The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-02-16
When 4 Girl
 Murries
By ANN IiIsLIR.

' if it will make you feel any better. I'll let you pay the tip.''
 Smiling in amusement at the turn of events which compelled me to lay out S5 cents from my diminishing store of change, I arose to lead the way from the dining room.
 At the entrance of the hotel, Daisy summoned a taxi.
 "Fd drop you if I weren't going in exactly the opposite direcdon.'' she said, adding, as she slimbed into the car. By the way. I'll take your ave nue and stay on. AS you say-if d man doesn't see me. how can he learn to love me?" And our To1nmie isn't the sort girl can vamp at long dis rance, any more than old Carl is.'
 'Daisy!'' I gasped. You mustn't"
 But the tad-drfver was ohuggins or Leaning out of the window Daisy waved a mocking hand
 In mingled vexation and astonish ment stood on the curb trying to get my bearings as Daisy's taxicab chugged away. Then I flung up my mead and set out for NeaIs apartment
 assured myself as I strode along that washed my hands of the silly little cat who couldn't possibly be as dangerous an enemy to any one else as to herself. But I knew perfectly well that in spite of my distaste for her Intrigue and innuendo I'd never be able to drop Daisy or leave her to her own dangerous devices.
 When l arrived at NeaPs I found my blessed young redhead up and dressed and walking about his living room. His steps were slow and un- steady, but he was as pleased with himself as if he'd just come in from winning a. marathon.
 Hello, Babbsie!" he shouted in a voice to which some of the fornel. timber had returned. Look at yoI1l, ancient Neal prancing around like a two-year old. Behold thim loungfng down and stealing a kiss from yorr pouting lipsi"
 You darlingi" cried. hugging him.
 That drive yesterday did you a world of good. didn't it?'
 Filled me with pep. ozone and ann- b1uon!" chuckled Neal. Why don't you come along today and watch my Phoebe trying to absorb all the bumps so I won't get jounced? It's great stuff. Babbsie. Does the girl love me? I'll Say she does. bless her! Better come and SC for yourself"
 'I can't, lad," I began with an un- easy moment of fear that the break between Phoebe and me was going to reveal itself now in spite of me. Then I saw my way out. ."Sit down and get ready to do some tall listening boy Your Babbsie has a great revelation to nake.''
 Must be some revelation if it's got to account for your turning down my perfectly good offer to come along to the park and watch me and the lamb kfns and the blades of grass wax mighty together in the sunshine.'' grumbled Neal.
 I'm going home to sew all day. said, p1unging into the middle of my story. I'm going to make three so- ciety-1ady dresses fit for the business wonan-I-er-once W was" And are you going to be agatn?' demanded Neal.
 I bowed my head. ready for another of those storms that have dashed about me each time I reveal my intentions to one of the family. Suddenly felt Meals hand grip mine. He slid near CT to me on the big couch and his free arm flung itself about my shoulders. You briclxr' cried Neal. I sagged right down into his arms 1 and wflrat did for the moment or two wasn't strictly business-Iike. But it was only for a moment or two. Then I strengthened up and asked: You approvef"
 
 the balolt box. I'll bet it's been slow torture for girl with your brains to sit around doing nothing all these weeks since Jim went away. No home to run. Nothing but a bunch of am noyances to handle Now you want something to fill the days and keep you from thinking how darn lonesome you are for Jimmie. Am I right"
 You're dear!" said. stTtYn yfefhf far Iva eyoTa Yr7FY&- tered Neal. And I don't know that you want me to go so darn much fur ther. We1l-you can call 8 halt if start to trespass. But 1t strikes me | the office may not be paying very well during Jin's absence and-you might need the money"
 "I couldn't be very poor with that wonderful rental coming in from my | apartment could I?'' I replied eva sive1y. And beside-though I'm tell | ing you this in strict confidence-Pve been getting weekly check from the office. No. lad. your first guess was the best. can't stand idleness. Pm going back to Haldane's." Have you made satisfactory ar engagements fhere ?' asked Neal in his most familiar voice.
 Splendid. I'll be able to save money before long" I laughed. | That's great, Babbs. Pm for you stronger than ever, old dear!" cried | Neal You've more pep and energy than 999 out of a. 1000 women. You can stand on your own. You know how to take care of yourself, Babbs And I'm proud of you" | Neal stopped abruptly and could SC that some new idea had arrested 1 him. He turned and looked at me searchingly.
 .Then wouldn't be stacker if I cleared out of town and went home to do my canva1escing? You actually don't need me, do you dear?" he ex- claimed.
 Homes the very place for you ' cried radiantly. It'll do you worlds of good to get some of the clear. coun- try. home air. And there's Father Andrew"
 "Yep. Thought of that. He may need me. If you don't-if there Isn't | anything
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