The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-23
CHAPTER VIII

Annette Kingston had decided that ded to her fathers house and per- gola Of colonial style that only Bob Landoh could construct.
 As a matter of fact. Annette had never thought of having such addi- tions to her home until she met Landon.
 Building home would furnish a nice easy way to become perfectly chummy with man she found inter- esting, and the experience would form a diversion in her merry, young life. Charles Kingston. the father. sprang to his feet with a wide smile and a cordial hand for the architect. You're as elusive as the proverb- ial will-o'- the wisp," announced he. but now that l have you, you shall not escape"
 Did He Fnowf
 Of course, Bob Lahdon could not have met his kindliness with anything other than the utmost cordiality But he could not help but wonder whether Annette had told her father of their encounter.
 If she had. Bob could not detect it III his demeanor.
 As a matter of fact, Annette had told her father, but had related the circumstances as so casual matter that Mr. Kingston had received no indication that she determined to find out what sort of individual Bob was
 The old man convinced Bob of this in a moment by plunging into his subject in this manner:
 Look here," said Kingston. T came down to ask you to do me great favor. Mrs. Kingston and my daugh- ter. Annette who. l believe she said, once met you quite casually. are making my life miserable for an ad- dition to that shack of ours. In fact. since they have thought about it, the place is not habitable any longer. and they want to get a species of Atmosphere that the dwelling does not possess.
 Just between ourselves, I think its all of these new buildings you are putting up that has caused the trouble. Thus I must appeal to you, the instigator of the cause. to help me remedy the result"
 In spite of himself. Bob could not help but be pleased, since the shack" MT. Kingston had mentioned, was one of the most artistic and ex- pensive homes in Greater Birming- ham.
 His Art Speaks
 But Bob, who had often passed the place, knew that he could give 1t grester distinction with few al terations and additions. For despite its really handsome appearance, 1t always impressed one with sense of stockiness, and a suggestion of gloom. It was more or less Fifth avenue mansion set down in 8 grove. It did not forbid entrance, but 1t did not invite it. Inside there was warmth and prettiness. Bob felt sure, but 1t would be like opening secret door. You could not guess what you would find until you passed through.
 Kingston hurried on.
 T hardly know what it is that they want, but, like most women. they want 1t now. And, old man, I'm getting out of town tonight for the next three weeks, and I'll be an un- popular member of the household if I don't get you out there tonighr haven't given. you any preparation, but could you hop into the machine with me now and go on out? You will have dinner with us. and after wards we can get sort of lire-up on the deal. That is. if you'll ac- cept the commission-and you're the only one they want
 Bob became the architect at once.
 He actually desired to do that job. He was aware, of course, of the prestige that it would lend him to re- construct the Kingston house-but. most of all, it was the art in his makeup which cried out to be given it's opportunity.
 A Long Trip
 But I'm dusty and dishevelei," apologized Bob. T look like tramp. Tvo been to Cahaba valley. I could not go like ths.''
 T know.' said Mir. Kingston, but I'm positive that won't count with the ladies, just so long as I bring you along"
 q"Tell you what I'll do." said Bob. T wouldn't go. anyway, without stopping by a moment to see mother.