The Washington herald., 1921-04-25

XCI-THE RETURN TO TOWN.
Phillip Harding devoted himself
70 assiduously to Nancy on the trip
% New York that Connie Stanley
and DR.. LangwelI were completely
dependent upon each other for di-
rersion.
The latter quite obviously refused
o contend with Harding for
Sancy's smiles, but he showed his
bique, none the less-to Nancy's
wicked enjoyment. She deliberately
iirted with Harding and succeeded
n subjugating him to a fetch and
larry" attitude by the time Grand
central was reached.
DO you know, it's rather nice to
De homer" she said with a deep
,reath, as she went through the
sates into the familiar concourse
With its azure vaulted roof.
You'll change your mind when
rou'ye seen your apartment" Con-
iie reminded her grimly.
The doctor chuckled.
Somebody's always taking the
'oy out of life. Let's put a little
azz into it ourselves. What do
Fou say that we all go out to dine
md dance somewhere"
Though his suggestion was gen.
sral. he looked pointedly at Nancy.
Harding declined on the plea of
business engagement; Connie
Stanley declared that she was too
weary to think of anything but q
aegligee and slippers.
sh he to
include Nancy in her declination. the
after who had secretly intended to
'efuse also, promptly changed her
mind.
Il call that a splendid suggestion,
Doctor" she declared. amused at
Comics fruitless efforts to catch
Ter eye. ''It will be awfully nice
20 dance after being cooped up in
rain for twenty-four hours. I'd
ike to run up to my apartment
:hough, to change into a dinner
gown that I'm particularly fond Of"
Il wouldn't, if l were you," said
Connie. You'll probably find the
whole Harding clan there-er-that
=" with a hasty glance at Philip
Iarding-"Mr. Harding's parents are
probably still occupying your
II NOul0 Dt 50
more sensible for you to wait until
'omorrow. You're staying with me,
anyway. you know"
Il really didn't intend to-" pro-
tested Nancy. I'm sure Mr.. and
Mrs. Harding won't mind my ar
living without being announced.
The place is quite big enough for
all of us
You have been awfully kind to
my family. Mrs. Burrard." cut in
Philip Harding. Il couldn't think
pf trespassing on your hospitality
further. Let me gather up mother
and the governor and take. them to
4 hotel"
Absurd Nancy dismissed his Of
Ter. Lets start somewhere, I'm
fearfully hungry. and by the time
i've changed and DR.. Langwell has
got me to a restaurant, 1 shudder
At what the check will be-"
Then. for Gods sake let's hurry"
said the doctor with mock alarm.
ii PrJpeIeI them all out to the
taxi stand.
May ring you up tomorrow,
Mrs. Burrard?'' asked Philip Hard
ing in an undertone.
Nancy nodded. flashing him an en-
couraglnS smile.
Il dare say that is all that l shall
be permitted to do. You're so pop
ular that it is too much to expect
you to dine with me in the near
future"
We'll. of course. If it hadn't been
Tor that business engagement of
yours tonight" Nancy flung back
over her shoulder as she stepped
.nto the waiting machine.
The look of eagerness in his
face amused her. She had had no
intention whatever of dining with
Philip Harding, but she could not
resist encouraging him.
Connie bade her goodnight with
the air of a missionary who sees a
savage convert returning to heather
worship.
The doctor followed Nancy into
the cab. waved goodbye to Connie
and Harding. and closed the door
with an unmistakable air of
triumph.
AT last I've got NSu all to my
self for = whole evening" he said.
rompIscently.