The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-30
THE LOVE GAMf.
 A CITY ROMANCE RY NIpElNiA Trpmhr. uAMhiMlrEn
CHATTER 1s4

CHAPTER 134
 That Richard Rankin should accept Winifreds invitation for Sunday was foregone conclusions She had taken that for granted.
 What she had not taken for granted was the sudden change in the weather. In place of the brilliant skies that had reigned during the first days of October, clouds hung low and threatening.
 On her way home from church at noon, Wiuifred shivered. This after noon she would don her heaviest mo- tor coat-the one that had come home only yesterday. Even so, she would be chilly.
 T ought to have bought closed car to replace fathers limousine that was sold last spring" she reflected. Then Richard and 1 could have en- joyed our jaunt. But Donald is so deadly economical with other peoples money"
 She repeated the statement to Rich ard by way of apology for the open touring car in which they drove up to Van Cortland park that afternoon T am afraid you will be too cold,' she remarked.
 f'That is B reflection upon my new overcoat!'
 T had noticed that you looked very swell, but I attributed it to you, not to the coat she laughed back. Now l observe that you have made another necessary purchase-and- 1 am glad"
 Tt, like the dress clothes, was made possible by that same money Of which [ spoke to you the other day. he said-"the couple of hundred l lent chap months ago. Had he not returned 1t, I might still be shabby and shivering. However, 1 made that cash do a lot of service-though now his companion, my conscience hurts me for spending the money on my selfA
 Don't be absurd" she reproved. of you had not done that you would have been uncomfortable in mind and body"
 And wonld not have the happiness of appearing in public with you" he amended. My appearance was posi- lively disgraceful. Any other woman in your position would have been ashamed to have me in her house. By the way" changing his tone sud- denly, since you have noticed my new coat. may I speak of yoursY It Is lovely"
 T ike it." she admitted, drawing the soft, gray wrap more closely about her and smuggling down into
 
 ought to have a closed car for this weather, instead of this open one"
 You are buying limousine?" he questioned.
 T was going to get one last month" she replied. but MT. Muir ad- vised against it. He wondered if l might not use taxis for while and see if I really need a closed auto"
 She added aloud the opinion she had formed in her mind several hours ago.
 My guardian is very careful about other peoples money she complained.
 Then you will not buy linn cuisine, perhaps?" was the inNrogative com ment.
 The suggestion conveyed by the words awoke the girls slumbering indignation toward Muir.
 You mean that I must get his per mission to buy one?" she demanded.
 Not exactly that" Rankin de- murred. "Only I know MT. Muir is your adviser-and, l, may add, very wise one. It would. be natural that you Shiuld do just as he counsels."
 T shall do just as I pleasew she exclaimed. If my guardian and I do not see things in the same light, < then must follow my own judgment S-as I have already done" she added. M Her companion leaned closer to- - wards her. What you say makes me know that my surmise is correct, :" he remarked.
 What surmise?"
 That Muir would never have con- sented to your lending me cent of the money he said daringly. You know he would not"
 As she did not answer. he hur- ried on.
 T know. too, as sure as I know anything, tha. ~ou have had to. ac- knowledge toN m that you have helped me in the darkest time of my life And he has disapproved of it." "Shw she warned. glancing towards the chauffeur This is not the time to discuss confidential matters"
 No" he admitted "it Is not. But you must let me talk about this later"
 She ignored his serious tone, and answered with a smile. "All right! Provided you do not start an argu- ment until after dinner tonight"
 He changed his manner to suit hers.
 Very well. But then l shall say what I please. So be prepared"
 Gro Be Continued)