The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-06
L LIFE $ CLUB EVENTS % FASHIONS

beautiful to Grace. Her movements were unhampered; there was not that old determent factor in her friend ship for Brett Forbes. She enjoyed his hospitality, at theatre and in a restaurant and did she choose to lie abed until noon the next day, she need not endure the sting of Jim Mer- wins disapproval.
 She was much in Forbes company; his constant courtesy bred in her certain fondness which made her afraid. His comradeship was de- lightful, and although 1t lacked much that is contained in connubial exist ence, she feared to chance sacrific- ing 1t on the altar where had been destroyed her love for her former husband.
 Forbes daily urged marriage and the idea grew attractive; from con- sidering 1t as possibility, she saw 1t as probability-but always in the background, was that black shadow; her dead love for Mervin. Might not this new passion die the same death?
 The problem alternately stirred and dejected her; torn between a desire to yield and a terror of yielding, she | fled from him and from her inclina- tions. or more than a year she re- mained away, in France and Italy.
 Grace Merton's return was on the eve of the annual masque at the Cos mos club. She was eager. It had 1 been two years since she had been in the joyous midst of this revelry.
 Forbes met her at the dock, as she knew he would, but to his pleading that he be permitted to remain with her, she returned a gentle no.
 Tomorrow night" she said, "at the Cosmos masque. No. not beforep'
 Tell me what you'll wear" be begged, but she put him off with a smile.
 You'll know" shs told him. Your love, If it is as deep as you say it Is, will tell you! And l." she added very softly, shall know you"
 He caught the implication quickly and his heart leaped. He 7 :essed her hand and left her looking after him.
 'I'll know him." she whispered, and longing became part of her. When he asks me again, I'll know what to answer"
 It was in such a mood that Grace arrived at the Cosmos club, alone, clad as Columbia. In her months of wandering she had analysed her feelings for Forbes, and had become convinced that 1t was love- The ghost of that former marriage no 1 longer haunted her, she believed in a certainty of lasting happiness with Brett. She would accept him-to- night.
 She seached for him in the press of merrymakers, but failed to pick him out among the dozens of cos tuned men.
 This was disappointing; she had been so positive that some vague spiritual thing would draw them together.
 tall, well-built dancer in marine officers uniform brushed her shoulder and she started She turned to look at him and found his eyes in- tent on her. Here was Brett Forbes! The thrill that came from that in- stant of physical contact could have been given by no other man
 Grace turned quickly and giided through an open door into the garden hoping he would follow, and little terrified at the thought.
 As she walked a step sounded be- hind her; the sail )r fell in with heI stride. Silence attended them both for some time.
 You're lovely. Columbia" he said and her heart leaped into her throat this was not Brett Forbes With z little sob she turned to run; he caught her hand.
 i've been watching you all eve. ming, little Columbia" he told her She could not speak. Something abou this utter stranger held her spell bound. His eyes were fast on hers