The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-05
CHAPTER at

WONDERED if this disappointment had anything to do with Natalie's = actions aside from her resentment at Uncle Roberts attitude. Had it af- fected her feeling for me? l had told her of the lovely old home but had in nc way even hinted we might occupy it. had no such idea as knew well uncle's feelings about Mrs. Bell, his love of quiet and his belief that young married people were better off by +them-- selves.
 Downstairs they were all laughing and chatting and my entrance was uIi- noticed for moment. I stood just in- side the. living room door, looking at them, remarking Garth and Natalie in the group. A
 Suddenly heard Diana's clear voice, as she came toward me, saying:
 "A wise old owl lived in an oak,
 The more he saw the less he spoke,
 The less he spoke the more he heard
 Why aren't we all like that old bird ?"
 Everyone laughed and wanted to know where I had been.
 'You stood there looking like a sphinx" Diana said, "or wise old owl. couldn't help teasing you n lit- tie. You're not Methuselah, you know, neither does the world rest on your shoulders, although you look as if it did"
 Ut has slid off at your coming" | replied in the same bantering tone she had used. I had been trying to make up my mind as I watched them whether I should let Natalie know I had over heard what she said to Garth or avoid discussion by keeping my eayeSdropping ta myself. As we bade Ned and Jessie goodnight decided no good could come of raising the question and that l would not say anything. t
 Garth and Diana rode home with us, so we had no opportunity for confi- dcnces of any sort. I got out at Uncle Roberts, telling them I would walk home after I saw how he was feeling.
 1 found him not so well. He was lying on the couch and for him that was bad sign. was glad I had said ms more than I had about the country. If he were i'll couldn't leave him. in town alone and after what had heard I knew it would be useless to think Natalie would have him with us.
 found Natalie reading letter that had come for her during my absence.
 Mother is coming to visit me, she will be here tomorrow" she told me.
 Good !' I exclaimed heartily. tsUncle is not as well and shall want to spend some time with him. If your mother is here can do s0 with a clear con- science. You will not be alone."
 '.I hope you won't be so busy you can't spare little time for her, Nata- lie replied. My relatives haven't both cred you very much" the last in an injured tone.
 Indeed they have not. Your brother has made his visits to you in the day time and I've not liked it that he didn't let me get acquainted with him." Natalie found she detested her brothers wife and never had asked them to dine with us, although they lived only short way from us in New Jersey.
 ''I didn't want that common wife of his coming here," she replied. As I never had met the lady in question I kept still. A thought of uncle's re- hinder that man must consider his wife's family came to me. Mine cer: tainly had given me no cause to con- sider them. l looked up the trains, found what time her mother might be expected and offered to meet her.
 Thank you, then won't try to go to the station," she said
 
 I was really glad my mother-in-law was coming. I felt owed it to Uncle Robert to spend as many of my eve nings with him as possible unless he inn proved. I hated to leave Natalie, cer- tain that she would seek her accus- toned pleasures without me-perhaps with Ned Church. I couldn't down the suspicion that he sought her. that she was willing to meet him. Now, even if she did go out as usual. her mother would of necessity accompany her.
 met Natalies mother, called q taxi, disposed of her luggage, took her bag gage checks and ordered her trunk sent.
 Haven't you bought Natalie car yet" she asked as. took my seat be- side her.
 No. l haven't been able to afford the kind of car she wants," I an swered shortly.
 You owe 1t to her, to your position in society. It's ridiculous for you not t, have n private car. I hope you will attend to it while I am here"
 Ny enthusiasm over her visit left me.