The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-04-08

pavement OF Cne sJTanu. ABOUT ~ ydtdo
from the entrance to the Hotel Milan, the
occasion being lesurely stroll on the part
of Mr.. Cray toward one of the reopened
hotels in Northumberland. avenue, which
was reputed to possess a ward in the art
of cocktail mixing. They recognized each
other about 10 yards off, an dtheir greet
ings were vocferous and idiomatic.
'.If it isn't Ed" Mr.. Cray exclaimed
'Welcome to our city"
Joe. old sport, if this isn't bully was
the prompt and hearty response. Put it
there my SON | guess the Milan's the near
est"
Arm in arm the two men swung along
the pavement Mr.. Walln younger edition
humor and good will. Each was filled with
the joy of meeting friend and fellow coun-
tryman in strange city.
Mr. Cray glanced at his watch they
reached the Milan bar. He led the way to
two easy chairs and beckoned to a waiter.
Two Scotch and soda, Tim he ordered,
'and in a quarter of an hour that Coley
shakes US up two dry Martins. Afterward
we'll have bite of luncheon in the grill
room"
The program was approved and carried
out. About half way through the meal Mr..
Cray asked momentous question:
Say. what's brought you over, Ed?"
Mr.. Wallin laid down his knife and fork
and groaned. His eyes were fixed with an
indescrbable expression upon the figure of
woman a short distance away
That" he replied her"
Mr. Cray turned in his chair. A smartly
attired young woman who had paused upon
the threshold looking around the room
though in search of some one, vas now ap-
preaching their table
Why Mr.-W alin," she exclaimed as she
shook hands, Il had no idea that you were
staying here"
Pm not" ne replied, 'Im just having
bite with friend I'd like you to know Mr.
Joseph p Cray-Miss Nora Medlcott.'
Mr.. Cray arose at once and shook hands
with Miss Medlcott. She very good
looking her expression pleasing and her
manner friendly.
I'm glad to know you, Mr.. Cray" she
said. Are you by any chance related to
Mrs. Georgiana Cray, vice president of the
Womans Kill-the- Drink league?'
MY wife, Mr.. Cray faltered-
Miss Medlicott shook hands with him
again.
II am proud to know you, sir, she de-
clared "Your wife did great work in
Oregon"
.Sure!" Mr. Cray murmured, his tone sin
gularly lacking in conviction. "lve been
kind of out of things for the last two
years"
Mr. Cray has been over in France doing
relief work. his friend explained.
Exactly what | should have expected
from Mrs. Cray's husband" the young lady
declared approvingly.
You'll sit down and have some lunch
with us. Miss Medlicott?" Mr.. Walln begged
in the hope of OBTAINING the fair
while
The young lady appeared to hesitate. She
glanced once more around the room.
Il promised to lunch with some of the
crowd" she said, "but-'
Her eyes suddenly fell upon the bottle
of Scotch which Mr. Wallin had vainly tried
to conceal behind newspaper. Her man.
ner stiffened
We'll send this right away the offender
promised eagerly. "Im not accustomed to it
in the midle of the day, but Mr.. Cray here
has touch of rheumatism.
Touch of WHAT" Mr.. Cray asked blank
ly, and received kick on the shins for his
ObtuSenesS.
Miss Medlicott smiled gravely at him.
"You mustn't think I'm overpre JUDGED,
Mr.. Gray" she said, "but | am great be-
lever in total abstinence. | have many
friends. however, who do not share my
views, among them Mr.. Wallin here | do