The Washington herald., 1921-09-11

was the next best thing to the son he him
self had never had. She herself had never
given him a child. though he had been more
than father to the helpless baby Dorothea
had been when her mother remarked Be
yond doubt William Hutton would have
legally adopted his nephew. Beyond doubt.
he would eventually have loved and depended
upon him. But she had prevented all thai.
How il Aunt Gardiner" Dick asked at
last.
Mot wen. SHE'S an old woman now. Dick
she's almost seventy. You know, she mar
ried father late In iife. You hsys no hard
feelings toward her. have your she added
wistfully. ..
You bet haven't I never had-reaIfy.
many women who would want an unframed
cub thrust into their lives as was thrust
into hers And you've never forgotten
you for one day." he added slowly. You
were only eight-but you were mighty fond
of your Dickie. weren't your
Il adored you. I cried myself sick when
you left. And how ordered you around and
made you fetch and carry for me while you
were with us"
Il was your willing slavei"
They laughed together. Dorothea wiped
her eyes.
%, Dickie." she murmured, 1T Is good
to see you again! I can't give you any idea
how good It seemsl It's incredible that
didn't know you at once" she wept on
thoughtfully. tive thought Of you so stead
lily all these years. and surely should have
remembered those eyes and that curly hair.
They haven't changed much. though you've
grown into such a giantl"
He leaned toward her. pulling his stin COL
lar away from his throat with the abrupt
gesture already so familiar.
There's something on my chest he said
Il want TO get It on quick Last year read
in an eastern newspaper that drtfted my way
that you were working with this firm because
before uncle died he had lost all his money.
Was that-huer Had her
Dorothea bent her head - ga
yes"
And you've taken care Of yourself and
your mother ever sinos1" he persisted gently
Yes; for the last eight years"
TELL me about It"
-There isn't much to ten. was lucky to
be able to do It OF course We had a few
hard years. till got my training" she con-
fessed.
but it's been all risht-since thenr-
= yes"
He drew a quick breath.
That takes a weight Of. I didn't know
anything about Uncle wills DEATH" he re-
peated. speaking more naturally. e TIL long
time after IT happened. and that article didn't
say anything about his losses. When I final
ly heard the truth 1 wanted to come East
right OF. But it was Just the turning point
for my affairs and didn't dare to leave.
However. I'm here now" He stood up.
%. are you goins-so soonf'
He smiled down at her.
I'm going to take you out to dinner, II
you1l CO."
ia love to-" Dorothea hesitated. But I
mustn't" she decided. with regret. Mothers
having one of her attacks. I've got to get
home.", As she spoke her memory took q
swift night over the modest dinner menu She
had written out for Nora that morning.
You come home and dine with me-" she
added urgently. Mother won't be able to
come to the table. but she will want to have
q glimpse Of you after dinner. She hal
changed a great DEAL" she repeated. Il am
sure you and she can meet kindly
Aof course we can," he buoyantiy declared
He strode over TO the coat rack In the corner.