone for q doctor2' He made move as though he would leave the room. Lucille laid a detaining hand upon his arm
 "No-she's sleeping now. She'll be i better by the morning. To tell the 1 truth'-here she lowered her voice, as they both sat down-"I was foolish 1 enough to drop that cheque you gave me yesterday. and Shirley found It. 1 Its upset herr Oh I'm so sorry | Why weren't we franker with herr Jim looked immensely vexed. MT. Burke found It, too" went or 1 the girl unsteadily Shirley guessed what had occurred and gave him ar i explanation. But I'm afraid he dic not like it''
 Jim looked a trifle bored Like every man in love. he couldn't see beyond i lis own affairs. Burke's feelings ane their action on Lucille couldn't interes him.