The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-22

you now that you are always well come in our little shanty."
 James Walsh frequently spoke of his huge house in terms of deprecia- tion. It called the hearers atten- ton to it's size and gorgeous appoint ments.
 T know I am welcome in your 1 home, MT. Walsh" Kenneth said now. You and Victoria have made me conscious of that--for you have both been most hospitable to me. But, as 1 was just explaining to Victoria, I've had great deal of work to do this last week. When one leaves his job for awhile, he has to make up for lost time when he returns"
 Victoria touched Kenneths foot under the table, and the young man arose.
 T thank you for a refreshing drink, Mir. Walsh" he said, holding out his hand to his host. q hope that hereafter l may be able to ac- cept your kind invitations-and those of your daughter-more frequently than l have been able to do lately" | CHAPTER s3.
 Kenneth, you are a wonder.e Vic toria declared.
 l Nobody ever told me that before" | Kenneth smiled. "Wherein lies my claim to such distinction?'
 "Why-in the way you acted just now" she informed him. Dad was sure that I had lied to him, and you showed that I had not He sus- pected me of not wanting you at | the house, and you explained why you had not been there. When >he began to make suggestive remarks l about Sam Travers, you came away"
 T did not know the remarks were 1 aimed at Travers," Kenneth said. Although wondered if they were"
 They werei" the girl affirmed | brusquely. And that is as good a way as any to begin what I have to tell you. But you have seen 1t already. Dad hates Sam." 'Why?"
 Because he does-that's all. No | it isn't, either! He thinks that Sam frittered away his time at school | and did not get through college. Yet Dad himself never went to college and dear knows, he's not an edu- cated man! I reminded him of that | the other day. He came back at me with the statement that at least he had always been able to make money, and that. ever since he left school he has had a job and stuck to it-until now he has an immense business"
 He spoke the truth, Victoria. You cannot deny that" T am not going to deny it. Sam has never had half chance. Yet Dad will not give him a decent job with his firm"
 Does Sam want it?' "Yes-and asked Dad for 1t. And Dad refused him point blank. It is not as if Sam was not capable. Blu. see how much money he made out West. If he made good there, he can here. Of course, he can go out | there-and he may do it. Then Dad may be satisfied with what he's done. For-Ken-are you listening?" "Of course am listening, my dear girl. Go on'
 "Stop here in the shade. I want to talk"
 ''we have changed, haven't we?" | she said tentatively.
 Have you?" he asked.
 Do you mean-do I still care for you?"
 "Yes," he said, although he knew her answer already. | q do care for you" she asserted. I love you as much as ever. Only Ken-I know that what felt for | you was not the real love one hears about. For now I love some one else much better"
 "Thank you for telling me the | truth, Victoria" he said. My dear I hope you will be very happy" | q have not hurt you, have F" she asked, peering into his face.
 "No," he said gently. But what would hurt me, Victoria, would be l for you to be unhappy. l cannot have that--if it can be helped"
 She leaned toward him, laying her hand on his.
 T shan't be unhappy" she de- clared, ''if I get what want. And I want to marry Sam. That means happiness forever for me, Ken. will not give him up! I will not!"
 You love him as much as that?" he asked. wonderingly. He hardly knew her in this mood. Heretofore she seemed to take nothing deeply. (TO be COntinued)