The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-08-30
When 4 Girz
 MOrries
{Continued.)
CHATTER CCCyI"
By ANN LESLIE.

When l came back from my strange interview with Bertha, two cars stood where only my big limousine had been few moments before. ] didn't know whether to laugh or cry or lust to run away from this last cimplca- tlon to an already difficult situation The second car was Sheldon BIake's big gray Speedstef. and standing in the path chatting with the guests in Nay car, was Shelly himself There Was something unpleasant in the irony of fate that had brought him to thN old Harrison place on the very day wisan Virginia and Pat came into their owo again.
 There was no getting away from the fact that Shelly's attentions to Virginia had been very conspicuous, and I suspected that he wouldn't re- joice when he found out that she was reconciled to her husband. For a moment the gay and gallant Shelly looked to me like a ghost of some ones dead past. Then I pulled my self together, pinned my faith on Jim and went out to greet the latest ar rival.
 Directly I'd said a word of vel come to Shelly, Jim broke in, giving me my cue.
 Aren't Shelly and his empty car blessings, Amer" he explained Shelly heard over at Mason Towers that we were having a house party and thought he'd drive over to vel come the Harrisons home. And now if you'll persuade MT. Booth to join
 
 and her Neal won't have to trail along after us by train.''
 '@Will you be a good Samaritan ?" asked, "and give us your hospital ity, since we're not staying on to offer you the freedom of the old home stead?''
 You don't need me. You've your little car,' blundered Sheldon, and added in a. tone that told me Evvy had been playing pranks again. I don't want to intrude. Some of the Swiss Mission fellows were over at the Mason place, so I butted out let me butt in here by pretending you need me and my car. Anyway, I'll be the odd man.
 ''The little car has been spirited away by the Harrison family ghost, ' Val broke in with an arresting laugh. 'tBut Mrs. Harrison is in one of her restless moods this morning, so per haps she'll ride in your car, Mr. Blake. That would give her the change and variety she seeks, and keep you from feeling like the h6th wheel on your own auto-"
 will you so, honor me?" asked Sheldon. turning to me with mock gallantry-
 'I couldn't leave my own car on this first trip,' explained 'But if Mrs. Cosby is in a generous mood, she'll volunteer to preserve the bal ance in your car, Shelly Of course, can't put one of my guests out Mot out of your car, but out of your house." murmured Val, instant Iy transferring herself with She1ly's help from the blue auto to the gray one.
 This was the signal for general authorization, and I could imagine that Jim and Phoebe shared my re- lief when we were off at last. kept wondering if Pat would miscalculate his time and come sweeping up the driveway before we had swept down it But we got to the gate without mishap, and then Shel1y's car, which was in the lead, turned east instead of west and went back toward the crossroads. There was nothing for us to do but follow
 With dismay I realized that this change of direction would take us right by the inn. and that in all probability my little old car would be parked in the green which was clearly visible from the highway. However, there was an even chance that no one who wasn't in our secret would observe this. It seemed silly to be nervous about our change of direction. but I felt that Val. who was seated at She1ly's side, had some part in it.
 She didn't keep me in doubt, but began her campaign as soon as we were established in the dining room of the Mountain Inn, which was our rendezvous.
 Pretty little place that crossroads inn, isn't it, Aunt Mollie? I per suaded MT. Blake to drive by there as I thought we might stay the night and not cut our excursion short You know, Anne, dear, I came out all pre- pared not to go back to the city till Monday
 NO wonder you thought we were inhoSpitable," laughed Jim, 'Fbut we didn't mean to give the impression that the party was going to last that long. You know I have to be in my office on Mondays at least an hour before the opening of the market
 b,fS coli iS-r10 inc the subject and working toward ar objective as yet not clear. Funny thing, we were driving slowly, so could make sure I liked the inn, and l noticed car parked there which could have sworn was yours, Anne MT. Blake and I both thought we made out your initials on it. thougl the kiddieS were too absorbed in eact other to notice.
 How would my car get ovel there?" I temporized-
 That just what I wondered" re- piled Val sweetly. And then I re membered that you expected another guest, MT. Dalton. So thought wheI you changed your plans about stayins the day at-Dreamwold, perhaps you'd sent the car for him and giver him the freedom of the Inn instead Some little sleuth, aren't I, dear?"
 "What do you want to go romano ing around for Val when you've thi: wonderful duckling on your plate 9 demanded Lane.
 But Shelly pushed back the plate of wonderful duckling' and sa staring at me with a face gone sud denly livid.
 Don't tell me Pat Dalton is at tn 1nn!' he cried blundering miserabl! for the second time that day. '' put up there for breakfast and as drove in I'd have sworn I caught glimpse of Virginia fitting out of tn side entrance. They mustn't meet!
 Why not?" demanded Val, flash ing triumphant glance at me, whic changed to a look of provocation a she turned her 1anguorous eyes ful on sheldon. Surely you'd never D the one to divide two loving hearts separate husband wife, and all tha sort of thing? And if our little fair godmother, Anne, has reunited tn sufferers, you'll join me in rejoicin at the triumph of true love, won you?''
 I'd join you in anything" sai Sheldon with mechanical gallantr!