The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-27
My HusbGnd--
 The BOOtLegger
CHAPTER s1
.By CAROLTNE BEECHER

realize we were giving him some thing as we'll as receiving. He and Donald became fast friends, "pals," Donald said. He fitted up a work shop over the garage for my boy, pro- vided him with tools and often on Saturday afternoons would spend two or three hours tinkering with him. He did not spoil him, however. He was firm in his quiet way. But Donald adored him and said:
 How could Aunt Mary run away with that guy when Uncle Clifford is such a good man"
 I explained the affair as best I could to one of his years, but he ex- pressed his indignation in no uncer- tain terms, saying Aunt Mary was fool and that he hoped she'd ''get hers" Mona, who at first was a little in awe of her uncle, had also become fond of him as she had learned to un- derstand him. She seemed very con- tented. Her evenings she spent read ing or at her music at which she ,ex- eelled. There w&s a fine baby grand in the big drawing room and she would play after dinner, while I sewed OF read and Clifford sat relaxed ill big chair. It was a quiet, aneventful life that we led in the old homestead. tried to make them all comfortable, to man. age economically, and was very pleased when Clifford told tne ran the house for less for the four of us than it had been for two. He never mentioned Mary by name, but occasionally would say something of that kind-perhaps knowing 1t would please me.
 As the time crept slowly by I often looked at Mona, wondering if she didn't miss young company. While she had none of the exotic l0veliness of Lucille, she was by no means plain. Her fea lures though irregular were piquant, she has lovely complexion, masses of dark hair and expressive eyes.
 was pleased when one night Cliff ford brought pleasant faced young man of about 25 home to dinner with him. He introduced George Atwood as the son of an old friend and ex- plained he had come to tn!se a position in the local bank, flourishing insti- tuition.
 Mona, as was usual with her now, was very quiet. But noticed young Atwood's eyes often strayed to her and I hoped he would call often, liked
 
 After dinner we had some music. Cliff ford remembered his father had fine voice and asked him if he also sang. Reluctantly he admitted that he did, and Mona played while he sang in a trained, delightful baritone some old ballads Clifford asked for.
 After he left I asked Clifford a number of questions about him and while she did not join in the conyersa- tion I saw that Mona listened.
 Bring him home with you once in, a while Clifford" said after Mona had left the room, ''or ask him to call. Mona is too much alone, I am anxious about hersD
 She'll come out all right. It has been terrible experience for the child i; the attitude of her classmates has made her, afraid to make friends. I'm sorry we haven't another girl in the office but we need only one and Mona has done wonderfully we'll"
 It was growing harder and harder for me to keep my promise to Mort, not to go and see him, especially as sClifford was willing, even rather aIix- ious that I should. s7v
 We sent him books and everything we could think of that we were allow ed to send, and Clifford kept him in touch with the works at the factory. Times were gradually growing better the orders increasing.
 ''There'lI be plenty for Mort to do if this keeps up,'' he remarked.
 "I hope so. Work will be the best thing for him." I replied. T am afraid of toe much thinking. He feels so to blame for Lucile-H'hat she did. Poor Mort 1"
 Whenever I thou ht of his sad eyes, his graying hair, Bad all I could do to keep from rushing to him, if only to remain an hour How was he? What were his thoughts in the long days and nights in prison? Was he giving way to despair, to heart-breaking regrets, to sorrow over Lucile's passing All these things l constantly asked myself but could never answer.
 was sure of our new environment, living so quietly, that no one in the town either talked or cared about our affairs. MaFy's flight had interested them more, and that was but nine days gossip because Mary never had made friends where she lived. She had voted the town "slow' and her inti- mates were all in New York.
 OE LuAS ECttoOn I ACkt ludL UAOuA would not be subjected to any unpleas- antness should she make friends among the young girls and boys of the town. She was nearly nineteen and it was not right for her to hold so aloof, not fair to herself.
 So I was pleased when young At. wood called and when he occasionally met and walked home with Mona, as she came from the office. I carefully refrained from expressing my senti- ments, however, fearful that such q course would have the opposite effect to what I wished For while Mona seemed in a way to enjoy him, she never used any girlish arts to hold his attention. She seemed to think he came to see the family, not her partic- ularly, although knew better.
 (TO Be Continued)
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