The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-18
The
Greater
Love
A NEW ROMANCE
By VIRGINIA TERHUNE VAN DE
WATER
CHAPTER XXI

CAhhN EzhN m
When DR.. Grant came home for
dinner he brought the mail with him.
He handed two letters to Kenneth
Lang.
The young man looked at them al
most timidly. Then he drew breath
of relief. He had feared one might
be from Victoria Walsh. The fact
that he had not heard from her for
some days would make it easier for
him to inform his mother that Trav-
ers had evidently superseded him in
the heiress' affections
One of the letters he now held was
from Henry Dobson. The other was
merely circular
The letter from the president of
the bank was brief-in reply to a
note Lang had sent him telling him
of his continued improvement.
He will be glad to get you back"
Mr.. Dobson wrote. But take no
risks by leaving your present quar-
tiers before it is entirely safe"
As the invalid read this sentence,
an idea came to him. He would use
Henry Dobson's letter as a reason for
his leaving Southold as soon as prac-
ticable after his mothers arrival.
In furtherance of this scheme he
mentioned to his host at dinner that
noon that he had heard from the
president of his bank
He says they will be glad to have
me back as soon as convenient" he
added. They have all been so kind
abou my prolonged absence that
must return at an early date"
Go Slow" the physician advised,
helping his guest to a huge slice of
roast beef. They must understand
in Saxville that you are not staying
away for the fun of the thing.
certainly would not advocate your
leaving this place for week yet"
Il am afraid l must go before
that" the young man insisted. This
letter is kind-but l can see that 1
am needed at home"
UnweIcome Advice
We'll, you are your own boss, of
course-yet l have told you what I
think. But don't worry about the
matter now. Wait until your mother
comes. She will not let you do any
thing imprudent."
The son was not at all sure that
his mother would not let him do
anything imprudent if such impru-
dence meant his removal from an en-
vironment in which she would scent
possible danger to his affections and
discomfort to herself. However, he
would not suggest this to his host.
He would allow what he had just
saidsto terminate, and, perhaps bring
forth fruits later when Lang must
declare his intention of returning 70
work.
It's going to be a hot afternoon"
the physician remarked, when he
had disposed of his roast beef and
accompanying vegetables. Il see that
the weather has affected your APP
petite. You've eaten hardly any
thing
8 I've eaten quite enough for a
( man who sits around all day and does
nothing, Kenneth rejoined. when
can get out of doors more l shall
eat better
Yes. And your drive tomorrow
may bring UP your appetite" the
physician said.
Kenneth smiled. Il am sure it
will he agreed. Il am looking for
ward to it eagerly
So the physician had not forgotten
the plan for his patients pleasure!
14ang's heart warmed toward his
genial host. If only something did
Only Two Trains
by the way" the son asked after
while-''at what time of day would
my mother be likely to reach here
when she does come? / mean what
connections could she maker"
Il was looking that matter up
this morning" Dr. Grant said. There
are only two trains day with which
she could make connection. One
gets here at six in the morning; the
other at six at night
II see" his guest murmured.
If she were to come at six to-
morrow morning, there would be no
chance for the drive with Ruth!
He was absurdly nervous about his
mothers Arrivals nervous as he
had been when, as a child, he had
feared that her disapproval of some
act of his would lead her to de-
prive him of an anticipated pleasure.
Aloud he said II hope that she
will not come by an early morning
train. 1t would make 1t rather In
convenient for you and Miss Ruth"
Not at ALL" Samuel Grant con-
tradcted. Ruth and Martha have
already arranged about where Mrs.
Lang is to sleep, and all that"
Where would she sleep? Lang
speculated. But he did not like to