The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-16
q POMANCE S&%GN OF TR9
 ~ GREATER LOVE
CHAPTER LXNIy

Victoria Walshs hearty laugh at his discomfiture~ warned Kenneth not to appear too serious in his re- marks about Ruth Grant. Yet-how could he treat the matter lightly?
 why so vigorous in your denial of the doctors daughters interest In her dads handsome patient?" Vic toria leased.
 Because" Kenneth said, trying to speak casually, it SO happens that she is already engaged"
 "Oh, see. Did you meet the hap py man?"N
 "Yes-I met him. He is the clergy man of whom spoke just now. There is no harm in telling this, as you will never meet any of them."
 "No-perhaps not" Victoria af- firmed. T see, Ken. that, in spite of my suspicious, you have been forced by circumstances to lead a most exemplary life during your ab- sence. How did your mother stand sthe village llfe?"
 She hated it, of course"
 She naturally would" the girl agreed. She can't st Id Saxville, much less Southold. By the way, how long is she going to endure this town?"
 Something in Victoria's bearing this evening told him that she was anxious to avoid just yet any inti- mate talk between them So long as the conversation was trivial, and dealt only with the semi-serious mat ters. she was satisfied.
 "Oh," she replied. q have been keeping house for Dad, of course"
 Why didn't you, too, get away for a change, of air?"
 T did not want to-" she declared quickly. In hot weather one is cool CT right here in this big house than travelling about the country.
 You have not thought so during other summers" he reminded her T am older and wiser now than ever before," she laughed.
 Well, but go on-what have you been doing here at homer"
 T have been loafing, bossing the servants. having some of the girls in to luncheon once in a while; have been to some dances at ut-of-town places-one of them the dance you were to take me to and broke your arm instead."
 How about motoring?H he asked. Are you still doing much of that?
 Driving myself, you mean?" she asked. T am not. l don't like it."
 But your friends take you out don't they?" he questioned.
 She turned to him suddenly. Ken what are you hinting at? Of course my friends take me motoring. They always have. So why do you ask Who has been talking to you?"
 "Ah'" he exclaimed triumphantly. 50 you know there has been talk. do you? l did not know that. But did get letter from a friend mentioning that you had been seen dashing about the country in high priced and high-powered car"
 She tried to laugh, then moved to a chair closer to his than the one in which she now sat.
 Ken" she asked half jestingly- l that?" VI
 T did not think anything especial. r he evaded -"except that you had right to do a5 you please and go With whom you wish to go"
 She drew breath of relief.
 Good old Ken" she exclaimed That makes it much easier for me to talk with you. For, Ken-we must have a good talk"
 Yes, We must" he said sravelv We have been fencing this evening. Like pair of silly kids. But Victoria-there is something I want to ask you"
 Wait' she commanded, laying ner fingers suddenly on his lins Il hear dad coming! If you know who the man was-I mean one spe- cial man-that I have been driving wlth-do not mention 1t to anybody. Least Of all to dad. Promise, Ken, dear" -Neii'
 i promise" he said solemnly
 TO his surprise she leaned forward lmpulsiveiy and kissed him on the cneek. And at that moment James "aisn came out upon the veranda.
 tTO Re Continued.l