The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-04
The
 ~ Greater Love
A NEW ROMANCE
By VIRGINIA TERHUNE VAN DE
 WATER
CHAPTER XXI

CHAPTER XXI
 In spite of Kenneth Lang's knten. ton to reply to Victoria walshs let- ter soon, several days passed before Ire wrote to her. Then note from his mother reminded him that he had two letters to answer.
 Mrs. Lang demanded that her son send her telegram saying how he was. She had supposed that his nurse would advise her regularly of his condition.
 T sincerely hope" she added, that you are not keeping poor Victoria Oil tenter hooks, too. That would be not only unkind but most ungsilant. You have given her the right to know your condition. But, of course, as you love her. you will not neglect her as you neglect your mother"
 He had behaved abominabiy, Kenneth Lang admitted to himself when he finished reading his moth CTS reproof He might plead that the sense of languor which was the after effect of his accident had made him delay writing. He might also excuse his silence on the plea that the in- tense not weather had facilitated him.
 Both of these statements would have been true--in a measure. But in his heart he knew that he had yielded to disinclination to reply to the hnweleome suggestions re- garding Victoria. If he wrote to his mother. she ould expect him te mention the girl Of his choice. If he wrote 10 Victoria. he could hardly ig- nore her implied protestations of af- lection.
 Mother Right
 Yes. his mother was right He ought not to finger in this delightful lotus-eater-like state.
 He tried to put Ruth Grant from his mind and do what his mother considered his duty. He penned telegram to his parent saying that he was improving steadily and would write her today. This tele- gram he asked Samuel Grant to send from he village.
 My mother is worried about me. he explained. q should have written her several days ago. But I have been lazy"
 You have been reeuperatlng af- ter pretty bad time" Dr. Grant amended. But am sorry your mother has worried If I had known about it I'd have sent her a lnee
 Thank youn Lang exclaimed But that was not necessary
 Mothers don't always believe their children's statements as tc their health v TO 1o marked, thoughtful!y.
 Lang scarcely noticed the speech. T have q letter to write that I will get V to mail when you go past the office again. he said.
 His duty to Victoria oppressed him. He must get 1t off his mind. Then Ee could be happy again-for a while.
 "I'1l be starting in Is minutes. pr Grant informed him. "I'u have some mail Of my own to take and I'll take yours, too. Write your letter now Have you pen and paper?"
 Yes. everything is here on tie veranda," Lang assured his host
 The Note Written
 Ten minutes later the note to Vic toria Walsh was written, addressed, stamped and sealed It was brief. In it Kenneth thanked her for her kind letter and for all that she had said to him. T do not deserve it.. but I do appreciate it. he added. Try to believe all that I do not feel equal to writing just now.'
 Il wonder if I am a hypocrlte." he muttered after he had given his epistle to his host and seen him de- part for the village. If I were at all certain that Victoria cared for me, it would be different. But l wonder sometimes of she is not fol- lowing her parents wishes just astI have been following those of my mother I used to think it would be easy to do as mother hopes. Now"
 He broke off abruptly and picked up book that lay at his elbow. He would read for while. He wished that Ruth would come home. She