The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-07

Your thlrd?" the widow repeat- ed. trying to suppress an hysterieal giggle, and failing. "You--you're talking like Bluebeard, aren't you?
 The little man looked vexed He considered that he had conferred a real honor on the fllppant lady and that she was receiving it in strange fashion.
 T am quite in earnest" he said soberly. with watchful eyes still on her face To Della those eyes seemed ferret-like.
 And l think that you're dream ing" rejoined the lady quickly, "You know l couldn't make you happy, Ossy I'm not fitted to be your bet ter half In your own mind, you'd be comparing me to my predecessors, very greatly to my disadvantage m not domestlcated Church. children and cooking don't appeal 10 me"
 The little man looked pained
 You have heart of gold Then more brightly, for he felt he was perpetrating witucism:{ And l have pocket of gold, So we shall be quits. Not so2'
 The widow shook her head.
 'I should drive your saving dis position crazy by my extravagance, Besides. the fact of being third
 Third times are lucky" said De-, las suitor, doggedly.
 She felt strong desire, to scream historically.
 He touched her hand again.
 You wanted scarab ring but I will buy you a diamond as big as as"
 "As the one you're wearing in your necktie at this moment" supplemen1- ed Della, with a little shudder of aversion. For the time being her natural good taste had quite sub merged her business instinct. It's much too large and showN Ossy-"
 He relapsed into an aggrieved si- lence.
 How extraordinary women were!
 This pretty lady had accepted va rious gifts from him before. Indeed, at the present moment she was owing him thousand dollars. And yet when he offered her his hand and heart--she laughed at him and snubbed him.
 That was very strange!
 "Heavensi What a fool l am He's going to turn huffyw Della thought For the love of Mike, will l never learn commonsense%
 Aloud she said. in a small, apolo- getic, almost cooing voice.
 kind friend, do please forgive me l see now that You've paid me the highest honor that man can pay woman-and I'm not indifferent to that honor. It was only the word ing of your-your offer--that upset me I'm all nerves these days"
 Then you'll consider it, m'dear--' he began, all hopefulness.
 "N-not at the moment, Ossy. Just let the subject drop--for little while" This very coaxingly. No waiter, I won't have any lobster thanks I've changed my mind. After what I've eaten 1t would be too in diGestible." She laughed nervously. I've got an attack of mental dys- pepsia already, and l don't want to add to my woes"
 The waiter withdrew, and Ossy said:
 why, Della. what's the matter? You were the most cheerful thing in the world when I met you less than an hour ago! What's happened?'
 She was frank.
 q was thinking of the thousand dollars I owe you, Ossy, and won- dering when and how you were to be paid back. Was-was this mar riage idea to be way of-of re- paying my debt to your
 He flushed
 I'm not that sort. m'dear. You misjudge me. Now. you must eat something. I insist" He ordered chickens breast and a light salad Smile. Della please. I'm not surely such kill-joy. am I? I--I apoi- ogize."
 Della was touched
 The Knowledge, too, that he seemed in no immediate hurry for repay ment of his thousand dollar loan was cheering. And she frightened.
 Have you seen Farrel lately@' he went on. Hes to be a fellow guest with me in the mountains shortly. Wangled the invitation very shilfully. The chaps a born grafter.
 At any other time Della would have stoutly defended the absent one.
 Today, however, she eontended herself by saying:
 "Farrel's hard up, poor boy And 5he's so bright and lively that hosts and hostesses are quite pleased to se- cure him for country house parties. He helps to make things go
 That last remark could be taken two ways" smiled Ossy. And that reminds me that one or two charit- able folks are saying that MT. Far rel helps himself Have you ever heard that rumor, Delia?"
 The widow flushed.
 No. indeed. ] haven't. And shouldn't believe it if had"
 Ossy narrowed his dark eyes till they gleamed like pinpoints. There was very little that escaped him He had heard about Miss Natalie Du- canes missing pearl necklace, and