The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-30


 Why not?" asked Mrs. Bates, in astonishment, and Pinky echoed, why not, Mrs Adams|
 She's queer Mrs. Adams came back into the room, closed the door, and spoke softly That's what she is, Mrs. Bates, queer l can't make her out. She's been here more'n a week now, and 1 do say she gets queerer every day. Won't make friends with any ybOdy-wont speak at all at the table-neVer comes and sits with us of an afternoon or even ing-just keeps to herself. Now that ain't natural for young girl"
 How old Is she?'
 Nobody knows, She looks like nineteen twenty but she has ways of a woman forty-as fars having her own ways concerned. Then again, she'll pet the cat or smile up at Mr. Adams like a child. can't make her out at all. The boarders are all fearfully curious-thats one reason l take her part, They're snoopy lot, and make them let her alone"
 You like her then?'
 You cant help liking her-yet she is eXasperating. You ask her a ques- tion, and she stares at you and walks of Not really rude-but just as if you weren't there! Well, I'll tell her you're here anyway"
 It was only by his extraordinary powers of persuasion that Pinky Payne had won his aunt's consent to make this call, and. being Sunday af- ternoon, the recognized at home day in Corinth, they had gone to the Adams house unannounced, and ask ed for Miss Austin. Upstairs, Mrs. Adams tapped at the girls door.
 It was opened slowly-it would seem grudgingly-and Anita looked out inquiringly. Callers for you, Miss Anita" the landlady said. cheerily. For me? I know no one" "Oh, now, you come on down. It's Mrs. Bates, and her nephew, Pinky Payne. They're our best people" What makes you think l want to see your best people?" T don't say you do, but they want 1 to see you-and-oh, pshaw, now, be a little sociable. It won't hurt you" Please say to Mrs. Bates that I have no desire to form new acQuaint- ances, and I beg to be excused from appearing"
 But do you know who she is? | She's the lady that's going to marry Doctor Waring, the new President. And Plnckney Payne, her cousin, Is a mighty nice boy.'
 NrS' RQdInS thought sHe detected sn ezprcsslVm Vaverlng on the girls face, and she followed up her advantage
 Yes, he's an awfully nice chap and just about your age, l should Judge"
 m go down." said Miss Austin, 1 briefly, and Mrs. Adams indulged in a sly smile of satisfaction. It's Pinky that fetched her." she thought to herself. Young folks are young folks the world over" Triumphantly, Mrs. Adams ushered Anita into the small parlor.
 Mrs Bates" she said, "and MT Payne-Miss Austin" Then she left them, for Esther Adams had strict notions of her duties as a boarding house landlady
 Mrs. Bates?" Anita said, going to her and taking her hand.
 Yes, Miss Austin-I am very glad to know you"
 But the words ceased suddenly as Emily Bates looked into girls eyes. Such a depth of sorrow was there, such unmistalSable tragedy and a hint of fear. What could it all mean? Surely this was a strange girl
 We have never met before, have we?' Mrs. Bates said, almost invol- uatarily, for the girls gaze was too intent to be given a stranger.
 "No," Anita said, recovering her poise steadily, but slowly-"not that I remember"
 "We have" burst forth the ire pressible PinlSy. T say, Miss Austin. please realize that I am here as well as my more celebrated aunt! Don't you remember the morninc- 1 met you on the bridge-and you were just about to throw yourself over the parapet?"
 "Oh, no, I wasn't" and delightful smile lighted the dark little face. The lips were very scarlet, but 1t was unmistakably natures own red. and as they parted over even and pearly teeth the smile transformed Miss Aus tin into a real beauty.
 It disappeared quickly, however, and Pinky Payne thenceforward made it his earnest endeavor to bring 1t back as often as possible.
 "Of course, you weren't" agreed Mrs. Bates, don't pay any attention to that foolish boy"
 I'm very nice boy. if I am fool ish," Pinky declared, but Miss Austin intent gaze fixed on Emily Bates.
 We thought perhaps you would go with us over to Doctor Warnings for tea" Mrs. Bates said, after an interval of aimless chat. Tt would, I am sure, be pleasant experience for you. Wouldn't you like it?"
 Doctor Warings?" repeated Anita, her voice low and tense. as if the idea was of more importance than 1t seemed.
 Yes, I may take you, for Doctor is my fiance-we are to be married next month"
 "No!" cried the girl, with such a sharp intonation that Mrs. Bates was startled.
 Sure they are," put in Pinky, anx- ious to cover up any eccentricity on the part of this girl fin whom he took an increased interest. They're as , frY1 txn~n ffr