The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-02
CHAPTER I. Teuny,S Dilemma,

l I9nney WdtCheQ the OmN on ship and pier. There was nobody | ing engagement to fill nor outgoing 1 train to catch. Then his gaze fell up- | on a young woman, who, it suddenly 1 occurred to him, might be well worth 1 crossing an ocean to meet Her face attracted him; clear skinned, broad 1 of forehead, de1icately molded of fea- ture. Manifestly, the girl was in search of somebody. 1 He saw her move from one group to another; he noted her hale and l question a hurrying steward. The man nodded in what seemed to Ten ney to be his own direction. The girl turned quickly. l She moved toward him. 1 Sympathy stirred Penney. She meant to speak to him, and she dread ed the task: Impulsively he stepped 1 forward. The young man bowed. "Yes; I'm MT. Tenney,'' he said. 1 Hubert Tenney.'' | He smiled. and shook his head. 1 Herbert. not Hubert "Oh! But the list said Hubert-it was so in all the papers." In an instant Penney was treated | to the surprise of his life. The girls arms were about his neck; her cheek was pressed close to his. Her lips 1 touched his ear | Help me out! I beg you, pretend you know me! Pretend, pretend!' Penney dutifully strove to play his part. He slipped an arm about her 1 waist, and drew her closer. At your command.' he told her. | ''Tu prented-oh, yes; I'll do any thing!'
 You've known me-oh, for ages l and ages! We've been engaged, we're | engaged now!' | I'll stand by you.' he said. "Only you must tell me" But she had slipped from his arm and was facing a stout woman, who | had come close to them. 1 This is Hubert, Mrs. Dunton," she said simply. l "Hubert-at last!" | The elderly woman spoke with an 1 ecstatic gasp, and rolled her eyes amazingly. Then she clasped him to | her capacious bosom, and kissed him | with resounding smack. This done she released him. She smiled expansively if mistily. 'I knew he wouldn't mind, Marg- aret, and I just had to kiss him. Why, | it was like meeting an old friend. You've shown me so many of his let ters, you know, and such delightful letters they were, too! An, you're a charming correspondent, Hubert!'' Penney coughed deprecatingly. and nurmured something a bit incoher- ent.
 The girl slipped a hand through his ! arm a pretty manner of proprietor ship. Spare his b1ushes, Mrs. Dun toni" she said lightly. Mrs. Dunton surveyed the pair with frank approval. Well, you do look as if you were just made for each
  ask you to excuse me for a moment. You'll want to have Hubert to your self. and I can see him when he comes out to TemplevaIe." 'But you'll lunch with me--with us," Penney interposed. With greatest pleasure!" the lady answered heartily. wen go to Lavelli's,'' spoke up the girl. ''He can join us there, Mrs Dunton. You see. Hubert, Mrs. Dun ton and I have things to do'. Mrs. Dunton, however. was already turn ing away.
 And now I'll run along" The girls hand dropped from Ten i ney's arm.
 If it will not inconvenience you" she said evenly, 'I should like to re-
 main here for a little. It will help to perfect the-the illusion" 'Whose victims include myself,'' Penney suggested. Tt was ecessary-absolute1y ne- 1 cessary-that I should meet a Hubert Tennev." T tried my best to be Hubert Please don't treat this as a joke. It's a serious affair-terribly serious for me- She spoke hastily. determined, per haps defiantly. The young man | smiled. but the smile did not reach 1 his eyes
 Pardon Herbert question Is | there any Hubert-in the flesh ?" There was open defiance in her voice. ''The question is unwarranted: I shall not answer it.
 There she checked herself. For give me! I'm showing slight remem- brance of the great favor you've done me. Now that it is all over--'' Penney broke in impatiently. Par don me! It's just beginning-for me. When we meet at 1unch-''
 We are not going to meet again. You are not to be at Laveli's at one o'clock.
 ''Oh, but I am!'' For an instant she hesitated. NO; MT. Penney. Promise me you won't come to Lavellis.''
 There was a plea in her tone and still more potent appeal in her eyes. IL caught 1enney ana held him. Tiff there were any way-any body to present me more convention ally" he began, but she stopped him.
 There is no way-nobody''
 Penney was gazing into those com polling eyes. II promise he said slowly and with all reluctance 'Tu break the luncheon engagement. But l won't promise not to hope I shall meet you again.
 ''The promise you had given proves you most surely my true friend" she said 'The promise you won't give isn't necessary Believe me, our paths lie far apart"
 CHAPTER H.
 The Defamatory Letter.
 For twenty four hours Herbert Ten ney meditated.
 Penney smoked and drifted into day dreams. and in the smoke rings he saw a face.
 His pledge had been limited to fT,e