The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-24
Natalie flushed up.


 Captain Danby, you mean uncleg
 The very same" MT. Ducane smil ed faintly. I'm well pleased with
 him. He's steady, reliable and honest as they make 'em.' I'm sure he's honest" said Natalie
 in a low voice, her head down-bent above her work. Her thoughts flew
 uncomfortably to the queer, accus-
 ing look the family solicitor had i flung in Matrices direction less than half an hour ago, If she had been open and above board there would have been no occasion for that look,
 T think he's charming. So natural and unassuming. So conscientious.
 too" MT. Ducane's finely shaped fingers toyed with the fringe of the coverlet that lay in silken splendor
 across his bed. I'd trust him very far
 Yes, uncle,r said Natalie, her head still lower. She did not want the kind old man to see the shamed look in her eyes
 It's such a relief to me to know that he's at the helm jus tnow" went
 on the invalid. Not that he's busi-
 ness genius or has prodigious acumen or anything of that sort. But he's a fine principled upright boy, l and know he'll do his best for me just as though l were there to watch
 and direct him.
 I'm sure of it." The knitting needles clicked industrlously
 T want 10 have talk with him, but the doctors absolutely prohibit 1 it in the meantime. They won't even let me see him, for fear l start bus mess chat" MT. Ducane smiled wanly
 You mustn't think of problems
 and worries" Natalie put down her knitting, and very gently stroked the blue-veined hand. Please try to get better very quickly. We-I-we all l miss you so dreadfully, and the house doesn't seem the same at all" Mir. Ducane was gratified. Half an hour afterwards he fell asleep placid look upon his fine old face.
 Miss Greene beckoned Natalie to
 the threshold of the room. | "Go out my dear, and get some air. You're not looking very fit today. He
 won't wake up for a goodish while. And when he does he's to get his l medicine and treatment, so I'm going
 to stay with him. You can come in | again later on."
 Natalie complied. She was anxious to get in touch with Farrel Galt.
 She went to her own room, slipped on small black satin cloak, and a 1 perky little hat of the same material, and salled forth to the nearest public | telephone booth.
 I'm afraid Smithson or somebody might overhear me were I to. teie-
 phone Farrel Galt from home" she told herself.
 Arrived at her goal, she found the line was busy" Farrell was evil
 dently in request.
 Nearly quarter of an hour elapsed
 before the line was free. Hello. Hello: 1 want Mir. Gait" She spoke in low, clear voice.
 That you. eh, Delia?" came the
 well-remem bered tones.
 "No--Natalie Ducane." Whats that? Speak louder" She repeated the name.
 "Oh, Natalie! Well, stranger, how are your" The tones not only held familiarity. but a sort of nervousness the man was evidently trying to overcome. What leads the naughty | damsel to telephone me thus early in | the day?"
 Tt isn't early. It's after Il o'clock.
 l particularly want to see you Where
 and when can you meet me-"
 "Hal Ha, The lady commands per
 emptorily. doesn't she?" 1 Natalie took no notice of this sally. l How odious his manners were, How
 had she ever tolerated them?' | She could hear his ehortle Of feign- | ed amusement Yes, he was nervous.
 without doubt. He probably had
 guessed she knew the perpetrator of
 last nights thefi
 | Then, a she maintained silence, he
 spoke again.
 of fact. I'm lunching with Mrs Dash
 ington at haifpast twelve. then talk | ing her to matinee. I've an engage
 ment at the club at half-past five ! o'clock and a dinner dance thereafter Full up, Natalie. I'm afraidr' l Her tones, crystal clear and cutting
 as a chink of ice. reyerberated on the
 wires.
 If you can't take time to see me | this morning. then you may expect , call from my uncle's lawyers. But
 should recommend that you choose the more pleasant task. of seeing me- "H'm Very well. You're almighty mysterious. What about coming up to my rooms at once? You'll find me
 waiting. though l can't spare you very much time.'
 T think you'll spare me all that l require" The girl smiled bitter lit- l tie smile. Then she frowned as she added sharply. "As for coming up to your rooms. I call that suggestion an | mpertinence."
 "Oh, very we'll" This huffily .The corner of Fifth avenue and Fifty ninth street."
 That's much 500 public Please
 taxi to the Metropolitan museum and | I'll do the same, We're not likely to be seen by friends there"
 You fiatter me- sneered Gait. in ! eensed at the girls tone and words.
 "But-since you're so mysterious--1'1l