The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-27
CHAPTER XIII

vw when she received Joan's wire,
 and when she heard a familiar knock at her door about noon she flung if onen and exclaimed, "Oh Joan, I'm so glad to see you!
 "So am I to see you" replied Joan as she threw her arms around her friend.
 "How long are you going to stay asked Sylvia.
 "As long as you'll keep me-" she an- swered.
 You've left your job?' questioned Sylvia.
 "Yes," replied Joan with sigh, I'm back for good"
 Realizing from Joan's manner that there was something behind this appar- emily simple statement. Sylvia quickly changed the conversation and told or her forthcoming marriage and the won derful luck she had had in her work.
 q suppose Miss Farley's still in my studio?" queried Joan.
 "Yes, and delighted with it. Won ders if you won't rent it to her perma- nently."
 "I'il need it myself as soon as she gets out. I cant billet myself on you indefinitely"
 "Oh Joan, you know-I'll love to have you. told you there. was no need for you to go on q wild goose chase 'this summer. You might just as. we'll have stayed here," said Sylvia as she studied her friends face.
 There was some indefinable new qual- ity in it. What had happened to her friend? She was sunburnt, but beneath the coat of tan there was some change in her expression. Of course she could not expect Joan to tell her everything, especially if she had had some upsetting experience prior to her departure.
 ''Oh, Sylvia, I've one piece ot news that will please you. A new wills been found and I'll be able buy you we'd ding present for I'm getting my share of Uncle Toms money.
 I'm so glad for your sake. What about your book?"
 Its accepted. I had to make some changes, but I agree with the publisher that they improve it."
 How wonderful" exclaimed Sylvia. Fame and fortune have come together" and as the hours passed the two girls 1 talked eagerly about Sylvia approach ing wedding and loans luck.
 When Rupert realized the full i'm port of Dr. Lang's words all his doubts about Joan vanished. As he looked back on the events of recent days he ac- knowledged he had made mountains out of molehills and cursed himself for his stupidity. If he could only see her now--but the train was bearing him | farther and farther away from the woman he loved so whole heartedly.
 So engrossed was he with the thought of this discovery that he was quite deaf to the repeated questions of his small son who at last, impatient with his fathers absentmindedneSS. threw his arms around his neck and said. "Oh, Daddy, if Miss Fairy were here shed tell me
 At the mention of his sons name for Joan, Rupert smiled, Shall we send for her."
 "Oh yes, Daddy, do," answered the child.
 Late that night he wrote to Joan and asked if she would see him. He realized he could not write of what was nearest his heart. nor would he dare to hint his reason for seeking her. for he felt sht might refuse to sec him.
 Meanwhile Sylvia and Joan lad gont | out for tea and Gallled over II as they brought each other up-to-date with the news of their doings. When they re turned to the apartment Sylvia eX claimed as she opened her mailbox Here's a letter for you, Joan!"
 For me-" incredulously asked Joan Then seeing the handwriting a swift flush swept across her cheeks. Hastily opening it, look of surprise appeared in her eyes as she read. Then turning to Sylvia. she said, II don't suppose you mind if permit man to come ana see me here tomorrow
 "Oh that explains it, laughed Sylvin II thought there was something of the sort. By all means ltt him come and il 1 you tell me when you expect him I'll | have an engagement elsewhere 1 There's no need. It's q purely buSi- ness matter" answered Joan, although her heart reproached her even as the