The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-12

include the word obey, replied his little bride, laughing. You're very primitive, Dick, my dear. l shall be- gin to be afraid of you"
 Thereafter they discussed their va rious plans. Dick, manlike, was sfsli for Mary leaving the White Lodge immediately
 This Mary would not do.
 I'll give MT. Bellairs one week 8 notice. Sweetheart, that's ony fair" she protested. Darlington Bellairs might be capable of some shady moves, and yet she did not want to let him down.
 Shall you tell him that we're mar ried, or shall F" querled the happy bridegroom.
 "Oh. Dick, it would seem so-so cruel-to poor Evel My conscience is beginning to hurt me- Poor Eve indeedw calculated Dick. Mary, that girls deserving of no pity, let me tell you. She's a de- signing little mink" Mary knew this to be true. Yet she could find 1t in her kindly heart heart to pity Eve. For Eve pos sessed no Dick.
 T suggest that we wait for a whole week before we make any an- tEouncement," said Mary, knitting her pretty brows together. That will give us both time--you to break off with Eve--and l to give official notice to Mir Bellairs I-I hope, he won't take it very badly when he hears I'm married He--'' r"of course, the chap adores you. sweetheart" Dick assured her, but don't worry your pretty little head about him. He's not worth it. He's shady in his dealings. Mary You know it. You'll be well rid of him.
 'I'il be glad to leave the White Lodge" Dick, said Mary simply. But there's one debt of gratitude that owe Mr. Bellairs.' NWhat is 1t, sweetheart?" Because--through him---I met you. Dick~'
 Dick at this juncture became quite incoherent. He was blissfully happy. Mary had thousand little ways and mannerisms that endeared her to nm. Her sweet half-smile, so ques- uoning and so tender--the soft, ris- ing cadence of her voice-the way She had of looking up through her long lashes at him, innocently provo lcatiye-her merry laugh, so frequent -her shrewd common sense-her lit- He air of quiet self -possess iona | trick she had of smuggling close against his shoulder-all these | ways" entwined Mistress May round his heart!
 They were in quieter. secluded part of the park. They walked for quite a while in silence. Then:
 Mary, wish I were millionaire, so that l could give you everything In the world that the heart of a woman could desire!" Her bride groom spoke with vehemence. Dick.
 I'm going to work hard for you,' he went on. Ignoring her little side remark "Meantime,' I want to speak 10 You about my diamond. It was gwen me in Kimberley. as told you once It's very valuable. A chap once offered me f2,00o for it. and refused"
 But. Dick. you're not to sell its' came his young brides protest. T won't permit you to make sacrifices for me, indeed l won't"
 Then I insist on making you a present of the diamond. It's our wedding present, sweetheart. Here it Is. give 1t to you"' They were walking across the grass close to the water now And Dick slipped something hard and glittering into Marys hand. At that precise moment ray of sunlight caught the precious stone and made ] it radiate with a thousand flashing l fires.
 "Oh, Dick how beautiful" Mary s I eyes were fascinated by the dia- monds scintillations. Its exquisite. but it frightens me!' Her hand shook as she held the precious stone. Its yours, my dear, entirely yours. give it to you.
 Tomorrow-The Stealthy Hand. l (Copvrirht 1921 by the Mcclure