The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-01
CHAPTER xxx

EOAN was singing merrlly as she
 went about the house putting things O in order and introducing some ot her purchases into the various rooms that required the little touches that as rule only a home loving woman can give. She was happy for the swift un- derstanding look she had seen in. Ru- pert's eyes told her he was not indif- ferent to her presence. It was joy to beautify the old home and she knew that Rupert. appriciated her efforts.
 Then as she entered the guest room that Mrs. Love was to occupy her heart lost its gladness. Keenly she real iZed her position in the household of Hearts Desire. The coming of this woman might make all the difference in the world to her. No longer would she enjoy the quiet talks with Rupert in the evening. She would have to with draw to the solitude of her own rooms. She, who had always been so inde- pendent, now felt the galling yoke of her position.
 Of course Mrs. Love would surely recognize that she was different and would not interfere with her, and per haps it was just as well that she had dismissed some of the housekeepers. From chance remarks that Rosanna had dropped it was evident that some of them were not above reproach in the manner that they performed their duties. She sang no more although as she thought of Sonny's championship she smiled wanly. He was dear lit tie fellow, although she could not un- dcrstand why he seemed to dislike his aunt so much. Of course he was only child and perhaps as she had no chil- dren of her own she did not know how to get the best out of him.
 Looking at her watch, Joan realized that time was flying and she had not yet advised Rosanna of the change in Mrs. Loves plans. As it might make some difference in her arrangements for dinner she picked up some sewing and haStened downstairs. Finding that kosanna wanted some special flavoring Joan offered to walk to the village store.
 I'll take Sonny with me so you about him, and I'm sure he'll enjoy the there anything else you need?"
 
 wasn't for me bad memory you'd be dabbled bits of butter on the pie crust she was rolling out.
 "Oh, that's all right" laughed Joan as her blue eyes sparkled. Il love to walk and you never know what sort of an adventure you may have once you step on the highroad.'
 .sC Loo ov,A and it's good luck I'll be wishing you, said Rosanna lasping into her native brogue.
 Joan smiled as she passed through the back kitchen and opening the dool halloed for Sonny. She thanked Heaven she did not wear her heart or her sleeve. Perhaps after all Mrs. Love might be an understanding woman whose actions, far from emphasizing her position in the household, would but add to her standing and remove tine sting of servitude that taunted loans Independent spirit.
 In a few minutes she heard an an swering halloo and Joan signalled tC Sonny that he should come at once for between them they had arranged { system of signals that saved many s step. Running swiftly the little boy leaped into Joan's outStretched arms.
 What's up?" he asked as he gave Ter hearty hug.
 Were going to the village" saiC Joan. "Rosanra wants us to get some thing for her and you know" Joan! eyes twinkled, i've might get something for ourselves"
 Sonny gave her an answering lool and then taking her hand the two walked down the road together. There was a short cut to the village and pres ently they came to the path that wan dered zis-zag among the apple trees Sonny loved this path for there was al ways much to see. A little to one sidt was a pond which in spring was thick ly edged with innumerable tadpoles which Sonny delighted to catch. This morning however he was walking quiet ly by Joan's side for she had begun tC l'tell him story which was continued from day to day whenever opportunity offered.
 At last the village was reached lanC entering the store Joan made her bur chase. When they left the shop iant headed once more for the path J OaI suddenly exclaimed, Alice Lang, Hha