The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-24
She stopped moment. euldentIv IL

SHe seoppeu moment, evidently lis- 'enins to something he was saving.
 NeNer mind saying nice things to me. How soon can you be over?"
 hVloentiy he was coming at once, Tor Ria answered.: "All right. Virgie and I will be up and ready to see you"
 The receiver went back on the hook with a bang and I heard hur- red preparations for dressing as Ria called to me from her room: Herb will be here in a half hour and you must be ready for him"
 All right l am almost dressed now. already have the coffee on. l am quite sure that a cup of good coffee will be good for him. He probably has not slept any more than you have"
 By the time Herbert came up we were ready and l had set the table for three. There was "a fragrant aroma from the coffee and l had put glass of orange juice al each place
 rather smiled to myself as l thought that all this preparation came from Aunt Virginia's teaching When any one was in trouble, cross or sick, her first thought was that they should have some kind of food delicately served. For a very spirit ual woman, Aunt Virginia had some most materialistic theories, and they usually worked out well.
 Ria heard Herb coming and opened the door before he had time to knock.
 I heard the tones of low voices tones in which both tragedy and caresses blended-and then Ria dragged him into me.
 I was shocked at the sight of Her. bert Richardsons face. His skin semed drawn parchment-like over his face. which was the color of ivorN His lips were dry and pale. and he frequently moistened them. His hands trembled as l took them in mine.
 "Sit down and have some hot cof- fee, dear. When did you eat last?"
 T don't know" he answered duly.
 Ria poured his coffee. and although he protested he could not eat, he did taste the hot, crisp, buttered toast put upon his plate. Tasting, he found he was hungry and apparently without thought of what he was doing he ate two pieces as he drank bis coffee and explained the situa- ton to us.
 Aunt Virginia was right. However much one sorrows, however much one fears a sense of physical well being alleviates matters greatly
 What is this we hear about Kitty Dalton?' asked Ria tremulously.
 Have you heard about her from anyone else?' demanded Herb quickly
 Yes. There was a policeman here last night threatening to arrest us.
 What"
 "Oh. don't worry about that. We did not say anything and the man went away after telling us to be available when wanted. He told us, though, that 1t looked as though poor Kitty was going blind
 Isn't it horrible? I haven't the slightest idea where Kitty got that bad liuuor. You know. Ria, my eel lar is full of straight stuff
 "Yes. I know it only too well" re- piled Gloria in a voice which re- buked Herb more than harsh words could have done.
 Herb raised his hand as though to tell her he could bear no more ana then continued: Fred must have had some of the stuff in his hip pocket. When Ria protested having drinks on the table at dinner. Fred went out several times. Just before we left the Turkish Village for the bunga- low, he excused himself for few minutes, and he must have had his flask refilled. No one has been able to locate him. I spent last night searching for him. He disappeared immediately after we took Kitty to the hospital. Of course you girls know that this is the truth. but I would never be able to convince a jury of it'
 What do you mean, Herbert? asked Ria. so startled that her voice rose almost to a scream. @
 "I mean that the officer told you the truth. Kitty probably will be blind. If she is. I will be arrested
 Ria's head dropped in her arms on the table. Her body was shaken with sobs. Herbert got up quickly, overturnng his chair as he went around the table and fairly lifted her in his arms.
 Don't. Ria, Don't. I cannot stand it if 1t makes you suffer. too. Isn't it enough that I have come crop per for myself; that I have in some way helped to ruin the life of that foolish, minimizing girl over there at the hospital? Oh. I know I am not technically to blame,r he said as Ria lifted her head in contradiction, but morally I am, and if I make you suf- fer, it will be the last straw Copyright. John F. Dille co.) Tomorrow--A New Light.