The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-15
The Greater Love A NEW ROMANCE By VIRGINIA TERHUNE VAN DE
 WATER
CHAPTER XVIII
A NEW ROMANCE


 Kenneth Lang did net sleep until late that night. But 1t was not ner- vousness or restlessness that kept i him from sleeping Instead a sense of happiness held his eyes waking. He went over in his mind that talk on the south porch. Ruth Grant was not a flirt. and yet she had let him hold her hand as he tried to tell her of his love for her. Had Dr. Grant stayed away five minutes longer, he. Kenneth Lang. would have made the confession that he had fancied he ought not to make.
 But HOW his scruples along this line seemed foolish, almost wrong If Ruth cared for him and he for her. nothing else mattered. His mothers 8 approval, Nictoria's passing fancy for him-all were as nothing com pared with the great possibility that seemed almost a proba bility.
 He would wait until he was sure that Ruth had not been offended at hls half-confession. Then he would ask her permission to try to win her love.
 He sighed with content as he re- flected that he might be here for a week or ten days. Surely by the ex- piration of that time he would know the truth
 All seemed plain and clear before him. All doubts as to what course he would best pursue had vanished. As soon us he had told Ruth that he loved her, he would have a talk with her father. There should be no de- ceit, no subterfuge about his conduct. Then, when he again saw his mother. he would declare to her that he and Victoria Walsh could never be more than friends-he would explain tha. even now the rich girl was receiv- ing marked attention from Travers. In his heart he was grateful tC her for being kind to Travers. A Genial Host The moon was low and dawn was almost here before he fell into a deep sleep.
 Yet whem~he went down to break | fast, holding tightly to the banister l with the right hand, he felt no worse for the hours in which he had lain awake. His host was crossing the lower hall as the patient made his ! appearance, and he stopped with a pleased exclamation.
 Bless my soul." he said. You are l getting well fasti Here you are al l dressed and shaved at this hour and have done everything for your self toe Ruth" raising his voice, our invalid is going to have break fast in the dining room with us this ! morning. How is that for improve 1 ment?"
 Finer she smiled, appearing in the 1 door of the room in which the break fast table was already laid. Come right in, won't you? Everything Is ready"
 She did not meet the young mans l eyes for more than a second, but her manner was as natural and unaf- | fected as usual
 Martha had word of welcome for l the ex-invalid. Had this been his | own home. Lang reflected, the o0cu- pants could not have appeared more happy at having him with them for 1 the morning meal.
 l We're in for spell of hot <! weather" Samuel Grant remarked l after breakfast as he and Kenneth went out upon tae side veranda. Sit | down, Lang, while I have .l little ! talk with you. By the way, iS you keep on gaining as you are doing I now, you might have drive by to- | morrow, How does that idea suit your
 Tt will be delightful" Lang re- ! piled. But you must not let me waste your time, doctor" Hit of News l T won't.D the physician averred I Ruth drives my car as we'll as l. do I may have to go by train tomorrow afternoon to Henderson to see an old l patient there. Ruth can take me tc l the station, then come back and give 1 you your drive. l want you to get used to going about a bit before you l have to exert yourself to any great | extent.
 | And that reminds meat least i. does not remind me at ail-for have