South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-03-30

held my breath tensely nervous
" as I waited for Dicky's reply to
Rita Brow's audacious request for
the return to her OF Maj. Grant
lands wonderful coat.
Instinctively I felt that under
meath my husbands tender care Of
me in my sudden illness lay the
same aversion to Maj. Grantland
which had troubled me before. That
the feeling was intensified whenever
he saw the luxurious cloak which
the officers thoughtfulness had pro-
vided for my motor journey to New
York / knew from an involuntary
glance or two L had seen him give
it. What answer would this secret
irritation lead him to give to the
selfish, vulgar girl accosting him?
I anxiously hoped that it would be
nothing which would betray his real
feeling toward Maj. Grantland. That
would delight Rita Browns mis-
chief making soul. But with his
first words 1 realized that, whatever
his real feelings. Rita Brown would
not be allowed the slightest clue to
them.
"Can that comedy, Rita I heard
him drawl. Where do you get that
line about the coat Grantland lent
your" He stressed the pronOun al
most insOlently. There's only one
coat not our own in here, and that's
the one old Hughie tOoklalong when
he motored down to Marvin to bring
Madge to New York"
Il know" the girl retorted de-
family, "but he afterward lent It to
me"
AT your old tricks again. aren't
YOU Rita?" Dicky said, and there
was an understanding in his voice
that set me wondering. But you
ought to know better than to try
anything on me, and let me give
you a pointer-don't bank too much
on old Hughes guilelessneSs. I'll
admit he's a naive soul in some
things, but-he's seen your type in
action before. so go a bit wary. Now
run along, for this tea viii be get
ting cold
nc DcAoHEA AAAA 0AEAA TIC W. 49,
in time TO prevent his mother from
snatching the tray from his hands.
Her dislike Of Rita Brow and her
solicitude for me had intensified her
natural Impotence at the delay.
There was no need for speculation
as TO the feelings Of Miss Brown.
The door had not closed quickly
enough TO shut out the imprecation
which the girl fairly spat out at
rim.
Curse you!" she whispered
enormously. careful even in her
wrath 70 keep her voice discreet
and Dicky laughed lightly as he
bore the tray TO the side Of the
berth
I'm afraid I put poor Rita in
bit Of wax" he said. but che needs
a warning. She'll never manage 10
work Hughie for that cloak no mat
ter how she manOeuvres.
'DickyI'
Richard"
His mother and I gasped his name
together. You don't mean that
she"
Would accept the gift OF that
cloak?" Dicky replied carelessly.
VIII a cat steal cream? You don't
know Rita Brown"
Nor do I want to- snapped his
mother, who had been busying her
self in pouring out and preparing
my cup Of tea. NOW, Richard sit
back Of Margaret, and prop her up
against your shoulder while I feed
her this"
For the next few minutes I re-
yelled IN the comfort Of the wonder
ful care and attention given me 1
felt much refreshed by the hot food.
but I was weaker than I thought.
And when I had disposed Of the tea
and toast I found that I was glad
enough 20 be lowered from Dicky's
arms TO my pillow again.
Tired, grip DiclSy asked solicit
tously.
a little" 1 admitted. smiling at
him.
How are we going 10 get her off
this train?" he demanded worrie6ly
Of his mother.
There are enough Of you 10 carry
her off IL necessary she mapped,
"but"-as she. saw my involuntary
look OF alarm-"that won't be