The Washington times., 1922-05-13
Adventure
WHEN A GIRL MARRIES
Ralph Lacy, to Whom Anne Talks Ad-
vertising, Proves to Be a Clever
Young Man-Max HOadiey Calls.

peace OF pebbled garden under
big. spacious canopies.
Here's a letter which speaks for
ITSELF" said, giving, Mabel Toms
note.
That bit about a black fox pelt
was a good way OF covering Dicks
identity without Disgusting 1t he
yond recognition. wasn't it?" she
asked. Tom Mason's clever. Good
stuff
For a while we chatted about
Tom and the Dick West situation.
Then Mabel took a tentative STEP
toward our own immediate con-
Germs, asking: Everything serene
at the office, AHne:"
"Oh. yes" ! replied carelessiy,
glad that I needn't trouble he"
with the worries which only f,w
hours ago had threatened to
swamp me. We're about to make
go of it,"
80 are we" replied Mabel.
But I've an idea either OF US
could do with bit more ready
cash. II I get any in the bank
again and you need II. I'm sure
you'll not hesitate to take it,"
IT might confessed. You'll
see why If you think about II for
a minute. This return OF mine to
business has taken place withou.
Jim's sanction. So there's every
reason why shouldn't let you
jeopardize the success of James n.
Harrison & Co. to aid in the sue
cess OF A. L. H."
Men are like that, aren't they"
chucked Mabel.
"They are" ] agreed. And,
speaking OF how folks are. satisfy
my curiosity. Any news from the
Cordovan branch of our familv7'
None whatever" smiled Mabel.
"And I rise on this occasion to
remark that I'm mighty glad to
hear you taking that wholesome.
semi-facetious tone in regard to
mysterious yet romantic Southern
element Of our organization"
Maybe the mystery makes the
romance" I laughed. and so we
finished our luncheon on light
note.
On leaving Mabel hurried
down to the Star. \ was ad-
mitted without delay. found
Mr.. Lacy a surprisingly young
man for his position. but my first
amaZement gave way to under
standing after I'd talked to him
a while.
His lghtest gray eyes which
have far-away fashion Of star.
ing out over the head Of the per.
son to whom he's talking. can
focus to keen steel points when
he is carried away by his sub
ject. The general effect of being
dust -colored and nondesc~ipt Is re.
lieved by clean, glowing com.
plexion which seems the key
note Of Mr.. LaCy's boyish per
sonality.
We'll put this Derringforth ad
vertising campaign over with fly
ing Colors," he declared. "or my
names not Ralph Lacy"
why! I actually believe you!
Il gasped.
Mr.. Lacy laughed. clinChing our
friendly understanding, and when
] said good.by, II was with the
feeling that I'd made a pleasant
business friend. | hurried back
to my office determined to take
advantage OF my own pleasan'
mood and Fate's kindly one. Miss
May had taken my advice and
her departure. I worked on and
on, making out checks in pay
ment OF my bills Strengthening
out affairs which pawning my
ring had given me the funds TO
adjust.
The bright light OF afternoon
famed out into the brillianCe q
sunset. Still ! went on working
in the quiet OF a building from
which every one but I had un
doubtedly departed fully an houl
ago. | liked the quiet of the usu
ally bumming building. liked
my sense of seClusion.
Suddenly it was broken by the
sound of a heavy football As ]
swung around a voice croaked:
Don't be frightened, lady. It's
only the old reliable Max Hoad-
ley. What luck to find YOU
alone"
There was a barely perceptible
pause before the last word.