The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-30
BY fGGN0N E1ALL4-g2-- Y RATED BY ENoCH WILLIAMS -

that he smiled unconsciously and a grave twinkle came Into his eyes.
 Annette, superlatively conscious of everything Bob did, wondered whether he was gently laughing at her, and became even more deter mined that she should become so well acquainted with him that she would demand to know such exclu- sive little thoughts that registered themselves.
 So she laid the groundwork, fol- lowing cigars and black coffee, by suggesting that they all adjourn to the lawn where they could, figura- lively speaking. plan the house by moonlight.
 Bob, strictly business, and about to say that nothing whatever could thus be accomplished-t It was q daylight job absolutely-was halted by soft little pressure on the arm, and couple of eyes that registered a double dare to him not to do if.
 And so hesitation died upon his lips.
 He merely desired to know dryiy if he could get her wrap for her, the result being that she said mo" but rushed upstairs, to bring down a billowy nothing. never meant to keep anybody warm, but which merely added to her elusive pretti- ness.
 Mother and Father Kingston led the way into the starlight. Here with a series of gestures, made up- and-down or criss-cross, in the at mosphere, Bob was informed that the Klngstons fancied this or that would be about the idea"
 tzf and ended with thelr admitting their helplessness, and instructions to Bob that he should pay no attention to their uggestions-since they were not archtects-but to go ahead and fashion the house as he knew it would be most beautiful.
 The one accomplishment of the night was when. Annette being call cd to the telephone, Bob accompanied her to the house, and they were alone for few moments.
 Straight to the Subject
 Annette, who was no dissembler. plunged straight into the matter that was agitating her entire evening.
 T want to know, sir" she de- manded, why 1t Is that you are gently standing around making fun of mel"
 Bob wasn't. hut a sort of sober grin overspread his lips at the child ishness of the thrust.
 Why, Miss Kingston" he eiacu- lated, Pm positive I'm not guilty. r."
 Annette was never the person to deny her emotions.
 Don't Miss Kingston me-" she demanded, there hasn't been five minutes this whole evening that you haven't subtly smiled and had pri- vate convulsions about me. l won't be laughed at"
 Bob started to reach out and take hold of her two hands, but restr ained himself even before he had made any move in that direction.
 Why, child" he began
 But then strange thing happen ed. Into his minds eye came like a flash the picture of his mother strug- gling over a tub full of soapy clothes. What would Miss Annette think of that? She would probably snub the woman who had been re- sponsible for his existence. He had asked nothing of Annette Kingstont
 Bob strengthened. He became al- most stern.
 'I must beg your pardon, Miss Kingston he declared. flor any at- titude that may have appeared in- considerateA but lam sure that if you could read my mind. you could find nothing else than the highest regard for you"
 Which was the exact truth-but Annette did not wish things to go like this. The conversation had taken the wrong turn. She. struggled to extricate herself.
 With Gaiety
 Heavens" she laughed. "I didn't really mean the subject to become so serious. I am positive, regardless, that we are destined to become good friends, anyhow"
 And with quick little tug upon his arm, Annette. really fled to her parents so that further pursuit of the conversation would be impossi- ble. For she sensed that some kind of unknown barrier had been set up by the man.
 To Bob the spirit of the night was
 " J Y TX/