The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-14
4ROMANCE &A&HSA |> OF THE.
 ..sI GREATER LOVE-
CHAPTER Lxxu

! Victoria Walsh had uttered the truth when she told Mrs. Lang that she was glad she had telephoned that Kenneth was coming. For there was something she must do before his ar rival.
 She proceeded to do this imme- diately calling up a certain num- | Der.
 l Sam" she said when she heard the voice at the other end of the wire, "don't come over here tonight. have something else on hand. Yes--I mean 1t! You can call me up some time
 tomorrow-about noon. Mother is still away-and dad will be out by then. All right. Good night" Then she hung up the receiver. That's playing them off against each other" she smiled. Its just as we'll that Ken has come back to town. It gives me chance to drive tandem. But know well enough which is the chap l care most for, and"-with a little laugh-"he knows, too"
 The Walsh house was large and or nate, with many bay windows and a cupola. It was expressive of the taste of its owner. James Walsh had made his money fast, and had to put 1t where he fondly imagined it would show best.
 "The house screams 'moneyl' out loud" Kenneth reflected as he | walked toward 1t tonight "As to Victoria-all she cares about is to do her own way-and, by George, she usually gets it! That is proved by her driving around with Sam Travers in spite of her fathers saying she should have nothing to do with him. She can heat the old man whenever she wants to"
 GInrins Appointments | When he rang the bell. the butler who admitted him asked him to step into the drawing room. Miss Vic toria would be right down. Kenneth looked about him as he had done so often before, wondering at the gorgeous and glaring appoint ments. Large oil paintings in inn mense gilt fRames were on the walls; | brilliantly colored satins and velyets covered the chairs; huge mirrors re- flected his image; two big white po- ! lar bear rugs were on the polished floor; heavy velvet hangings were draped over elaborate lace curtains at the windows.
 And this is midsummer" he re- flected. How do they stand it?" A quick step made him turn. As Victoria entered the thought sprang into his mind that she was in keep ing with all this exotic and showy furnishing. He almost caught his breath as he looked at her.
 She was handsome. There was no doubt of that. She was tall and plump-and her apparel displayed her ample outlines. Her gown was of black and gold, cut low, with flowing sleeves slashed to the shoul- ders. In her dark hair was large gold comb; wide golden sash was draped about her waist, the long ends trailing on the floor. She wore cloth of-gold slippers. Her checks were vivid in their coloring. Gorgeous" was her guests men tai ejaculation.
 She came toward him, both hands outstretched. Halo, you dear old Ken!' she exclaimed. Ut seems years since you went away. Are you quite well again? l ought to be peeved with you for not writing to me-yet I knew you could not. And you see, you might be peeved with me for the same reason. I meant every day to send you line-but I didn't" A Cordial Greeting He had taken both her hands in his and stood looking down at her. She laughed up into his face. What are you thinking of?" she demanded.
 Several things" he replied. "Tell me one of them" Victoria commanded.
 That you are very handsome" "Thanksi" she flashed a smile at him.
 You are not going to kiss me, are your"
 Shall I?" he asked. Not if you have to ask" she re- torted, drawing her hands from his clasp.
 The action was significant, Ken meth thought. At one time, she would not have answered like that She was not subtle, and she prided herself on her frank speech.
 Let's go outside where it's cooler" she proposed.
 'I wondered" he remarked, "why I did not find you on the veranda-and why I was shown into the drawing room like real company. It was not like that before l went away you know"
 Tt was the new butler whom I wished to impress-not you" she de- clared. By the way, I have told him not to let anybody else know I am at home this evening. I want you all to myself. We'll go on the back porch. where nobody can see us from the street. Does that suit your"
 Perfectly" he replied following her toward the rear of the great hall. Gro He COntlnued)