The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-03

1
 seated on the bench built against the wall of the summer-house. | "Youve referred to a debt,' he said. That, of course, implies a a debtor, who is" | Mrs. Dunton." .. l Thousands and thousands of dol lars expended in your hehalf?" Ten ney said questioningly- That must cover a consid erable period | Three years-a little more than | three years.'
 '~In which you've lived with her. as 1 you're living with her now? l 'Yes."
 Penney rubbed his chin in perplex- What did he say the debt was?" "Over twenty thousand dollars" she said desperately. And live not a penny I can honestly call my own!"
 -tI wish you'd enlighten me far ther How did this arrangement come about?"
 "Id been her companion, an em- ployed companion. Then she prac- tically adopted me. After that I seemed to be swept along by the tide of her generosity.
 In the beginVing was in her pay her service-haf companion. half nurse. She was an invalid in way, not seriously i'll. you know, but atling, fretful, unhappy. She lacked inter ests, things to take her out of hersilf. the doctor took me aside and urged me to supply anything that would make her think of somebody else, so I made her find a new interest in my fortunes and mistfortunes.
 "Her curiosity was reused, and so was her imagination. She was sure there must be secret romance. It was easier to let her believe this than to persuade her of her error.
 ''The doctor told me I was doing her more good than his drugs could; and so I suffered her to go on. adding chapter and chapter to the roma nee.
 And so the prince, very vague at first took form. He was young and handsome and rich and proud. There had to be letters from him. Mrs. Dunton was charmed with Prince Charming. She was no longer a self eentered invalid, but a woman with a definite absorbing purpose-to pre- pare me for my honors as the princes bride.
 T must cultivate my music-she sent me to a famous teacher Next it was painting. then languages.
 .'She must see something of the world. so we travelled a great deal but not across seas. Then the fu- ture princess must be suitably attired There were trousseauX-yes two or three of them.
 "You see the prince wrote now and then of an intention to return to this country"
 But he didn't come"
 "Yet you let him come at last"
 Against my will. Mrs. Dunton found his name in the published lists of the Pa1atia's passengers. Natur- ely we must hasten to New York to meet Prince Hubert. I could see no escape from discovery and humilia- tion. Yet at the eleventh hour hit up plan
 tIf the Hubert Penney on the Pa latfa resembled in any degree the Hu- bert of my fable, I'd force him to play the part for a little. Mrs Dun ton sbopld see him. Then he should disannear. Another letter in the chain should bring news that he ask ed release from our engagement"
 There was a long silence, which the young man ended
 .Pardon me, but I'd like more facts Suppose your project had succeeded You would have been rid of the fan tom suitor, but the debt would have remained. And that figures in Trachtman's overtures-
 nIt would be wiped out, cancelled. | forgotten he said
 By the way. though. Does Mrs Dunton ever refer to your financlaI obligation ?'' about expenses. and has talked of the