The Washington times., 1921-03-22
By Kathleen Norris.
Author Of "Mother,o SThe Heart Of
Rachel.o "Sisters" and Other
Famous Stories.

AsSCAcss' "Sholef8" 0m0 OtneH
Famous Stories.
1T had been unlike the radiant
bethrothals of other girls It
= was kept secret all these years.
For Patricia's father was an invalid
and Sidney was only a wretched
restless clerk in ms uncle's coffee
and spice warehouse. He had
gravitated between his mothers
Eastern home and his own for
some years. He seemed as unstable
as he was unprosperous. But
through Patricia's constant loyalty
the interest of Con Hamilton had
been enlisted, ana presently the
ecstatic Sidney had an attic studio
and financial freedom for his work.
Then Farchester began to know
him for what he was, and began to
appreciate his wild and unique
charm. In the dull time of her
life with. Aunt Louise, and through
all the hard times. Patricia's hap
piest hours had been spent in his
company. The time came, three
years ago now, when he must go
to Paris, and for two years Far
chester heard only echoes of his
success And he came back, and
Patricia began to taste the reward
of her faith and her waiting.
Only these two knew the joy of
their renewed friendship, the ex-
quisite hours Of music. of talk and
of silence, they had shared. Still
preserving their secret, they be-
gan confidently to plan for the
near future. when Sidney should
have just trifie more assured
work ahead. and when Patricia
should come to share the big
studio with him, and step with
him into the world of struggling,
achieving And struggling anew for
which she SO longed.
And then-out of a clear sky.
Helena! and Helen's problem Sid
was was rare; Helena was COM
monplace. Sidney was generous;
Helena was narrow and jealous.
Sidney helped all the world;
Helena would not even help ner-
sself. 1t was a deadlock. For two
months the situation had been
growing daily less and less endur-
able for them all. Helena was al
ways sweet with Patricia, but
never confidential or spontaneously
friendly She baffled Patricia. dis
liked her.
They talked OF Heiend so", 40
they walked.
"She wants to go to New York."
Sidney said despondently. u swear
j don't know what to do"
Helena, it appeared, was in touch
now with old friends who we're
shortly to play a short vaudeville
engagement in Farchester, and
they were anxious to have her take
Va thRv
returned to New York for the sea-
son. One of Sidney's artist friends
there had most opportuncly offered
him his studio. The question that
Sidney and Patricia had been dis
cussing for days was whether 1t
would not be wiser for him to do.
to establish himself and Helena. and
then to have Patricia go to him to
be married in the spring. -
II can get started there as quick
ly as here" he argued, land think
of the difference In the future! II
/ charge q hundred and fifty for
portrait here l can get five hundred
there" 80,
New York." she unused. II
don't know, Sid-perhaps 1t would
be wisest after all!" s.. .
ut would mean that we could
snap our fingers at Deerbridge." he
said thoughtfully.
"Forever" Patricia laughed at
her own fervent tone. 1T would
mean that l took the Palmer OFFER"
she added. ''I'll make hay while
the sun shines. With you gone. and
myself going. / can do anything
now" .f
A BOTCH OF LIFE.
Suddenly and eager, they planned
IL. Not in years had their plans
been so definite and so immediate.
Heretofore, Patricia had silenced
him when talk of a fresh separa-
ton had seemed the reasonable
thing. But tonight she seemed
suddenly brave for the sacrifice,
and almost anxious to have the
time of waiting and work begin.
"Ill see IL Helena likes these
bosses" Sidney said, at the gate.
If she does. and they really en-
gage her. then wen plan to go
.nd' go now!"
II dol do truly think that's the
best way" Patricia conceded. "a
She was looking up In the dim