The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-23
THE cLAn HANn

the heart of a woman could desire
 "why. Shirley Marsh Of all the lovely things that could have hap penedr' The taxi had drawn up at Vivian's door at the precise moment that that young damsel was about to leave it. She darted forward. kiss ing Shirley with enthusiasm. Come right in. I was only going out to buy some things for supper. How Ions can you stay2'
 Shirley paid the driver, Then she turned to Vivian.
 I've left my--mv friends In Port man Squarer Then there was little culver at her lips "Oh. Vivian. could you put me up for a dav or two, just till I get my bearings?"
 Vivian hugged her Her delight was genuine.
 You dear old stupid. what ques- ton, III be more than glad to put can
 They climbed the stairs and reached the studio Vivian took key from her purse and unlocked the door.
 "Welcome homer she cried. laugh ing. and waving an impressive hand. What Is mine is thine. and all the rest of it!'
 Then. for the first time, she noticed Shirley's black frock. i-ssNv11y.s shirley leess4- -anvthinse hsp-
 
 cn her sallow face. She caught Snir- | lev by the hand "Ms grandmother died about week l go" said Shirley simply, "so I'm quite | alone in the world now-and I want to be-be independent. Vivian" | Vivian gave Shirley's hand a sym pathetic squeeze.
 And so you shall dear though I'm grieved to hear about your loss! But 1 Shirley7-she took a step back and 1 looked squarely at her friend-'where s 1 the rich fiance. Has he gone by the board. or what?"
 Shirley hesitated wondering if 1t would be expedient Co confide in WV 1 ian The story would involve Jim pal 1 ton-she would have to explain thelr rrevious acquaintance down in surrey l Vivian would think 1t vorv odd she l hadn't mentioned it before! | i've broken off my engagement, she sid, simply: T don't care for him 1 though to marry him. Vivian gave little whoop of joy. Three cheersl I'm positive he was old and stodgy--with bald spot com | ing on the top of his head" l ''Well-no' In justice to the absent, 1 Shirley raised a protest. But Vivian was not to be gainsaid l Judging by his super r-dreadnaught l sister--by the way how that woman hated me on sight,-he must have been an awful bore! Oh. Shirley, I'm so glad it's off"'
 I'm glad. too.'' said Shirley. quietly A new idea entered Nivian's mind. .eWasn't It rather rough on him | Youre so pretty. dear. I expect he was crazy over youl Why, almost any man would be,''
 q lust had to break 1t off" said | Shirley noncommittally.
 She walked across the studio and l gazed out on the river. l Its heavenly here," She turned to Vivian such a haven of peace and 1 comfort.
 l The other laughed. 1 q don't know about the peace We're very gay. And as for IL being IronfortabIe some people that know would think it downright hardship p.cnicking along the way we dol | Shirley smiled happily back at her l She could see no disadvantages in the place.
 Come on out and help me to buy supper I'm going to make a salad ! Shirley. Do you like spring onions? Together they descended from the l studio. l They walked along the river front Vivian was sympathetic. Although ] she didn't draw from Shirley the whole
  I w<at had led thereto-she soon dis covered the precise conditions of hel -l friends finances.
 Il "Cheer up my dear, I always tolt I vou you'd got lots of talent. You mus l stand on vour own feet. Shirley-maks < your mark in the world. And I'll dc , everything I can to help you This was just the encouragement that Shirley needed. She began tt
 revive
 They entered a queer little Shelses grocery store. extremely old and pic. furesque climbing vine peered 1T
 al the small and solitary window thai
 faced the river. It was so quaint ant old-fashioned that Shirley almost fel' she was in the country once again.
 Chelsea has so much atmosphere said Vivian. proudly. as they left th'
 place
 Though Shirley wasn't clear as t
 the exact meaning of the term, sh felt she was really going to be happ.
 here.
 H She longed to broach the subject o Jim Dalton. But at each attempt fit of shyness seized her She wanted
 to sound casual and airy. Only i couldn't be achieved.
 They were back in the studio again and Vivian was mixing the ingredi
 ents of the salad when at last Shir ley managed to blurt out:
 flows the clever artist-man that met here?"
 II Vivian raised her head. She regard
 ed Shirley contemplatively.
 Jim was too attractive. He had ev
 idently made a hit with Shirley Well that was pity. since there was an
 other woman in the case. Al least. he' frld her so