The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-28
When 4 GirZ
 M0rries
(Continued0
By ANN LESLIE.

lCOnIlnueOJ
 CHATTER CCCN
 Eagerly I whirled home from my first visit with Aunt Mollie and Uncle . Ned. I was convinced that I'd only have to search my peignoir to find the missing ring and end the ugly mys- tery which had clouded the past nine days.
 On my arrival, Hedwig greeted me with two messages One was from Phoebe, asking that I telephone her that Bertha had called me over the wire three times, and would call me again at o'clock.
 In spite of the fact that my eager ness to speak to Phoebe brooked no delay, raced to the phone and call
 "oh, Anne, want to see you!'' she cried. almost tearfulIy T simply can't go on like this. Virginia hardly notices me and indeed she's never here to speak to me. Shes out all the time with Sheldon Blake, and when she's in she's so grim and for bidding that I hardly dare speak to her!"
 Phoebe, dear. what is there to dog" I asked, feeling impotently that I was helpless in the face Of any problem that included Virginia
 Let me come over and stay with you" begged Phoebe
 But how can 1, dear?' asked "In Virginia's present reckless mood she musnt be alone. If she's going to race around with Sheldon perhaps ! all that saves her from the crueteSt of criticism is the fact that you are there in the house with here. Aren't you brave enough to stay-and pro tect Jeanie from herself and the world?''
 "Oh, if you put it that way I sup pose I nustI' agreed Phoebe.
 Even while thanking my stars that had hit on the magic word to per suade Phoebe to remain with Virginia I wondered if it would last. But l had another problem now.
 I hurried to the closet where my orchid peignoir hung With trembling fingers I dragged it out and went over to the light of my big west win dow Something struck against my ankle as I carried the hlmy mass across the room, and a great wave of joy surged to my heart at the i'm pact The ring-it couldn't be any thing eISei I was the thief of my own missing pearl.
 As I pulled the material toward me I realized just what must have happesed- When I thought put the from my fingers Instead of rolling along the floor and hiding in some cranny it had caught in the hem of my flmy negligee, and here it was, had permitted it to hide for so long,
 My hand found the hem, searched its way along the material and came at last to the round edge I threw back my head and laughed. Daisy wasn't the theft after all
 Suppose I had let my suspicious run away with me Suppose had followed the dictates of c1rcumstan- fia1 evidence Suppose had even done the logical thing under the cir 4cumstances and feeling as did-that mend Dairy for the position she craved with Tom. How dearly Daisy must have paid!
 While I was thinking this out, my l,, rl were feeling their way through it's silk-padded thickness to the round object that was to be the goal of my ambitions. I found it and knew even before pulled it out to vision that it was only a weight.
 Practically explored, pockets, 1aces, ribbons portion of the neghgee had to yield up its least se- cret. But the ring wasn't there Half distracted, I sat back to think
 Then the phone rang again. I over the wire and pleaded and whimpered.
 Mrs. Harrison, is that you?" it asked.
 Who is this?'' I demanded.
 Mrs Harrison, don't you know? It's Bertha didn't darst speak to you on the avenue, you 1ookin' so grand and all in your new car. Mrs. Harrison, are you real well? Oh Mrs. Harrison, you don't think I had anything to do with your ring You wont ever do anything to hurt my man That wasn't him. I was with Honest 1t wasn'tI"
 Bertha, have you called me to tell me thlsS? l asked suspiciously Where are you? want to speak to you"
 'No-no. Mrs. Harrison. I should mt have phoned. But lost my head on the avenue. wanted to tell you" agafp. And don't tell me that wasn't your husband. I'm sure-'
 A click told me the phone con nection was broken. I tried to re cover it, but Central insisted my party had hung up-
 Bertha must have taken it after a11,' I unused. s'She gave herself lfzSaway-and I can't even reach her. Well-the rings gone-unless Detec- tive 'Wadley can recover it I'll teIe- phone Aunt MoIlie''
 I picked up the receiver again and as laid my hand on it a breathless
 Anne! The maid let me in. I Insisted on running right back here to your room- May I come in?''
 Yes Come in, Daisy said in- differently.
 Her face was fushed-her eyes bright Her head was flung high in defiance She was panting the way Frightened bird does when it falls words tumbIed over each other. -tAnne-Ive had my first happy day today I loved it at Mir. Ma sons. But I can't go back. You told him I was honest IT can't go back I've come to let you do whatever you think best with me-
 Her head sank. Her voice trajled off to a whisper She stood before me abject and pitiful. and in the palm of the hand she held toward me lay my pearl ring.
 To Be Continued.