The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-12

was so hot with indignation that he
might -betray his resentment toward
his mother. This would not be fair
to Ruth. 1t would put her in the
uncomfortable position of having to
criticize a woman whom she scarcely
knew-and that woman the mothar
of the man who loved her.
Living 1t All Over
That was the way he phrased II to
himself. But his heart added-"and
whom she loved-perhaps."
For he was sure she was rot in
different to him. Throwing himself
into the lounging chair on the side
porch, he closed his eyes and relived
in fancy certain scenes between him
self and Ruth.
He remembered the look in her
eyes yesterday when, as they were
driving down the mountain side, she
had, for brief instant, met his
gaze. He recalled with quickened
heart-beats how she had chung to him
in the storm. OF course, fear might
have moved her to do this-yet it
had not been fear that had quivered
in her voice when she had called him
Kenneth"
He would learn the truth from
her before he went away from this
place. His talk with his mother he d
decided this. In some way he must
make an opportunity to be alone
with Ruth, even If he had to ask
her openly for an interview.
Surely Ruth loved him. And how
dearly he loved her.
He was leaning back, his eyes
closed, lost in day dream of what
oh HE y,,otherfq uOipa in fha
doorway made him start from his
musings.
You look very happy, son." she
remarked. IT thought you were
asleep until I saw you SMILE"
His Mother Appears
Then she had been standing here
watching him! He remembered with
a swift sense of gratitude that he
had not uttered even in a whisper, a
word of what had been passing in his
mind
This is a very comfortable spot in
which to loaf" he rejoined. getting
up and motioning her to take his
lounging chair. TRY it for your
self"
DO not hurry away" she protest.
ed, sinking into the chair he had va
Gated. Yes, this is some comforta-
Bile, isn't 1t? 1 suppose you have
spent many hours out here"
Yes" he said briefly, II have"
well, these people have done their
best to make you comfortable" Mrs.
Lang admitted. She could afford to
be gracious now having, as she
hoped, carried her point with her SON.
by the way, where is Ruth?
supposed l would find her here
with you" she added, with quick
glance at him.
He met Che glance coldly. II have
no idea where she is. nor nave
seen her since you and | parted from
her two hours ago. 1 did exchange
a few words just now with Martha
but I fancy that you would find
that quite safe"
His mother did not vince under
his sarcasm. Instead she shrugged
her shoulders and laughed.
Gross. aren't you Ken?" she said.
Such being the case. I can dispense
with your society for a while. IT,,
as you just limited, you wish to go
off upstairs by yourself"
As he reached the door she sent .
parting shot after him.
IF you will review some of the
things you have said to me this
morning, l think you will compre-
bend why l assert that your en-
vironment has not sweetened your
temper nor improved your manners-
l fancy, too. that, underneath it all.
you may perceive--as I do-that pos
sibiy your little hostess has been
using you as blind while carry
ing on her own love affair. But we
will not discuss that now 1t does
not concern me-and l do like to
mind my own business"