The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-30

wonder was seething in his mind, the wonder why he and this woman who had given him birth must all ways be at cross purposes. His father had suffered from the lack of understanding between himself and his wife. The fault then could not all be his-Kenneth's
 Yet this handsome woman was his mother-and she had come all the way from Maine to see him because she was anxious about him.
 Was anxiety as to his health her only reason for coming? Or had slae been uneasy lest his allegiance 10 Victoria Walsh was less strong than was quite safe?
 He moved impatiently. It was worse than foolish to let such sus- picons lodge in his mind. In jus tice he must admit that his mother's bearing toward her hosts had been more agreeable than he had dared hope. He had feared that she would show her ennui of her surroundings by her manner. But she was evil dently exerting herself to be polite and gracious. Again, he was per plexed.
 We might go up to your room for our chat, when Miss Grant finishes her work there," Mrs. Lang said at last.
 T do not think that she does any work there," Kenneth remarked. At least Martha is the one I have seen making my bed always"
 Laying Her Plans
 T am glad of that" his mother observed. The idea of young girl !, oc1-u for ia hardly pleasing"
 Kenneth held his tongue.
 Shall we go up to your room now?" Mrs. Lang asked.
 Certainly, If you wish," he re- piled.
 "Ah, hero comes Miss Grant! We can ask her where she would prefer that we have our talk" the widow observed
 "Is there anything I can do for you?" Ruth ,queried as she came on the veranda from the garden. where, as usual in the mornings, she had been gathering flowers for her sases.
 "No, my dear-unless you will tell my son and me where we. would e least in the way for the next hour" her guest explained. T must have a ,, business talk with him, and l always | like to get business out of the w~J before pleasure. I will find the pleasure in being with you later,' she supplemented.
 "Thank you," Ruth smiled. would suggest that you stay here or go upstairs, as you prefer. Per haps you would be less interrupted upstairs in Mir. Lang's room. Father sometimes comes out here before he f1- hA & turb you.'
 And later," Mrs. Lang laid her hand upon the girls shoulder as she started to leave the veranda, may I not have long talk with you, my dear? I do want to know you bet ter. Shall you be busy all day?'
 Indeed, no. I shall have the lat ter part of the afternoon free. l have a music lesson down in the vil- lage at 2. but l shall be back here by half past three. Perhaps" with a sudden inspiration, Father can spare the car to us. Sometimes he has consultation or an operation with pr. Smith-and they go in Gr. Smiths car.
 He" she added, by way of expla- nation, lis the only other physician in this town-and he and my father often have work to do together. II that is the case today-and father goes with Dr. Smith-you and l could have the flivver and take nice drive. And today" gleam of hu- nor coming to the hazel eyes, we will not get up thunderstorm!
 CHAPTER xLIX
 This" Kenneth Lang informed his mother, "is the room I have had ever since I have been here-the only guest room in the house. It Is pleas ant. isn't it?"
 He and his mother had come up- stairs for the Hong talk" she had desired. He would force himself to speak agreeably, casually.
 For such a small room," she ad- mitted. "it Is pleasant. I saw 1t yes- terday"
 You did?' he questioned. sur prised.
 "Yes." she explained, "after that woman, Martha (by the way, what an odious creature she is, isn't she?), had left me and I had washed-as well as I could in a room with no running water-and had changed my dress, I wandered around until I found what knew at onee was vour