The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-26

Natalie withdrew herself from ossy Oberstein's embrace, and said, in low, furious voice:
 You have made mistaken
 Then, turning, she darted along the terrace and back Into the ball room. At the far end sat Della Desmond, with MT. Ducane.
 Without waiting to remove the cloak she wore. Natalie walked up to them.
 She was pale with indignation. all though she tried to hide the evidences of it.
 "A friend of yours is waiting for you on the terrace. He says you asked him to come here.' The girls dark eyes were fixed on DsHa's face as she delivered this coup" He mistook me for you, believe. It was very dark. And
 The widow rose up hastily. She gave a strained laugh.
 Hut how romantic, dear! Of course there's some absurd mistake. How could l possibly invite anyone hereT
 She caught Natalie by the army and attempted to walk away with her, out of range of Mir. Ducane's ears.
 Let's 10 and investigate the mys- teryl"
 Natalie. however, wasn't to be beaten.
 There's no mystery at all MT. Ossy Oberstein Is waiting for you on the terrace. He says he got your note, and he's been missing you ter ribly
 There was a Hull in the music, and the words carried clearly to MT. Du- cane, as Natalie had intended that they should.
 He looked astonished and incredu- lous. Ossy oberstein was known to him. The man was far removed from Della Desmond's class. And what on earth did this question of an assigna- tion moan? Had Natalie gone crazy to think that the well-brcd widow would have rendezvous at this hour on Mir. Ducane's own terrace?
 "sh- -h-hv' Della put playful fing- CT to her lips, and thrust her arm through NataIie's. though there was murder in her heart. Was this "in- fant terrible" . fool, or deliberately maiicious& ''6omeone's been playing practical joke on you. my dear That's all"
 She swent the girl away, in the di. rection of door that led out to the terrace,
 oOnt cure 70 go out there, thanks said Natalie curtly. "Youil find Mir. Oberstein at the far end. And you might tell him from me that I sent 1t very much" Her voice broke.
 Della dashed into tho breach at once.
 "Of course. there's a mistake" "Granted! He thought that I was you! suppose this Is your cloak that happen to be wearing." Miss Natalie wrenched the garment cff. and handed 1t to Della Then she pointed to the darkness where the objectlonable Oberstein had made his faux pas, and re- treated.
 A few yards from the open door she ran against her uncle. My dear. you're rather shoydenish tonightr' His tones carried a Rentle reproof. You were extremely abrupt with Mrs. Desmond just now Re- member, you are hostess, and must behave as such." II shan't be hostess very long. if she can help itr Natalie flung out. MT. Ducane walked past her and out into the darkness of the terrace. He stood for nom ent. hssftattrw. There was perpiexfty on his kind face. Then suddenly the moon ap- peared from behind great bank of cloud4 Its light revealed figure that mpst certainly was Mrs. Dss- mond. Beside her was shortish man.
 MT. Ducane advAncsd toward them. He was chagrined over his young niees's "saucherie." He wanted to apologize to her. Perhas. too, he wanted to get ts the bottom ef this mystery. Della was talking to the man in . low, rapid tone and gesticuiating. A MT. Ducane approached. he heard the man say:
 You are very cruel. Della" Then the widow, turning about, caught sight Of her hept. Audacity was her only card now, ana she played it. MT. Ducane. think you nave met NRr ahAnafa}~ hafAPnS