The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-31
CHAPTER LII
Her own love affair.""

 him. Of course his mother had used them only to annoy him. Yet, as rule, she was too clever a woman to shoot as wide of the mark as she had just done now.
 What she had said about Victoria ! Walsh and himself was an entirely different matter. There had been SC me truth in certain statements she had made. Yet he suspected that even here her wish had been father to her thought.
 For he had serious doubts as to Victorias present affection for him self She had liked him for While and had been quite willing to have her name linked with his in the mouths Of Saxville gossips. Moreover, her parents approved of Kenneth and being an ease-loving creature, Vic toria preferred approval to disappro val. But Kenneth knew that she had never let her heart get the best of her head so far as he was con- cerned.
 But with another man it might be different. Several years ago Victoria had been fascinated by Sam Travers. She had had the good sense to con- ceal this fascination when the lad got himself into trouble and left town. But now that he had returned to Saxville-handsome and dashing- accompanied by good clothes and an expensive motor car-would it not be quite natural for Victoria to yie-i once more to his charms? The One Important Thing Kenneth Lang had meant what he | said when he told his mother if Vic toria wished to hold him to his par tial confessions of devotion she might. But in his heart he knew that Victoria was not the kind of girl to do this-even if she cared for him. Her recent silence had absorbed in some one else-probably Sam Tray CTS. He hoped she had.
 Anyway he was net going to worry unnecessarily about her. Matters would adjust themselves. All he cared about at present was Ruth. If she loved him. nothing else in the world mattere 1-except that his mother should not know how far the affair had goae until he and Ruth had had their talk together.
 After that he would accompany his parent to Saxville. Here he would see Victoria, would tell her the truth and ask her to be frank with him. If as he suspected, she was in love with Sam Travers, she would be only too glod to tell him-Kenneth Lang that she cared for him only as a friend.
 T will be g sister to youw she would say with her loud laugh After all, she was a pretty good sort. Too good to be thrown away on man like Travers. Yet-if she wanted him-she ought to be allowed to have him. People ought always to marry those whom they loved, he de- cided grimly.
 He did not go downstairs until he heard the dinner-bell ring. He would l not let his mother fancy that he was lying in wait for a chance to see Ruth Grant.
 Kenneth's Plans
 Ruth came into the dining room from the kitchen as he and his mother entered from the hall She smiled at her guests and informed them that her father had telephoned that he would be detained and would not dine at home.
 He sent the car back by Abe" she explained. "Dr. Smith would pick him up later and they will make their calls together. I believe there are two rather obscure cases that 1 pr. Smith wants father to see So Mrs. Lang, if you still care for drive, I will be glad tC have you go with me about 4 o'clock.
 That will be deuightful," Mrs. Lang said. And what about your" turning to her son. How will you spend the afternoon?"
 T shall pack preparatory to our departure tomorrow. That will leave me the evening free in case Miss Ruth will be so kind as to take little stroll with me after supper" he said boldly.
 Ruth flushed
 Thanks" she murmured. 'We will wait and see what the evening brings forth. Ruth if nobody calls. or noth | ing else happens to prevent, ~ve might all three take little stroll if Mrs. Lang is not too tired after her drive"
 T dc not fancy that my drive will tire me-" the matron said. But walk ing on dusty roads on a warm eve ming doesn't appeal to me. Yet you young people must not let me keep you at home. I am quite used to be- ing left out of things" she added with an obvious effort to speak light iy. That is the fate of us lonely women as we advance in years, you know"
 "It ought not to be-" Ruth said, grovely.'
 All young people do not consider their parents as yo6 dc your father. my dear," Mrs. Lang observed, with chastened smile. q have no com plaint 10 make. My boy is very good to me. l am thankful he is-for he is all l have left.'