The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-28
The P MAY CHRISTI 2
 Disturbing Kiss

IV-Farrel Salt

At the primly correct luncheon ta- ble of certain New York mansion sat Miss Natalie Ducane, directly op- posite an elderly and aristocratic. featured gentleman whom she ad- dressed as Uncle" and whom the butler called MT. Ducanne The room was rather gloomy, with it's high, stiffly- windows, it's antique furniture and family DOT traits.
 The walls were panelled in dark wood which lent an added severity to the department.
 "Enioyed your spin this morning Nataie?" over his deyfled eggs and salad MT Ducane surveyed his pretty niece.
 A faint, fascinating blush crept from the v-neck of her frock up to her checks.
 Had romance of some sort, chr You saucy little puss! I ought to hire a chaperone for you. You're growing far too big girl to -un about alone" His smile disarmed the threat of any real intention
 .'Oh, uncle." Natalies big eyes held definite reproach. "A chaper- one She'd snap you up as fast as look at you. And after all the tro'i- ble I've taken to keep designing re- males off"
 s.There, that will do." Natalie's un- cle enjoyed these litte bouts of repar- tee. I'm too old and crusty for your sex So. don't flatter me by saying that interest them.'
 He was a widower of so, with a charming, well-bred face. thick, pre- maturely -silvered hair which gave him a distinguished look, and the kindest heart in the world. He was devoted to his pretty niece-the enc young relative that was left to him
 was popular at his clubs, had long purse that was open at all times to his friends or to those in need of it, and was universally liked and ap- preciated.
 But he enjoyed poor health. s5 years of life in unhealthy parts of the tropics had done it's work.
 So now he took things easily. And Natalie was more or less the pivot of the imposing mansion that was Mr. Duncane's town residence
 The old man looked affectonateiv at her. Dear, pretty, high-sptrited little Natalie. If she married--and ne hoped such an event would not cc- cur for many. many years-it must be the right sort of fellow, the sort that one so seldom met these days.
 The sharp ting ting of the phone bell interrupted these reflections The butler slipped out to the hall to answer 1t. Then he returned
 You're wanted at the instrument, Miss Natalie" he said in his quaint way. She rose.
 "Who is it?" asked her uncle. He liked to know the names off all ths 'wasps."
 He wouldn't say, sir
 .,youldn't he. indeed? Confound his impudence. Mir. Duncane had shrewd idea of the identity of the man at the other end of the wire. lie gave an annoyed grunt. Next time be firmer, Smithson. l can't stand these hole-in -a-corner fellows
 Very good sir" said the perfectly trained Smithson, removing the eggs and salad, and substituting a mean choly rice pudding in their place. HIS master was "on diet at the moment and the butler thought IL maoe nm just trifle irritable.
 Miss Natalie's conversation at the telephone was disjoined. The instru- ment was in sort of cupboard, but sbe spoke as though afraid she might | be overheard.
 That you, Ta.rel? Dinner--at the Ritz? Tonight? How lovely? Yes with pleasure. Of course, I'll come. l And--w.iats that?-Tne Nemesis club | afterwards? Up the river? Dancing? Oh, I'd adore It! Thanks q thousand times. You want me to wear-?l Whats that? My gladdest rags? A relieved look came to her face. That's | easy. Yes, of course. 1 will"
 Then:
 .What time am I to meet you? Eight o'clock. Yes, I'll be punctual. | The last word very | faintly. with blush.
 She hung up the receiver, and re- turned to the dining room. The flush still fingered on her pretty ingc- nuous little face.
 Her uncle flung her sharp glance, Indeed, there was very little that escaped him.
 Who was talking to you on the telephone. my dear ?"
 "Mr. Ga!t, uncle. He's invited me to dinner tonight.
 "H'm. Farrei Gait. I'm not sure that care to have you seen in public5 place with him. Natalie"
 ''Oh, uncle. You-you surely haven't against him? He's charm ing" This very bravely.
 "H'm charming to the ladies. But | one hears a thing or two" He gazej ,ver the girls head at the green trees.