The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-06

this woman could not be expected |
to know what had been passing
through his mind, his absurd notion
of Ruth's possible interest in young
Lang. When he, Samuel Grant, had
considered that possible interest, he
had been presupposlng Lang's affec-
ton for the girl. But as he was al
ready engaged or in love that was
another matter. The father had been
foolish dreamer-for. of course
Kenneth was too decent chap to
try to win the love of one girl when
he cared forr another. In his Wild
est moments DIR. Grant could not
believe this of the young fellow of
whom he had become so fond dur
ing the weeks OF close association
with him. Samuel Grant was simple
and trusting in his nature. And he
felt sure of the honorable nature
of the son of his old benefactor.
Old Times Recalled
So now, he called himself an ass,
and determined to be one no longer.
He would try to cover his mistake.
I'VE shall be sorry to have you
leave tomorrow" he remarked abb
rrptly.
Upstairs sounded Kenneth's foot
steps passing through the hall from
his mothers room. In minute ne
would be here. Beatrice Lang would
fit the conversation to his arrival.
and to his possible hearing of
part of it.
I'VE shall be sorry to leave" she
said. I'm spite OF Kenneth's deter
minatlon to go, he will miss your
kind hospitality. 1 wish / were able
to express to you, DR.. Grant how
grateful 1 am for all you have done
for my boy. He was stranger and
you took him in"
He was hardly stranger" her
companion interposed. Il knew his
father-your husband-years ago."
"Indeed?'
"Yes-and he did me a great SER
vice-ln fact, Madam. he arranged
to have a friend of his lend me
money when l needed soreiy. That
helped me over mighty bad bit
of road, 1 tell you. L paid the loan
back with interest, of course, but
it has never been possible for me
to pay back the kindness that was
behind that loan"
"Oh, the loan was purely a bust
ness matter" the widow said lightly.
She had no desire to dwell on her
late husbands excellent qualities.
What you have done for my boy
has been out of the fullness of a
good heart. You must send yolr bill
as soon as possible, please. But
we can never repay you for all your
kindness. That" raising her voice
as she heard her son come into the
hall opening on the front veranda,
"ls something that Kenneth and l
can nevere forget. Words cannot
express what we feel, dear DR..
Grant.
"Ah, here is Kenneth now, Come
out here, son. l have just been
having a good. heart-to- heart talk
with DR.. Grant"
CHAPTER LxI
Beatrice Lang was a clever woman.
DIR. Grants reactions to her remarks
concerning his daughter had been
what she had planned them to be.
Z So. also, Kenneth responded now to
her speech as she had hoped he
would. He looked at her more
kindly and affectionately than he
had since her arrival over "a hours
ago.
az am glad that you have had a
talk with DR.. Grant, and | only wish
that you could make him under
stand how much we appreciate his
goodness to me-in fact, to us both"
Kenneth said. II could not help
overhearing you trying to explain
this to him. But as you said, words
cannot express it,"
Its nothing-nothingi" the ply
stefan demurred. "Ah!" with an
ejaculation indicative of positive re-
lief-"there's someone driving in the
gate. I guess he wants me-"
He struggled out of his great chair
and went down the steps to greet the
arrival
After a moments parley, ne re-
turned to his guests. "I'll have to
say goodnight now" he informed
mother and son. II am called off on
a case, and will go right along with
the chap who came for me. 1t will
be late when I get back. But I'll see
you both in the morning. I'm sorry
Ruth's away just now so that you
have to be left alone"
That's all right" Mrs. Lang has
tened to assure him. II have my
packing to do-as 1 explained to your
dear child when she hesitated to go
for her drive. And Kenneth will help
me. Do not let us detain you for a
moment We will sit here In the
GOODNESS for few minutes, then go
upstairs"
A Welcome Excuse
When the car had borne physician
and messenger out of the gate, the
mother motioned to her son to sit
down.
LET us wait for few minutes be-
fore going upstairs" she suggested.
at Is so intolerably hot in those up
per rooms.p =
1T Is delightfully."- cool out here"
Kenneth remarked. "As my pack
ing is trifling matter, 1 am in no
hurry to get at it,"
He welcomed an excuse to stay
downstairs until near the time for
Ruth's return. His mother would be
sure to go to her room before then.
AS Dr. Grant would be out late, the
girl and man would have the oppor-