The Washington times., 1923-09-26
By Charles G. Norris.


I'D II s s':: %: : :s. s 's::; q;
ache is better and
that you were able to get hold
Of your dentist yesterday. We
were all sorry to have you
go:-the party was quite democrat
lied after your departure. and
last night we all went to bed
early. Leila came into my room
while I was undressing, and we
had a. long confidential talk. I
wish you could have heard part
of it. She really cares for you,
Phil; knew she did, of course,
but I was surprised to find out
how much. Marrying you would
mean a lot to her.-we all know
that; she has had an awfu1ly hard
time and it's always been strug-
gle for her. But, now, truly
believe she'd marry you If you
hadn't a cent! She's beautiful,
clever, admired, and know both
your natures inside out, and / am
sure that the two Of you are abb
solutely suited to each other in
every way. Everyone who loves
you or lis your friend, Philip, is
eager for this match. Leila
thinks you donet care. but tell
her that any man who has been
ae attentive as you have been
for the last six months must
either be in love or insane. I
hope you won't delay your declar-
alton q day longer. We're motor
ing up this morning with Gerald
and Flossie Prentiss. and Leila
will be home early in the after
noon. Ring her up. Phil. and go
TO see her, and set her heart at
rest. I must be the first one to
know You must promise me
that faithfully. I've got a gor-
geous dinner all planned when
you're ready to announce it!
Ever affectionately
Your sister,
LUCY.
Philip cramned the note into
his pocket. and Nstalked to the
window where he stood gazing.
enseeing. out upon the remnants
Of the burned foundations in an
adjoining lot He was in a mess.
and he foresaw the row Lucy was
sure to make as soon as she
learned he was going away. She
was a determined little person,
and would bitterly attack him, re-
fusing to be friends. 1t meant
D break between them for a time;
she would even try to enlist her
husbands sympathies. Philip had
grown accustomed to her group;
had come to enjoy them: he liked
their i1consequential chatter, now,
their gaiety and nght-heartedness,
the bridge-playing, the feasting
and drinking. Lucy was sure to
exclude him from this charmed
circle: she would try to set them
oil against him. Collectively they
might even influence Wilbur.
He turned from the window
with an oath.
I'm be damned IL I give her
mp. he said fiercely between his
teeth. He was eager for his talk
with mis- partner.
He found Wilbur studying a
map and an abstract. He was
alone except for his stenographer
whom, at a sign from Philip,
Wilbur asked to leave the room.
Tell the operator not to ring
any calls" Philip began. I've
got q lot Of things I want to tall0
over with you and I can't wait"
The Confession.
When he was sure they would
not be disturbed, he unburdened
himself. He had never discussed
Mary Rowland with Wilbur, but
he did 50 now in order that his
brother.in-law might fully under
stand the part Mrs. Grotenberg
had played for him. Mary seemed
to I'LL q chapter in his life which
In some curious way had no rela-
ton with what preceded or fol-
lowed. She had given him a
glimpse of heaven and had passed
on. and the current of his exist.
ence had reunited and swept for
ward as If the beauty. the culture
and the love she had shown him
had never split the narrow flood