South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-23

Mrs Graham? Why-why-wh
IS the matter? Has anything hap
pened to-tO-Mrs. Underwood p"
Robert Savarin's voice, deep, un-
deniably agitated, came over the
long-dstance telephone to me after
half-hour of interminable delay
and vexation TO both DR.. Petit and
myself We had taken turns in try
ing TO get the connection, and the
physician had been the first % hear
the voice Of the artist. He had said:
This is DR.. Petit. Mrs. Graham
wishes 10 speak 70 you" and Robert
Savarin's mind evidently had con-
jured all sorts Of dire possibilities.
1 explained, as quickly and sue
emily as / could, and than repeated
Marion's message. There was no
delay, no calculation in his answer.
He evidently held nothing in the
world above his desire to crafty the
child's wish at the earliest possible
minute.
81 can get the night train to New
York in half an hour" he said. Il
will reach there by 11:15. What do
you know about the connections
from there ?"
Fortunately I had studied time
table on my way from the hospital
The first train from here leaves
at 4:3O o'clock in the morning, get
ting 10 southampton about 9
O. cIock,' I said. 1T is "A newspaper
train, and very slow, but the next
one does not get here until
o'clock"
IF she needs me tonight I will get
a car in New York and drive straight
through" he returned.
That would be - absurd" - /
caught the word before it sounded.
changed it 10 the more iunocuous
needless" THE physician wishes
her 10 sleep tonight and you will
be Just in time tomorrow to see her
after her nights sleep. I viii meet
YOU at Southampton with the car
and take you over 10 the hospital
And do come prepared 10 stay awhile
with us. We have just bought an
old farm which I am anxious to
show you."
"I shall stay. OF course. as long as
Marion wants me-" he said with his
grave courtesy.
II Shall Count on You"
Then you will never go back"
rctorted quickly, willing to have him
attach any significance he chose to
the remark I heard him catch his
breath, and felt like an old-time
matchmaker.
Tell me-" his voice was husky.
how is-Marion's mother standing
the STRAIN"
All the alteration and anxiety he
felt for Lillian was betrayed in his
voice. II I had never known he
loved her before I would have dis
covered IL in this moment.
"Wonderfully." 1 returned reassur-
ingly. but. Robert, I used his given
name purposely. for I felt that ne
was little i'll at ease with me. Il
must tell you that Lillian has not her
usual strength this spring She
needs some one TO take care of her
more than any one l know"
can I count on your aid ." he
asked abruptly. and I felt a little
thrill Of satisfaction at the thought
that he had not thought it necessary
20 explain his meaning 10 me.
You know that" I returned heart
ily.
Thank you. shall count on you,
he said gravely Southampton az
nine YOU say. I viii be there.
Good -by."
Madge l. Worried.
turned from the telephone 20
find DR.. Petit watching me curious
Is. interestedly. That he knew or
guessed Lilllan's story I had sur
missed. and that he understood the
telephone conversation from hear
ing my side OF IL I was also certain.
But as his eyes met mine they
changed instantly 70 his usual i'm
personal and professional look. and
!. OF course. vouchsafed no explana-
tion.
One one thing I had resolved how
ever, piqued by his reference TO
Dicky. and 1 preached Il at once.
There Is not the slightest need
OF your going back with me 20 the
Christmas and New Years cards.
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