Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-09-13


was doubtful about It. However. she
thought, soon the responsibilities of the
Waring menage would be hers no longer.
and she resolved to get along with the
inexperienced Nogi while she remained.
Mrs. Peyton was very regretful at |
the coming change of affairs.
She had looked upon John Waring as
a confirmed bachelor. and had not ex.
pected he would ever marry. Now. |
she declared. he was marrying only |
because he thought 1t wiser for college |
president TO have wife as part of |
his domestic outfit.
Helen disagreed with her mother
about this. She said Doctor Warins
In the attractive Mrs. Bates before he
had any idea of becoming president Of
the university.
But It didn't matter. The wedding
was imminent, and Mrs. Peyton had
received due notice that her services
would be no longer needed.
II was blow to her, and It had made
her depressed and disconsolate. Also,
little rcsentful, even spiteful toward
Emily Bates.
The housekceper greeted Miss Austin
with cold smile, and then disregarded
her utterly.
Helen was frankly curious. and met
the newcomer with full intention of
finding out all about her.
For Helen Peyton had heard Of Miss
Mystery from her friend and admirer.
| Robert Tyler. who. however. did not
report that the girl had snubbcd him
more than once.
One or two ether guests We're present
and. having been told of Mrs. Bates
arrival Doctor Waring and his secre-
tary came from the study and joined
the others at tea.
With welcoming smile. John War
ing greeted his fiancee, and then Mrs.
Bates turned to the girl she had
brought.
Miss Austin" she said. 'let me
present Doctor Waring. John-Miss
Anita Austin"
At that momcnt Helen rcyton offered
Waring n cup Of tea, and he was in the
act of taking it from her hand when
Mrs. Bates made the introduct ion:
The cup and saucer foil to the floor
the doctors face blanch suddenly
white, and his band clench on a nearby
chair.
Divers Opinions Of "niiss Mystery"
With n sudden. desperate effort John
Waring pulled himself together. and
gave a little laugh as he directed Ncgi
to remove the wrecked tcacup.
"Pick up the four corners. and carry
il all off at once" he ordered, pointing
to the small rug on which the cup had
fallen. and Nogi, little clumsily
! obeycd
Pardon the awkwardness. Miss
Austin" he said. turning to smile at
the girl. but even as he did so. his voice
trembled. and he turned hastily away.
What is it. John?' asked Emily
Bates. going to his side. Are you
ill.,"
"No-no. dear: it's--it's all right.
That foolish tencup upset my nerves.
I'll go off by myself for few mo-
ments."
Somewhat abruptly. he left the room
and went back to his study.
Listening intently. Mrs. Bates heard
him lock the door on the inside.
"I'm sorry.' she said. turning TO
Anita. but know you'll forgive DR.,
Waring.' He is under 50 nue.. strain
at present. and a foolish accident. like
the broken teacup. is enough to give
him a nervous shock.
II know" said the girl. sympatheti-
ca!ly. He must be very busy and alb
sorbed."
To Lockwood's surprise. Miss Aus
tin was really gay and merry and quite
held her own in the chaff and repartee.
Yet as Lockwood noted her more
closely his quick perception told him
, her gayety was forced
! The secretary's ability to read hui
man nature wns almost uncanny, and
he truly believed the girl was making
merry only by reason of her firm de-
termination to do so.
8 Why? He wondered.
Gordon Lockwood was rare type
-, Of man. He was possessed OF the most
impassive face, the most immooilt
, countenance imaginable. He never al
lowed himself to show the slightest ex
a citement or even interest. ms hapit
" acquired purposely at first, had grown
, upon him until It was second nature
,, lie would not admit anything could
move him, could stir his poise or dis
turb his cuuanimity. He heard the mos
, gratifying or the most exasperatint
p news with equal attention and cqua
lack of surprise or enthusiasm.
n Yet, thoug! this may sound unat
= trnctiye. so great was I.ockwood's per
i snnality. so responsive and receptive hi
- rcaI nature beneath his outer calm, tina
/. all who really knew him liked him an
trusted him.
Waring depended on him in ever
n respect. He was more than secrctar
/ to his employer. He was counselor an
il friend as well.
= And Waring appreciated this. an
y rated Lockwood high in his esteem an
n affection. Ill
% And now Gordon Lockwood smile
10 natronizingly at himself, as he va
r, forced to admit an unreasonable. mex
y, nlicable interest In slip of girl wit
I, a dark, eerie little face and mannt
~ grave and gay to extremes.
10 For Anita was positively laughing
>. some foolishness Of Pinky Payne
fr Still lockwood concluded, watchr
o, her narrowly. yet unobservcd, she WI
W laughing immoderately. She WI
* Laughing for some reason other thnn
mcrriment. 1t verged on hystcrlcal,
y. decided and wondered why.
er He Joined the group of young poop,
De and in his quiet but effective way.
iy said: d "
lie you've had enough foolery for Il
-. moment, Miss Aust'n-come ana ia
ns to me-"
mt And to the girls amazcmentt he toe
i, her hand and led her to davenpo
nd ON the other side of the room.
ne There" he said, AZ he arranged
en- pillow or two, lis that right
yes" she said, and lapsed III