The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-24
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CHAPTER 12Y


 Copyright, 1923, by Star Company)
 Richard wore his new tuxedo again thls evening. Handsome as ne looked, he was pale and his manner was nervous.
 Tt was good of you to send for me" he said after he had greeted Winifred. T longed to see you, yet was determined not to come until l was sure that you cared to see me. A man in hard luck is poor com panion at best"
 When a man is in hard luck is the time he needs a friend" she said kindly.
 She had glow at her heart as she appreciated that it was within her power to help him. She would make interview as easy for him as pos- sible. She must lead up tactfully to the painful subject.
 Please always feel" she said ten- tattvely, that I am always inter ested in all that interests you-in your work among the poor, in your art--and all that" she ended stam meringly.
 His direct gaze at her disconcerted her somewhat. And when he spoke it was to the point.
 There will be no chance for mo to think of art or of anything but hard work for months to come," he said. Tn plain English, 1 am up against it. I could not tell you about 1t had I not been honored by your friendship and confidence. But you know so much that you have a right to know more. Mir. Muir feels that he cannot extend that note."
 She nodded. Richard must not know that she and Muir had talked on the subject. It would only make the young mans position more em- bsrrassing. Fortunately he did not notice her silence.
 T made a clean breast of every thing to Muir" he went on, just as I had told you I would. But it seems that he must have the money in 10 days. He grants me that but no more"
 And what will you do?" she asked. her eyes full of pity.
 He smiled sadly. Do? There Is nothing to do but take my medicine. And I must take it like a man. There is no way in which a pennileSs chap like me can raise money"
 Tt is a shame"-she began. But She held up a silencing hand.
 Please, please" he begged, "do not blame MT. Muir! He is man of affairs, and men like me are but cogs in the vast business machine of which he Is master. He was kind to lend me that money-although l know it was for your sake that he did it. Nevertheless that makes the loan even more precious-because you were back of it.'
 What beautiful ideas he had, the girl reflected. All his thoughts turned to lovely things. It was not in him to treasure indignation even for the man who was making him suffer.
 T will not blame MT. Muir-in a way" she said sadly. T can see that you were right when you told me that rich man could not under stand the viewpoint of poor man. But even if I do not say much, you canno. prevent my feeling some in- dignation- though MT. Muir has been my very good friend"
 q know he has been, and Is, Richard agreed. And I could never forgive myself if my frank speech to you were to lessen your affection and respect for any friend, And, please"-taking her hand in his-"do not worry about me; I cannot bear to have you worry"
 DO you want to do all the wor- .rying yourseff?" she asked, teasing ly. she could afford to joke, with the great happiness she had in store for him.
 T do enough worrying for any ten men" he said with a sad smile. T am humiliated, anxious'-
 Don't be-" she exclaimed. You