The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-29
N THE IR 3LOVf CAMf. M MA A CITY
 g H ROMANCE t1&EIM VIRGINIA TgpHJhL pANDtWRfn
CHAPTER 133

CHATTER 133
 She had not expected to make such a blunt declaration to Muir. He had driven her to it by his injustice. But she had meant just what she said.
 She repeated this declaration to herself that night as she tossed upon her bed. Even now, she could remember the strange look that had Ieaped to Donald's eyes as she as- serted that Richard was her dear est friend. She caught her breath as she recalled that look. It was as astonished and hurt as the express sion that comes to the eyes of a child who has been struck by some one he loves and trusts. Donald had spoken no word of recriminstion. What he said was:
 ~'I did not understand that, Wini- fred. Forgive me. And, you know you have two stanch, elderly friends in Dayton and me-"
 That was all. Now, remembering, she felt the pathos of his words. He had suddenly set himself in another generation than hers and Richards.
 Yet he had been unjust to Rich ard. That conviction returHed, and fortified her in her determination not to repent of her winged words. to her. But a bigger, broader man would have pitied the struggling reformer.
 It was not as if Donald had any thing particular against Rankin. He could not bring any accusation ot consequence against him. The worst he could say was that Richard was not a business man. She was glad tor the hundredth time-that he was not
 She felt strangely alone as she reflected that the conversation Of this evening had probably made breach between herself and her fathers trusted friend. Of course, she L1d see him occasionally, for he would undoubtedly call on her once in awhile. At other times he would be with those of his own set, whom she had never met. Once more she was conscious of a wave of jealousy as she remembered the women In that set. Well, he could get on without her and she could get on without him. He might have the handsome client he had taken to tea up at Longchamps. She had Richard.
 Yes, she had Richard. She hoped he would come to see her soon. She needed him now as never before.
 She looked eagerly for the arr rival of the postman's visits the next day. She had been thinking of Don- aids assertions until she had per suaded herself that he had been en- tirely wrong. He must soon recog- nie this fact In which case he would write her a humble note of apology. She would forgive him, even tholg she would still show him that she had been deeply wounded.
 The afternoons post did bring her 6 letter from Muir. But 1t made no reference to their quarrel. It sim ply reminded her of his promise to see about selling certain of her stocks and buying others more prof itable in their place. He had not forgotten this matter and would send his boy up to her house tomor- row morning for the key of her safe deposit box.
 That was all. Not a word of af lection, nor of apology. Just such letter as any business man might write to a business woman.
 She would pay him in his own coin. When, the next morning boy from Muir's office came for the key, she handed it to him in sealed enevelope addressed to DoHald.
 There was not so much as word of writing on the slip of paper wrapped about the key. If Donald could be business-like and stiff, shA could be too, Any softness that might have come to her last night as she lay awake pondering on her relations with her fathers friend was gone. She was plqued that ne had not sent her a message of re- pentance. It certainly was due her.
 Her sense of resentment increased during the long and solitary evening. She wondered where Muir was. Probably, as usual, having a good time with rich and fashionable women.
 As for Richard, he was undoubt- edly in mean room on the lower East Side, trying to cheer some dls- couraged laborer. What contrast between Muir and Rankin!
 She had a vivid imagination. TO- night it worked overtime picturing the surroundings of the two men whom she was most interested.
 The next day would be Sunday. She had happy inspiration. Sne would take Richard for drive ana bring him home to dinner with her:
 She went to the window and lookee ont, The sky was obscured by nght clouds But tomorrow must be fair.
 Going to the telephone she called I'D Western Union and dictated telegram to Rankin, telling him to he at her apartment at tomorrow afternoon, to go for a- drive ana 10 stay for dinner.
 She was glad she had thought to get from Richard the address of the lodging house in which he had
 (TO Be COntinued)