The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-28
CHAPTER xLIII
TEXT morning when Rupert reached
 tha c;tv be immediately called Syl-

'
 the city he immediately called Syl-
 yio's apartment. Presently he .srd the voice he loved so much, and
 answer to his, request Joan said she
 ould be able, to see him at eleven
 clock. As the hour approached she
 ondered what it held in store for her. onny was all right. Rupert had as- nred her of that, but as to what his nddeu arrival forecasted he left Joan lissfully in ignorance.
 However, the minutes swiftly passed, nd as the hour neared Sylvia an- ounced, "Tm going out-yes, am I'm certain a very confidential matter
 about to be settled. I'll telephone in he afternoon and you can let me know low things stand"
 Nonsense" said Joan. T don't rant you to go," but already Sylvia ad slipped outside, and when Rupert eached the door Joan opened it for i'm. A questioning look was in her yes, but to Rupert she was more en- hanting than ever.
 Sweetheart" he exclaimed as he pok her in his. arms. Gan you ever prgive mel"
 For a moment Joan looked startled nd drew herself away from his em- race. Then, as Rupert continued, Dearest, don't you know that I love ou" the questioning look disappeared rom her eyes. "Oh, Joan, what can ou think of me? The way I've treated ou! How I've cursed my silence, but weetheart, I thoughts that you cared 6r Dr. Lang, and so@" Rupert |aused to brush away the soft tresses hat partly yelled Joai's eyes-"I felt
 must try to forget how much loved lou"
 Then Joan, realizing now the reason or Rupert's apparent change of heart, hrew her arms about his neck and whispered, 'Then you loved me all the ime?"
 "You know I did. That's why I felt
 must not show you how much cared or you when I heard you were en- Eaged to Lang," and Rupert held Joan enderly in his arms. "Tell me you ove me-" he whispered brokenly.
 Joan raised her lips to his. I've llways loved you, only you," she sighed Is he drew her closely to his heart.
 '"Then you'll come back to Hearts )esire?" he questioned her passionately.
 "Yes," she answered, while her lips bought his, Ito Hearts Desire"
 After the first rhapsody of Rupert's confession, Joan whispered as she lestled in his arms, q don't understand bow you ever imagined cared for Dr. lang. He never came to see me, all hough I'd met him years ago when his lister and I were at college together" Well, honey" said Rupert as he Eaised her face to his, q know I Ehouldn't have paid any attention to he story, but when Mrs. Love assured ne it was so-and then, you know, I beard him call you Joan-and oh, there were so many little things that seemed O substantiate her story-I felt must cave the field clear for him." What made you change your mind?" asked Joan with a show of her old gay Fpirtt.
 T saw Lang just before I left, and .hen l discovered there was nothing be- tween you," said Rupert.
 "Were you glad?" whispered Joan as ehe pushed his wavy hair from his fore head.
 But Rupert's answer needed no words fo express it.
 "Now, sweetheart" he said a little l later, Tets go and get your ring, for \ don't want any one else to imagine they can fall in love with you." .. "Jealous" questioned Joan, but Ru bert, throwing his arms about her once |more, kissed her with renewed fervor. You know I'm not; otherwise I'd bake you back with me tonight" he |murmured.
 Joan smiled. How long can you stay in town?" she asked as she put on her hat.
 q must go back to Sonny this eve ming, dearest. wish you could come with me-" he said with a note of long ling.
 Poor little chap" she whispered. |"Of course you must go back to him to- night, but, oh, my darling, you don't know how I'll miss you.'
 Not more than I'll miss you, sweet heart" he murmured as he stopped to kiss the girl he loved. Tt won't be long till we're together at Hearts De Sireo