The Washington herald., 1921-07-16
CHAPTER GILLIAN UNEx-
PECTED ARRIVAL.

Nancy went slowly upstairs.
Comics words: "Oh. do go away"
were repeating themselves again
and again in her ears. 1t seemed to
her that the world was crumbling.
II was now twice within the week
that she was leaving the house OF
one of her best friends. accused of
an affair with her husband.
This time, she knew, she would
not come back.
Anger against the stanleys was
beginning to flare up in her heart
at last.
II she had been guilty Of
moments sentimental thought re-
rarding Curtis, the whole situation
would have been different. She
would have been put on the defen-
sive.
As il was, she was a martyr.
She took a certain peculiar salts
faction in her position. Moreover,
she was convinced that she had been
the victim of one of Curtis Stanley's
practical jokes. She resolved to do
nothing. to say nothing she would
regret. until she had threshed the
matter out
Once again she ordered Comics
maid to pack. Serious as the situa-
tion was, she could not resist a gig
gle.
She was almost becoming accus-
toned to quick departures from the
homes Of her friends. Her vaga-
bond state was getting to be habit.
Suddenly remembering the Hard
ings occupying her rightful home
in SNUG complacence, rage boiled
mp in her heart. 1t was probably
suppressed rage against the stan
leys, but il seized upon. the Hard
ings as Its target.
In an Illuminating flash. she won
dered why she had been such an
idiot as to allow Peggy Lewis's rela-
tives to impose upon her hospitality
in so amazing manner.
Shall I call a taxi. Mrs. Burrard?"
enquired the maid. when the last
strap was adjusted on Nancy's lug
gage.
Yes. But first get ~rne my own
apartment on the phone"
Peggy Lewis's voice answered
Nancy's hello" when the girl hand
ed her the instrument.
oh, is that you. Nancy" Peggy's
voice was as cool as a tinkle of ice
in a glass. You seem to have been
avoiding me. lately. However. I dare
say that's natural under the cir
cumstances
What do you mean by that?' de-
msnded Nancy.
Peggy giggled-
What an innocent young thing
she is! Little birds sometimes tell
tales. you know. Nancy dear. II j
were you. / wouldn't be QUITE so
ingenuous-that is. not il / wanted
to lead a precarious existence"
You never take any of your own
advice. do you, Peggy said Nancy
sweetIy. What have you been do
ing with yourself lately? Shopping.
] suppose? How big a check did
you get out Of Langwell?"
There was a moments silence at
the other end of the phone; then
Peggy stammered:
"wh-what do you meanT
Never mind. dear Little birds
sometimes tel IdlcS' ihOChCu -'oANs
Did he tell-the cad!" snapped
Peggy Lewis.
Most men are cads. dear. You'll
f,nd that out in time il you marry
q sew more of them. But / didn't
-aH you up to discuss men and
morals. Connie is well now and I'm
coming home to live. / shall ar
rive n about half an hour. Will you
please inform your in-laws that
wish full possession of my apart
rgcnt by this time tomorrow
81 cut off Peggy's voluble pro-
-ess NV the simple expedient of
ha1Slne up the receiver.
EattCd and gloved for the street.
she was descending the stairs. fol-
H-aed by the maid with her hand
iuEzIge, when a servant opened the
.-~-. door to admit a visitor.
II vas Edith LanGwell!