The Washington times., 1921-05-07
o I want my father to come

and live with me?' i re-
peated. almost resentfully,
as II came to me that Neal wouldn't
be the only one to ask this oues-
tion. "No, I don't. He's perfectly
happy at his hotel"
Meals eyes, grown suddenly
grave and stern, questioned Faith
er Andrews. who promptly replied:
Yes. Mr.. Lees settled right
down at the hotel. Doesn't seem to
be craving home and family life.
after all this while, I'm not say
ing he couldn't be thawed IL Babb-
], sic was a mite more loving like.
But I'm npt sure she's called on to
pretend to be loving when she
doesn't feel that way. Only we've
got to be careful to be fair, daugh-
ter We are pretty close and it
can't be hidden. But we don't want
to make q poor old man feel too
much shut out Of things"
Neal scowled thoughtfully for a
minute Then he came over and
hung his arm across my shoulders
As he asked:
"Where are you planning to live
n you rent your apartment
II have rented It." ! replied as
eoncisely. "And I suppose I'll have
to take up Jeanie's hospitable Of
fer"
"If it makes any difference to
her--about her new--old father, l
mean" said Neal awkwardIy. you
know there's no reason why we
two shouldn't camp out together
till Jimmie gets back. This doesn't
change you're being my Babbsie,
you know. And your old carrot top
Of Neal Is still your beloved
brother-isn't he Babbs? We three
stand just where we've always
stood, don't we?"
"Always!" 1 cried huskily. Then
suspecting that I was on the verge
OF making a scene which wouldn't
get anyone anywhere, 1 went on
briskiy, "Now you two boys o.
mine must help me with the in
ventory and the packing. Be-
cause whoever gets me for board
er has to take on a few carloads
Of knicknacks and keepsakes."
'Come on. father" cried Neal.
This is where we roll up our sleeves,
play expert packers and let a little
lady who shall be nameless hen
peck us to her hearts content"
HANDSOME FAMILY.
Father Andr9w acquiesced with
. quiet smile OF approval for the
way the childfen were preparing
to give vent TO their emotions
through the same outlet of work.
Whereupon we went. at the 1ch
like an orderly and well-directed
whirlwind. In two hours we'd man.
aged to do about . days work.
The inventory was made and the
things / wanted to take with me
ranged on the bed and the chairs
In my own room, ready to be pack
ed tomorrow. Strengthening up with
a sign OF approval of our efficiency,
Neal announced:
"And now to the hotel to do an
other whirldwind act and pack up
this father OF mine so he can
move right UP to my little domi-
cile."
"And you offered it to me first
i murmured. so touched that / de-
SPARED OF keeping myself under
control. But Neal saved me by
sweeping the very floor with his
red crest as he doubled up in a bow
and chuckled:
''Count on Nealie to remember
that nice little rule about ladies
liked hts only sister any the less
for being a bit of beauty. Did
ever mention 1t to you, Babbsie, that
] considered you a suitable entry
for any ten thousand dollar contest
ever started by the Photographers
Union? Hence the attention"
Thanks" 1 retorted in kind. I'VE
are a handsome family-so / think
your little home will be properly
decorated when Father Andrew
comes to ornament it."
Don't make your old dad try to
scare up 4 blush" sighed Father
Andrew. "But it sure does please
the old man to think his boys got
a place for him. And wen kill two
birds with the same stone when
We 60 down to get my duds- Babb-
sic can visit with her father while
we're packing. and then you'll get
= chance to meet Mr.. Lee, Neal"
"Got to rush." Neal gasped sud
denly gone crimson. Got to meet
my Phoebikins at the six-ten.
Promised to dine out at Dreamwold
''Of course you can go out home
with her." protested Father An
drew heartily. sand wen fix the
schedule a mite different from
what 1 just said. Wen have you
meet up with Mr.. Lee first, and
then while Anne visits him I'll get
shipshape and move over to your
place after dinner"
NEAL WON'T MEET HIM.
"That won't do" began Neal in
= .hesitsnt manner. Then he
Strengthened up and whipped out
his words brusQuely. I'm not go