The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-25
The Greater Love
A NEW ROMANCE
By VIRGINIA TERHUNE VAN DE
 WATER
CHAPTER xLIII


 The evening was a period of min elcd misery and joy for Kenneth Lang.
 His misery was caused by his mothers silent and critical observa- tion of all about her. His joy was caused by occasional indications of Ruth's feeling for himself.
 As usual. the members of the house hold repaired to the veranda after supper. Not the front veranda, how evor for the afternoon storm had soaked the rugs and the floor was still damp. But the enclosed veranda on the sheltered side of the building was dry.
 Mrs Lang glanced about her as her young hostess led the way to the re- treat where Kenneth had spent so many of his hours of convalescence. Twilight was falling, yet there was enough light to enable one to see clearly the various articles of furni- trre, including the lounging chair with it's cushions.
 Your son has enjoyed the quiet of this porch" Dr. Grant remarked when his guest was seated in an easy chair. Ut gave him the chance to get the fresh air, yet to keep quiet also. We shall miss him when he leaves"
 You have been very kind to him." the woman of the world said. He and I both appreciate it. He tells me that he is so far recovered that he expects to go home almost immedi- ately-tomorrow, perhaps.
 Her Eyes on Ruth
 She was addressing the physician, but her eyes were upon the physi- clans daughter. Ruth and Kenneth were standing side by side, ostensibly looking out at the plans in the flower border beaten down by the storm. Even in the dim light Mrs. Lang saw the girl start and turn to her companion with an instinctive ges- tHre ee inquiry. The motion and the look said plainly: "Is that true? Are YOU going away so soon?'
 The spoken reply was so low that the mother could not hear it. But she did see her sons hand rest for an instant on that of the young girl.
 Then the pair drew apart. and Ruth took a chair not far from the matron.
 The little by-play has been so brief in its duration that it was over by the time pr. Grant had finished between his teeth. This done, he spoke. T ih@il@j
 T do not want to detain your son any longer than he feels he can stay" he said. ''Yet-as his physician-f do feel that he IS taking bit of risk in travelling so soon"
 T understand from Kenneth that he wanted to get away. so l sup posed that it would be safe for hi m to take the journey" Mrs. Lang re- joined.
 Again Ruth glanced at the young man. His mother was putting him in an unfortunate light
 aa q told Dr. Grant this afternoon. he hastened to explain that let ter from the president of the bank says ne will be glad to have me re- turn soon. But that does not mean that 1 want to go away On the con trary. Dr. Grant and Miss Ruth both know how pleasant I have found t hcre--altnough, perhaps. they can Lardly understand how much 1 dis like leaving"
 He ought not to say as much as this. It was imprudent. for his mother was already suspicious. Yet he could not allow these dear peo- pie to think that he had told his parent that he was eager to leave their hospitable home.
 When Mrs Lang spoke again Ken l eth heard in her voice the hard note with which he was only too familiar.
 Dear boy, l am. but accepting the statement you made to me about ,cur plans! l could readily under stand your desire to get back to Sax vile. under the circumstances. I do not mean to imply that you have not been perfectly comfortable here" She