The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-08
When A Girl Marries
 By ANN LISLE.
By ANN LESLIE.
CHAPTER CCxCVII.


 Pleas, entreaStes, arguments all were in vain Virginia had become the victim of a, fixed idea She felt that the one big, generous thlng She could do for Pat was to give him his freedom. And she insisted on work ing toward that goal.
 Pat doesn't want his freedom!" I l cried in exasperation, after an end- less argument
 Virginia smiled. faintly. remotely, but with faith in her own superior judgment.
 "A divorce in the Harrison fam ily?" l ventured, calling a spade a spade in order to enlist the Harrison pride against Virginia '+The publicity and disgrace of a divorce! You'll en- dure that?"
 --- Again Virginia smiled. This time she wore the resigned smile of a martyr.
 "oh. dear, dear Jeanie, you can't mean to go through with this - pig throwing discretion to the winds. And besides. however, under the sun will you endure it alone out in Reno?
 I'll have Phoebe replied tir- ginia, breaking her own silence at
 '.You7l take her out there?" I cried. You'll separate her from Neal for six months? She won't en-
 Another smile. Exasperating. this one was It said plainly: 'NOh, won t she go? And pray what will she do instead %
 "She will not go,'' I said quietly in reply to the unspoken. 'tShe is capa- TbIe of revolt. Even now she is plan ming not to go with you on your nttle trip. She is over at our apartment now bag and baggage. Jeanie, Jeanie, dear-how many hearts are you go- ing to break?"
 Virginia gave me stare for stare. And for the moment there was all the old hostility in her eyes. Then they softened, misted over, and suddenly she was sobbing in my arms. Not the gentle Spring-Shower weeping Ot the average woman, but the wrench ing, tearing sobs that are a mans way of breaking down under grief. I held her close, batting her shoulder now and then, but saying nothing.
 At last she whimpered like child who doesn't know what to say: am I to do?"
 Just now you're to go to bed and let me order a tray for you. I think you ought to be alone and relax But if you like I'll stay, since Jim has Phoebe for the evening".
 Please stay" begged Virginia.
 I'll stay. but on one condition that is. you're to come to dinner with where Jim is concerned, and talk things over with the brother who loves you. Though. I will confess. fs so much like you that at times ne dissenlbles his love as pefecuy as you do-''
 Virginia smiled. wistfully.
 The Harrison pride again, I sup pose. I'll do one thing toward con hurt me the ether evening bv siding with Pat and f1inging the old home stead at me as if it were a penny for q begsar, I'll still give in and dine with you tomorrow night The nat ural thing for me to do is to agree to come only on condition that Jim asks me and begs my pardon for what happened to humiliate me thought I'd never be willing to set learned a lot today So I'll meet Jim half way. wen forget what happen cd. I'll come.''
 You darling." I cried. between joy and tears.
 DsIighted with what I'd accomplish ed. I hurried out to arrange with Amanda. for a tray of supper to b. served in Virginia's room. Then af- ter running a hot bath for poor. eN- irausted Jeanie. I left her and phoned Jim my plans. He agreed to dine with Phoebe and then to escort her homo "If Jeanies ready to meet ne half way, I'll beat her to it. he cried.
 Things moved rapidly and just as l had hoped after that. Jeanie was rested when Jim came. and thev fell into each others arms and had happy reconciliation that them closer than had seen them for months
 Phoebe. too. came in for her share If understanding and sympathy The i Harrison quartet was perfectly in tune. Nothing was said of what must come after. No plans for the future were made. The moment was per feet.
 When Jim and I were driving home | told him in detail the events of the i day. Including a report of Pats con versa ton. Then Jim had a big idea
 wen drop by at Pats now I know he's home because Neal tele- phoned Phoebe from there. We'll in vite him to dinner tomorrow night. | Jeanie's in wonderfully plant mood. And when she sees Pat as a climax to all that's gone before. and realizes that he was willing to come l SO much more than half way. every l tlSnr will be right as a trivet in a minute ! ventured.
 like whatr" demanded Jim.