The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-10
CHAPTER 42 NEVILLE waiting for our dinner to w be served I noticed Manville

~ w be served I noticed Manville
 lowing and smiling toward the door. I deliberately turned to see who it was who so engaged his attention. It was Ruth Markham, with two other women and one man-an insignificant looking fellow whom had met at a dinner to which Manville and | had gone, but whom never had since seen. Manville had called him a "nincom- bpoop," so I knew he was not lowing so delightedly to him. It was Ruth Markham, of course.
 But I made up my mind she should not spoil my evening. I would pre- tend there was no reason to be jealous of her; that she was my friend, too. So I also bowed pleasantly. A sur prised look swept her lovely face for a moment; then she returned my bow, flushing slightly. There would have been nothing strange in my speaking to her save that had to turn almost round in. my chair to do so. Manville also had caught my little by-play. I could not tell by his face if he were pleased or angry.
 Just then the first course of our din- ner was served. and we centered our in- terest on the food and Aunt Cyuthia's compliments because of Manville's abil- ity to order.
 The music was lovely. Scarcely could I keep my feet upon the floor. But dared say nothing I must quiet ly wait until Manville either suggested dancing or. having finished his dinner, would dare propose it to him.
 When the salad was brought he ex- cused himself and made his way to the table where Ruth Markham sat. never dreamed they were going 10 dance; that he would ask anyone to dance before he had danced with me, his wife. But she immediately arose and they were lost for a moment as they mingled with those already on the floor. My eyes filled so that 1t took two or three minutes before again separated them from the other dancers.
 I winked the tears away. I would not let his aunt see me cry. Then thought came. I looked over at June and mo- tioned toward Alfred and the floor. She understood and in a moment Alfred was at my elbow asking me to dance. I paid no attention to Aunt's black looks, but rose immediately and we glided into the center of the floor. How enjoyed that dance, although quailed for a moment as saw the displeasure on Manville's face when we passed him. We danced the encore, then Alfred. took me back to the table. Manville still fingered by Ruth Markham and was deliberately eating my salad when he returned.
 Wasn't it lovely2" I asked him. You Will dance with me the next time, won't you?"
 I saw his aunt stiffen.
 Had I known I was to be left alone in so public -a place l should not have asked to come"
 Excuse me, aunt dear. I had no \ idea Susan would be so rude as to leave you alone. It surely shall not happen again this evening"" l thought he meant we would neither of us dance. And while was disappointed, I was not so much so as if I had not had my one heavenly turn with Alfred or as if he had been going to leave me alone with his aunt.
 But I had allowed myself to be too soon comforted. As we were slipping our coffee and the orchestra was play ing perfectly adorable two step, Man vile again rose, and saying:
 '1 promised to dance this with Mrs. Markham" he left us.
 This time the tears had to be wiped away and had also to listen to a monologue by Aunt Cynthia on the poise which was the one greatest charm in woman, and which I totally lacked i; did not speak, I couldn't; but when Alfred, who had been dancing with l June took her back to the table and came for me, I simply shook my head. knew he saw how things were for he leaned over and whispered: