Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-10-01
"a BACHELOR HUSBAND
, BY RUBY NJ. AYRES
Author Of "Richnrd Chutferton," Etc.
Copyright, 1880, bv W. ). Watt o.

herself very childish and insignifican
teside his nagnifcence as she wake,
with him. TO the waiting car, for tn,
house In the country had long since beer
given up, and George Chester had live,
In London for some years before hi,
death.
Have you got your ticketp" Chris
topher asked, very much az he rnirh,
have asked q child, and Marie fumbIet
in her pocket with fingers that shook.
II nearly lost II once" she volun
teered. and Chris smiled ms 10 answered
DO"
He looked down at her. ''You haven,
altered much" he said condescend,nrly
You're still just kid"
Marie did not answer, but her hear,
swelled with disappointment. She war
eighteen, and she knew that he was bu,
SIX years older.
Years ago that six years had no,
seemed much Of gap, but now, lookins
up, at him, she felt 1t to be an insuper- :
able gulf.
He was a man and abe was only a
schoolgirl with short skirts and her
hair down her back.
They sat opposite one another in the
car, and Chris looked at her consider :
ingly. TITS long time since saw
Yes. eight months" she answered
readily. She could have told him the
date and the month and almost the
hour Of their last meeting had she
chosen. but somehow she did not think
no would be greatly interested.
TITS rough luck about Uncle
George" he said awkwardly, and Marie
nodded.
Yes"
She wondered II he thought she
ought to be crying. She would have
been amazed IL sho could have known
that he was hoping with all his heart
and soul that she would not.
He changed the subject abruptly.
Aunt Madge would have come to
meet you, but there is 80 much to see
to. She sent her love and told me to
say she was sorry not to be able to
come"
II don't mind" said Marie. She
would infinitely rather have been met
BY Chris. Her dark eyes searched his
face with shy alteration.
She was quite sure there had never
been anybody SO good looking as he
In all the world; that there had never
been eyes 80 blue, or with such
twinkle; that nobody had ever had such
wonderful smile or such a CHEEKY
laugh that there was not man in the
whole OF London who dressed so well or
looked so splendid.
As matter of fact, Christopher was
rather fne-looking man, and perfectly
we'll aware Of the fact. He had more
friends than he knew what to do with,
and they all, more or less, spoilt him.
He was generally good tempered, and
always good company. He was run
after by all the women with marriage
able daughters, though, to do him JUS
tice, so far he evinced very little in
terest in the opposite sex.
He looked now at Marie, and thought
what a child she was He would have
been amazed could he have known that
beneath her black coat her heart was
beating with love for him, deep and
sincere.
Faithfulness was n failing with Ma
rie, II it can ever be called n failing.
There was something doglike in her
devotion that made change impossible.
Her best friend at school had been un-
kind to her many times, but Marie's
had never swervcd, and all the
tyranny and bullying she had received
from Christopher in the past had only
deepened her alteration. In her eyes
be was perfect.
There were many things she wanted
to say to him, but she was tongue tied
and shy. 1t seemed all too soon that
they reached home and Christopher |
handed her over to Miss Chester.
Miss Chester took Marie upstairs and |
Kissed her and made much of her. She |
ook it for granted that the girl was
)roken- hearted at the death of her
ather. She was a sweet, old fashioned
Y oman who always took 1t for granted
hat people would do the right thing,
nd she thought it was the right thing
or any daughter to grieve at the loss
f parent.
You grow so fast" she said, as she
MD every time the girl came home.
You will have to put your hair up"
Marie turned eagerly. "Oh, auntie
'onight, may II"
Miss Chester did not think it would
natter. and so presently very self
onscious little figure in black crept
ownstairs through the silent house and
ito the dining room, where Chris
'pher was waiting impatiently for his
inner.
He turned quickly as Marie and her
INT entered. He was man who hated
ling kept waiting a moment, though II
pleased him he broke appointments
ithout the slightest hesitation.
Conversation was intermittent during
nner. Naturally there was a gloom
'er the house. 1t was only as they
ere leaving the table that Miss Ches-
u cail foI Ipf