Evening star., 1923-04-06

terest in you was altogether scicn-
then contemplated her rice pudding
soberly.
Dear old David" she muttercd.
And then, Hes the best friend-eX-
cept you, Dad-that I've got in the
world"
After dinner her father took out
his cigar. Cherry brought the matches
and lighted it for him. 1t was a
pleasant little formality to which they
had recently become accustomed In
the par lor they sat on the sofa, hand
in hand. Jim Mohun talked bravely
of his plans. while Cherry listened
trying to stitie the pain in her breast
which seemed on the point of burst
ing. Neither of them commented upon
the absence of Alicia, whose engage
ments now frequently called her to
Cherry's silence was the silence of
happiness and understanding. 1t
seemed to him that life had taken on
brighter color for them both-and
that Whatever the world had in store
for them. they were at least blessed
IN each other.
a sudden commotion in the street
outside which they heard clearly
of an automobile in the dusk-the
sounds of voices-and the banging of
the door of a limousine. Cherry rose
and went to the window.
Its MuZZy and John Chichester,
she said quietly.
brow. He rose heavily. Il think Ill
be going up, Cherry he said
But before he could cross to the
door Alicia had entered the room 1t
was at ones apparent to her daughter
that she knew everything about Sob
affair. for Alicid'S eyes were wide and
dry, the color spots upon her cheeks
isolated. Cherry glanced at her
father. whose quick eyes had already
caught the signs of disquiet in his
wife's appearance. And behind her
in the dim hallway. father and daugh-
ter had glimpse of Chichester's
grave expression.
Don't Muzzy! Don't" Cherry ap-
pcaled quickly
But Alicias glance passed Cherry
Jim" she said haltingly. directly
to her husband. Something has hap
"Muzzy"' Cherry caught her moth
er's arm "Muzzy. come upstairs. I
know about il. But it's all right. It's
all been arranged-Fll tell YOU
And then with an air of calmness.
Come in, Mr. Chichester. My father
fathers voice behind her. calmly in
"one moment, Cherry" His brows
were puckering in an effort at con-
CentrdtlOn.
ITS really nothing. dad-something
about me that Muzzy doesn't under
stand she gasped. I'll tell you
about it tomorrow"
No" he muttered. And then
wait, please, Cherry" He seemed |
now to have himself under perfect |
control, but his gaze had not for a |
moment left his wife's face. Alicia
he commanded.
please, dad whispered Cherry
her hand on his arm.
But he thrust her gently aside.
Speak. Aliciai What is it?'
Something terrible has happened /
Oh. jim" \ sob came into her throat !,
ment of silence.
Co on-is it something about !
Cherry"
NO, no. It's Bob. she gasped;
She turned away wringing her hands. |;
Jim Mohun was leaning forward on |
his cane-fiXed like an image of !
stone.
- Won't I.7', you speak speak OUT y. he demand
The situation was out of Cherry's |
hands Her mother turned toward |
them again struggling for her cour- |
age and gave her message with des- |
perate speed. |
Bob had taken money-forged-a |
check. They found it out this morn !,
ing. Oh. God,'
4 motion from the man at Cherry's !
side. Sounds in his throat-dull rep i
etitioTfS of Alicia's words Cherry saw (
him moisten his lips and straighten /
with an effort as his wife went on. |
Mr. Chichester came with me-to |
ask your permission to straighten !,
the matter QUITO get Bob out of |
this trouble--to repay the amount
$5.000"'
give thousand" repeated Mohun,
parrotlike.
Alicia sank heavily into a chair as
Chichester spoke in carefully mod
grant me the privilege of helping |
you. I want you to know that any |
influence that I possess, Mr.. Mohun, |
in keeping this matter quiet is en-
tirely at your service
(To Be Continued Tomorrow