The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-08-05
The By MAY CHRISTIE
 Disturbing Kiss
XI.-A PROPOSAL Copyright 1921, by The Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate

Little did Farrel Gait guess that the motives which had actuated Della were neither benevolence nor even idle curiosity True, she was superfically attracted toward him self. But Della was not the type to let sentiment stand in the way of business.
 She had twice met the elderly, though still handsome and charming Mir. Frederick Ducane. On both oc- casions she had made a definite hit. The rich widower had been amused and interested by her carefully chosen conversation.
 But they had not met since. And it was only last nights introduction to Miss Natalie, his niece, that had brought the two occasions back 70 mind.
 Since then a scheme had formed and grown.
 MT. Ducane had much to offer. of he could be brought to offer itD He could give her a fine home, title. money, social prestige. Those social lights who recently had snubbed her would have to climb down." then acknowledge her. As Mrs. Frederick Ducane she couldn't be ignored.
 Besides, the rich man was delicate. lAAtH III Her ONH lHOuBll 0tild ukd not wish to be too callous and too calculating-but it was pretty cer- tain that he wouldn't live 10 years. More likely three--or four-or sfivs.
 She would be widow once again but with what a difference.
 With money. and position! Still comparatively young!
 Her good looks, too, were of the lasting order. Fine features, care fully-tended hair and complexion, CThere were no crows'-feet yet, and she didn't intend there should De any for many years to come A Fifth avenue beauty specialist had seen to that, and would continue so to seeD
 If Farrel Galt would only wait for her Of course, her (Delia's) mar riage to Mir. Ducane would prove an effective stopper on Miss Natalie's financial prospects. Those prospects gone. Farrel wouldn't want the girl.
 But it beloved her in the meantime to be nice to Natalie An entree to the uncle.s house could only be ob- tained by getting m the good graces of the niece.
 Diplomacy was needed.
 I'm really attracted to little Ma talie," she cooed. She's coming he;e to tea this afternoon"
 '.You1l put in a good word for me. won't your" The request had slipped from his tongue before Galt realized it's tactlessness.
 But Mrs. Desmond showed neithcr Jealousy nor chdgrin.
 T don't blame you for pursuing money, in these hard times. Yes, I'll SOW good seed, I promise you
 She intended to do nothing Of the sort Farrel Galt was her admirer. She would not let him be annexed Her part was to put spoke Tn the girls wheel, right away. Later, when her. own matrimonial project had been consummated, she had no fear that Farrel would want the 'de- throned Natalie.
 But action of some sort must he taken now.
 Rather an awkward episode oc- cured last night" Galt proceeded to narrate the Danby meeting. He cen sored certain things, suppresslng them.
 Mrs. Desmond regarded the young man through narrowed eyes.
 "Tell me, truly. Farrel--Im ycur pal, remember, and I'll stick py yo, was there any truth in Danpy s statements?"
 The other hesitated. ought ne u confide in her--or not?
 She spoke again.
 If Pm to help you with Miss Ma talie ought to know just wha' you've to contend against. Her un- cle's secretary may be poisoning ner mind against you. Tell me what ne was referring to when he spoke 9. your being kicked out Of Penans' for instance?"
 Gait looked very awkward.
 "Oh--hang it ail.--perhaps fd pes- ter let you know how the land iles. Yes, I did get into lot of troupe out east Awfully in debt. Anu drink, you know. I got badly It up at government ball, and was asked to leave. There were various othe- things that won't go into A divorce case and a breach of promise casA. And a blessed old 'nabob' tried 70 marry me to his half-caste daugnter- So thought I'd better shift frcrs the spot"
 what else?" Mrs. Desmond wasn in the least surprised. Though 1ond of this young man, she had no i'- lusions about him.
 II gave some checks that l couldn't eet-unfortunately. No u.o.-ey in