The Washington herald., 1921-04-18
LXXXV-CHECK!

LAAAN-thnNhS
1t was Edith who Inadvertently
spoiled ,Nancy's plan for returning
to New York on . later train than
that taken by DR.. Langwen.
At breakfast the following morn
ing the doctor carelessly an
nounced:
Il shall be taking a run to New
York, Edith, for an operation on
the president of the Trust Com
pany. Will you see that my bag is
sent down to the hospital in time
for me to catch the Twentieth Cen
tury?'
But, dear, IL it's not urgent, why
not wait over and go with Nancy?
said Edith quickly. She insists on
leaving New York today, and she is
going to take the Lake Shore so
that she can attend Fleurette's fu-
neral with me-"
The doctor laid down his fork and
surveyed Nancy deliberately. There
was a peculiar little CLEAN in his
eyes: it was partly amusement and
partly anger. To Nancy, his glance
seemed to say: $50, you thought
you'd give me the slip, eh?"
Nancy was biting her lip in vexa-
tion. She wondered why she had
been so stupid as to forget that
Edith might inadvertently spoil her
plans.
"Of course" she amended hastily,
Il may not even leave at all today.
1t depends on Curtis and Connie. 1
want to 60 back with them as it
bores me frightfully to travel
alone"
You're not particularly compli-
mentary to me-" remarked the doc
tor. II would be quite willing to
stay over for a later train This
operation is not a matter Of life and
death"
"oh, no, you mustn't let me incon-
venience you." insisted Nancy. "rll
try to adjust my plans to Comics.
II 1 don't succeed, it won't matter
terribly. I made the trip to Chi
cago alone"
She had a swift mental vision of
that trip when she went eagerly to
meet Gerry with hope high in her
heart of several perfect days before
he should leave for Peru. The only
shadow on her bright horizon had
been the attention of Maj. Des-
mond, whose books, and flowers
were scattered about her stateroom-
She was recalled from her mo-
mentary reverie by the doctors
mOning a servant
Get Mrs Stanley on the phone
at the Blackstone" he told the
maid who appeared. ASK her IL she
is leaving for New York today and
Will -
Lake Shore. Tell her that DR.. Lang
wells secretary will look to the res
ervations."
Nancy opened her mouth to pro-
test, but a glance at the doctors
determined face made her change
her mind. She sank back in her
chair with a sense of utter help
lessness.
There was no way to combat him
when he played the game openly
across the boards with Edith as an
audience.
Breakfast progressed in silence.
The doctor was buried in his paper:
Edith ate her grapefruit absently.
her pose more listless than ever.
She seemed like one utterly de-
tached from the world, listlessIy
watching life pass by.
Nancy herself was too angry to
eat. Her resentment against the
high-handed way the doctor was
managing her affairs was almost
beyond bounds. She realized now
why Edith was like an automaton
moving when the master hand
pulled the strings.
The maid came back from the
telephone
Mrs. Stanley says that she will
be glad to go to New York with
Mrs. Burrard on the Lake Shore. She
wishes to thank DR.. Langwell for
having his secretary get reserva-
uons, as Mr.. Stanley is not well
today"
Nancy looked at the doctor.
The self-satisfied, complacent
smile, which she loathed, played
about his mouth.
See you at the train at $500
he remarked as he arose and tossed
asiie his napkin. I'VE three should
have a pleasant trip