The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-02
The Greater Love @ A NEW ROMANCE By VIRGINIA TERHuNE VAN DE
 WATER
CHAPTER LYI
A NEW ROMANCE

CHAPTER LVI
 Beatrice Lang was too clever a strategist to press an advantage be- yond the limit of safety.
 After she had expressed to Ruth her wishes for her happiness and had met with a gentle acceptance of these wishes, she changed the subject tactfully and talked of othor matters.
 = Yet there was. one danger spot that she wanted t6 cover before part ing from her companion. She must make sure that Ruth would not be- tray to Kenneth the subject of this afternoons condolences.
 So just before the termination of the drive, Mrs. Lang spoke with well-feigned impulsiveness:
 Dear" she said, T do not be- lieve I can make you understand how much good you have done me during this past hour or twol I am a lonely woman-and I seldom talk my heart out to any one, But I have talked to you, secure in my faith in your discretion. I flatter myself that I am a good judge of character-and I knew instinctively when I first saw you that any secret would be safe with you. That is why have dared tell you of my dear boys happiness.
 He would be displeased if he knew that I had mentioned his love affair to you-for he wants 1t kept quiet until such time as he can say definitely when he is going 70 get married. He dislikes long engage ments, and has promised Victoria that nobody but those most nearly rn1caroad aha11 krow of their engagement. But your gentle and understanding sympathy was so sweet to me that I dared let myself talk freely to you. Do you think 1t would be deceitful of me If did not inform Kenneth that I have betrayed his secret to you?"
 Would he be displeased?" Ruth askedy to gain time.
 Another Little Lie
 "Yes. He would be angry with me. He is dear boy-but sadly spoiled. He would not mean to make me suffer were he to suspect what I have told you-but I would suffer none the less. I am sure that you would never let him know of our conversation"
 Certainly I would not" Ruth re- joined. Then, as they came in sight of the gate of her home-"Ah. there is father just driving in! That means that he will be in for sup per"
 There Is someone else driving not 'father'"-the widow leased. "Dr. Smith has goodleoking car, hasn't he? I suppose that in years to come he will go into partnership with Dr. Grant, won't he?''
 "Prohah1vn Ruth admitted.
 AS well as in partnership. with pr. Grants dauEhter!s- Mrs s. Lang laughed merrily. There, there, dear! Do not look so worried!E Your secret is as secure with me as mine is with you"
 Dr. Smith had driven his car around to the side of the house to make room for Ruth's Ford. Now he and pr. Grant came forward to greet the arrivals. At the same mo- ment Kenneth Lang appeared in the doorway. Ruth saw him but gave no sign that she did.
 Good afternoon, Dr. Smith," she said cordially. Mrs. Lang. allow me to introduce Dr. Smith,"
 Then as the man and woman ex- changed greetings Ruth looked be- yond them at her father.
 Dau, why IlOl dSh Ois 0hiAhh eO stay to supper with us this eye- ning?'
 The glad light that came to Ma thaniel3 Smiths eyes was abundant evidence of his pleasure in the sug- gestion.
 A Welcome Invitation
 Surely" Dr. Grant agreed heartily. 'I was just going to propose that myself daughter"
 "But," the young physician demur- red respectfully, what about my off, flee hours?"
 They don't begin for an hour and a half yet" Samuel Grant reminded him. "Telephone your landlady to keep your victims waiting until you return. Then you can run over there for a while-if you must"
 "Thanks That's a fine idea" Smith agreed with happy laugh.
 q say, Ruth-I have an idea, too. If stay here to supper-then go to my office and come back later will you take drive with me? Say yes, now."-
 The girl glanced at her father, then at Mrs. Lang. The latter smiled.
 Do not hesitate to leave me. dear child" she urged. q have had a wonderful afternoon with you. And as have my little trunk to pack this