The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-16
pOMANCE I\ OF THE.
 GREATER.
 
CHAPTER no

IIe W as very urea as lie went up- stairs to his room. On his table lay letter. His heart beat as he recog- nized the superscription. The envel- ope bore a special delivery stamp. It was addressed in Ruth Grants hand writing. As usual when Ruth Grants inter- est was deeply stirred her hands were tightly claspcd in her lap. But her pale face showed no excitement. Yes" he went on, q hoped to overtake Victoria and her fiance here. There was little business matter of which 1 had to speak to Travers-the man to whom sl1e was engaged-be- fore his marriage. I had told Vic toria about Mir. Hamilton, and she had q fancy that she would like to have him marry her and Travers. That was why they came here.
 You sec" he went on, trying to speak as if what he was telling was an ordinary. everyday happening, Victoria and have been friends for years My mother and her parents tried to make match between us. But Victoria loved Travers."
 And you"-she began almost in- voluntarily, then checked herself and added: "lt must have been shock to you
 No" he said calmly. Tt was not a shock. Victoria and 1 understood each other too we'll for that. I liked her better than any other girl--but l never loved her. 1 have known that for long time. So when she wanted to marry Travers l tried to help the match along. Her parents were sur prised. but they are satisfied now, since sam is the man their daughter loves.
 You know" with little laugh am one of the old dfashioned kind. and l believe in old ia ashioned love. l think to marry without it is a sin"
 So do I"' Ruth said quickly.
 Then if a woman does not love 8 man. she
 He stopped, looking at her intent ". She has no right to marry him." she supplemented softly.
 "Ruth.'-he leaned toward her do you love the man you are going
 She started Violently and caught her breath, It was almost as if he had struck her
 Answer mel" he commanded.
 T am never going to marry" she stammered. Never"
 He caught her hand in his "Tell me the truth. child" he begged hoarseiy Aren't you engaged to Mir. Hamlton?"
 She stared at him as if doubting the evidence of her senses.
 IT. she ejaculated. 'I-marry MT. Hamilton. Why-he has been like my father. People have fancied ne cared for me-just because he has surd. am not wise enough, nor good enough for him. And" simply. 'I do not love him--in that way"
 Lang must know the truth. Nor Dr. Smith?" he questioned.
 She shook her head and smiled. INr c,,,it I,
 Then there is no man yhu lover he demanded. There is no man"
 But before he could finish. she had sprung to her feet. You asked me that once before." she reminded him. "I gave you my answer then"
 'I remember" he said. "You said it was no more fair for me to ask that than for you to ask if there was woman love. Ruth. You must know it darling. it is you.--and has - heen you ever since l first saw your dear face. You see l can answer that qvestion nstruthfully." S sfeae 9I
 He was holding both her hands now. Suddenly she lifted her head and looked him squarely in the eyes. : -'And I can answer that question, too." she said, her voice quiverlnS. but clear "Oh, Kenneth,--cant you ruess who it is? There has never been anyone but you, Kenneth, New er,--and there never will be-
 He was holding her in his arms when Dr. Grant drove up to the door.
 Lifting her head from her lovers shoulders. Ruth spoke softly, "Father has never said anything about it. but l think he will be glad she murmured
 Taking her by the hand. Ken meth drew her forward as her rather came out on the little veranda.
 "Dr. Grant" he said, Ruth and l love each other. May We get mar rIed?"
 Two hours passed before Martha returned from her visit to Tender son.
 "For the lands sake.' she ex- claimed, If here you aren't agaln.N "I certainly am, Martha" Lang laughed. And I shall be here often. For I am. to have charge Of the new bank to be built in this niace
 "Then you'll live in Southoid!' she questioned eagerly.
 "Yes-before long 1 shall come 10 Southold to live
 .'Whereabouts?" she asked sus- piciously.
 Samuel Grant answered for him. "ki1ht here, with us-yoI and me, Martha. He is to may our llttle glri.'
 .Thai.i. the Lord" Marina ex- eiaireo, folding Ruth Ee' arms. Tier. ct I.angs look of amazement -'Yes, that's what 1 mean! l set my cau for you for Rurhie first time I-se.n you, By the way, where's yoir mother now?"
 she's is New York. She is to be