The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-06

learned the number of Mr.. Farnsworth's
room and went directly up to it. At his
knock the door opened at once.
AS he stood there in the dark cold hail.
the room seemed the cheerest place he had
ever seen. There was great hearth one
side of it, piled with generous logs, and the
dance of the flames played over two great
chairs drawn comfortably close to the blaze.
In one of them sat Molly.
One white, round arm dropped across the
upholstered side of the chair; the glow from
the hearth set glilnmering Tight in her eyes
and touched her yellow hair with places of
bright. golden fire Hal Burton thought of
the deep, deep blue of her eyes, and his
heart came laundering in his throat. Keene,
coldly collected and calm as ever, stepped
back from the door and beckoned Burton
inside. He went with long stride, and
keene closed the door behind him.
He said: after all, I'm rather glad
you've come Hail.
1t was not till then that Molly looked
up and then came to her feet with cry
like that of some animal which only pain can
make speak
And Burton cried to her: molly"
She did not look at him. She stared
fixedly at Keene, and at her. as if there
were fascination in his gaze which COM
manded and controlled her. And now
seeing the flush in her cheeks and the glin-
mer of her eyes, and the warm, rich gold of
her hair the thought of her as his wife was
rubbed from burton's mind, and for the mo-
ment she became once more that Molly
Sanders whom every young fellow in his
set worshiped from a distance. Once more
she was one to be wooed and gloried in.
and the mist began to fall away from the
mind of Hal Burton. Her glance did not
shift from the grim face of Keene, but she
knew through some great instinct that the
old bright worship was once more in the
eyes of her husband.
And he was saying: give come to for
give you for leaving me. Molly, and to ask
you to forgive me for some worse things"
He waited but her glance did not waver
toward him, and then he saw that Keene
smiling.
The conqueror said: "After all, its fortu-
nate that Hal has come out here. was going
TO leave some things untouched, but guess
it's better that you should know everything
so that you can bury the thought of Hal
forever"
Steve said Burton, watch your
words. Pm my old self tonight
But it seemed as if Keene knew he was
facing the greater danger by keeping his
eyes upon Molly
He went on: "Do you remember the days
not long ago when Hal was pressed to the
wall and helpless and hopeless? And do you
remember how he rallied by some miracle,
it seemed and pulled through the crtis
with a little balance in the bank-the bal
you are wearing now? Do you also won
der why he has made no effort to separate
you and me until tonight? 1t is because he
sold mis- right in you, Molly. Nothing is
worth more than the price the owner puts
on it, and this man put a money value on
you, DEAR
keene, I've warned you once. Another
word out of you and"
His price was high, but l paid it. and
now the dog has come after the property
he has sold"
Burton cried: ''Do you believe him.
Molly"
She covered her face.
"No," commanded Keene; "look at Hand
some Hal Burton and tell him whether you
love or lothe him."
She obeyed, shivering, and her wide eyes
glanced him over from head to foot and
rested for long moment on that ruined
face. She turned her head with a sharp
movement.
H. i.