The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-29
Chapter XXI.
T1E next morning Avril sang gaily
 as she dressed. A good nights

rest had banished the fear of Ivan i from her heart She felt quite un- afraid as she set off to the office. After all he was not likely to modest her as she went to work and she certainly would not think of venturing near his studio again. She wanted to pay him. She did not wish any favors from any one, especially from such man as Ivan, but she determined that she would never make another attempt to settle with him.
 As she neared the office she met Don. Good morning." she said in cheery tones and stepped little faster to keep pace with his long strides.
 You're coming to lunch with me to- day, aren't you, dearest?" he questioned
 "I'm afraid not. You see l hope to finish all the drawings today and as it will be my last day at the office, l promised to go with Judy" said Avril as she favored Don with a captivating smile.
 Well, I suppose I can't upset your plans. but you'll have dinner with me tonight" was Don's pronouncement. You don't know how much want to see you."
 "Why didn't you come to the studio last night?" asked Avril.
 Last night? My dear child I was at the office until II o'clock. We had conference and I didn't have a chance to phone you until it was too late. Sure ly you know I wanted to come. l went into Judy's room to tell you l couldn't possibly get around, but you had gone"
 "Yes, went out rather earlier than usual" and Avril trembled at the thought of the adventure that had be- fallen her. "Now tonight" she contin- ued, "it may be after 6 before finish for I have to touch up three or four drawings"
 "That doesn't matter. I'll stay there until you are ready"
 "Oh, you dear" whispered Avril as they entered the office building.
 Hello, Judy" sang Avril as she en- tered her room. Then opening her port folio she took out some drawings. What do you think of them?" she asked as Judy came towards her table.
 What I have always thought-that I don't see how you can do such beaut1- full work with such ease. You are a genius, I guess, and when l see your work sometimes wonder if l should go on."
 "Now don't speak like that" said Avril. "You know it's really the keep ing everlastingly at it that accomplishes things"
 "WeI that gives me faint ray of hope" said Judy.
 A few minutes afterwards Judy left the office and when she returned later in the forenoon she exclaimed, "Oh. there's an awfully queer man hanging around the elevators! think he must be a lunatlc.
 The thought of Ivan flashed through Avrils mind. Could he be watching for her? Yet she had never told him she was working all day at the office. Turn ing to Judy she said in a careless way, 'Oh, it's probably some striking gar ment-maker. You know there are l0ts of withholding foreigners in such trades"
 Perhaps" replied Judy, "but he looks like refined sort of man."
 Well. don't worry. If he's crazy person. the elevator men will soon see that he's sent about his business.
 q hope so," answered Judy, flor real ly ne gave me qulIe lrlSHl. .
 "Now, don't be scared" insisted Avril. "Of course realize New York is bit different from your home town where you know everybody and everybody's business" and Avril laughed.
 That's so," agreed Judy.
 Half past twelve came and the girls prepared to go to lunch. They had de- cided to make 1t rather more elabor- ate affair than that in which they us- ually indulged for it was a sort of fare well party.
 Lets go to the Blue Goose" said Avril. '"They have such delicious dishes"
 All right" assented Judy. "Im really quite hungry"
 Having arrived at the Blue Goose and given their orders, the girls started talk