The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-21

Natalie came home from long, delightful day blazing trails in the mountains, and heard that her uncles secretary would arrive in hall an hour.
 q sent the dog-cart to meet him al the station. I'm glad the boy is com ing. And the air here will do him all the good in the world" MT. Du- cane announced. He had taken great liking to young Danby. Natalie was all a flutter.
 She flew to her own quarters, had & bath, and made a very Special toilette. She chose a white lace frock that had 3. quaint, tight little bodice and a much frilled skirt. It had an early Victorian look about 1t, and was very pretty and becoming.
 In the folds of her taffeta sasn she piAned three red roses. They made vivid splash of color on the white ness of the gown.
 Her uark and curly hair was care fully arranged, so mat il formed & frame for her plquant little tace.
 Maurice was coDlng' That was wonuer1ul! She would snow him just how pretty she could look!
 1t was half past eignt when she went downstairs, into the wide, wood Lanelled hall that occupied the center of the ground floor, and was decor ated with stags' heads, and stuffed tlsn in cases. and various types or guns.
 The night had grown rather chilly and big log fire blazed in the open ! hearth.
 With his back to it stood Maurice Danby.
 The hall was empty of other people for the moment, and Natalie hurried forward.
 on, Maurice, I'm so glad-so glad to see your She held her two hanas out to him. "Its just wonderrui to know you're here!' The boys face lit up with pleasure.
 And wonderful to see you, too How becoming you lookg lie caught her hanas and held them. There was no mistake the love light in hIs eyes.
 So thought Della Desmond, who very softly opened her beoroom door on the floor above, and looked over the ratings of the gallery. Tho young couple made charming pie ture.
 At that moment, Maurice glanced not loosen his hold of Natalie's hands.
 Della at once withdrew. She was sorry afterwards for that. The move was not diplomatic. It gave her the air of having spIed out the land.
 She knew that Maurice did not iks her. He saw through her. too. Would he say anything to Natalie? :? She hoped not.
 During dinner. she did her best to | a&I yhf h n find herself at Matrices left hand. Tactful expressions of sympathy TOT his illness were calculated to remove the bad irnpr ession she had given.
 And yet she felt that she made little headway. '.Oh, well, what does 1t matter? He's nothing but a paid employe" she consoled herself by saying in-
 wardly. He couldn't work her any | harm.
 Natalie was at the other end of the l table. and taking merrily with the l eligible bachelor. But every now 1 and then. her eyes would wander
 Aiaurice- wards.
 The girl looks ridiculously senti- mental. l really ought 10 give her
 d tip or two" thought the experienced
 widow. irritably.
 Evidently the dark eyed bachelor found MISS Natalie AtracllNe. Sne--
 Delia--had half mind to cut her l out.
 ! She decided that probably Mir Du- | cane would want long talk with 1 his secretary after dinner. and tha; i it behooved her, therefore, to grab | the bachelor away from Natalie. l When the meal was over, and the
 ladies had withdrawn. Della took up
 a strong position in the hall. close 1 10 the dining room door. : l The bachelor was the first man to come out. He was on the track of pretty Natalie. But Della circum- l vented that. 1 Do come and have some billiards! | I'm longing to take you on." the full | battery of her eyes was turned on I him.
 i The bachelor was flattered. He
 returned the widows glance with
 interest.
 What sort of break can you | maker"
 1, "Oh, i'm very pleased if ever | have a twenty"
 That's just about my strength. said he. Shall we have somethins ' on the gamer"
 ] "A dollar. say?" suggested Della