Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-04-03
THE GIRL WHO
SMILED THROUGH
BY Marion Rubincam.
Copyright. George Matthew Adams'
A DEAR FRIEND,

Chapter NLNI1l.
That June evening a friendship was
formed which made Alice really very
happy and which went far to soothe the
ache that WIS always in her heart Tor
David.
The mere excitement of driving in such
a luxurious car was enough to please her
for days. She hated to confess that she
had never been in such a car before, but
she gave an audible sigh OF pleasure as she
settled back in the cushioned seat.
"Tired?" Lawrence asked, mistaklng
the sigh.
Here's a wrap of mother 's-put it on,
you'll be chilly when we drive near the
river" Lawrence said.
And Alice smiled with pleasure as she
slipped her arms In 3 loose wrap oi the
softest blue wool, lined with silver color
satin.
Lawrence drove slowly, the powerful
lamps on the car cutting a golden path
way for them. The night was clear, as
clear and lovely as that other one a year
before when David had told her
Alice deliberately refused to think OF
II. She gave herself up sensibly to the
present pleasure of the drive. The wind
blew her hair looSe-she. had not worn
hat over To the settlement house-and
Lawrence pulled out large white SIX
handkerchief which she tied around her
head, binding 1T low on her forehead, with
the ends knotted IN back
Now YOU look like a gypsy, Lawrence
said. You know, that thing around you
that way is awfully becoming 1t outlines
the shane of your head and you've really
very nicely shaped head and splendid
profile.
Alice laughed in amusement.
Il never thought to hear compliments
from YOU" she said. Your conversation
to me has mostly been so mixed with
letters and symbols and descriptions OF
chemical phenomena that to hear this
she broke off and turned TO laugh at him
Again.
''To be perfectly frank, never thought
whether YOU were pretty or not, Law
renee answered Thank heaven, you're
th, sort of girl can talk to without hav-
ing to say pretty things every Is minutes.
I've always admired you, more than any
other woman | know. I've admired your
efficiency and energy, qualities with
! which | am not endowed. I've admired
your determination To master lot OF
studies in the face of what seemed like
superhuman difficulties.
difficulties" Alice questioned.
'Yes-you told me yourself YOU were
not a millionaire" said Lawrence the
ever-tactful And then. you've taken on
this extra work at the settlement house;
YOU didn't have to do that
II like to work-Id die without it."
Alice said simply.
II think that spirit is wonderful,
Lawrence answered. Its the spirit that
will get YOU anywhere YOU want, give you
ANYTHING YOU want-and on top of that,
you're prettyl ] never really knew it, un-
III YOU tied Your hair down with that
handkerchief and showed off the beautiful
roundness Of your head.
Alice smiled little. watching the road
ahead cut out IN brilliant gold by the
light Of the car lamps II WAS wonderful
20 have someone talk in tins manner; 1t
vas inspiring-it made her want TO go out
and a greater things.
Lawrence laughed suddenly, breaking
into her thoughts Poor Mrs. Godfrey
he said. "Shc and mother and our cook
are having the time Of their lives fusslng
over the little waif. | wonder If IT Will cry
all night?"
Poor little wah." Alice said gently.
Think Of having mother that would
deliberately run away and desert sich a
helpless little infantr
Think Of a mother who would do such
thing. Lawrence remarked. Think OF
the degradation Of soul and the wrong
ness Of society that combines to produce
such an action Well, someone VIII adopt
il probably, and il Will have betterhomc
A. a result. 1t could not have n worse one
than it had, that's certain. It's girl,
ism II"
"A girl" Alice answered. She stared
ahead. hut this time she did not sec the
road After time she spoke, and her
tone was decided
I'm suoIuC IN adOpf II
s'You" Lawrence exclaimed. Good
Lord, has en- you enough RESPONSE
hilty?'
Alice did not answer for a moment.
Then she said quietly.
But ! want 1t. Id love to have It to
bring up =.
'eYou re wrong. absolutely wrong,
Lawrence said II YOU had plenty OF
time and plenty OF money, Id say bully
for YOU. 90 ahead But tins Is simply an
emotional impulse You'll be over 1t to-
morrow
Alice turned and smiled at him. Sitting
behind the wheel of his car, Lawrence
looked taller and much more dlgnited
than when he walked beside her IN the
street. He was not handsome at any time
but he wa. rather distinguished looking
always
They shook hands in parting at her
gate.
You mustn't be impulsive and take
over that child. " ne warned her. But for
all nv advice against ii, think you are all
the finer for wanting to do 1t. I'm awtully
proud that know girl like you.
Tomorrow Has Plan