The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-10-15
Hearts Desire
By MARY BELL

readily be computed in dollars and
cents. Perhaps one reason for this
| interest was that writing was his hobby,
and from time to time he had been sue
cessful in having little fanciful poems
published. For Joan's sake he was
greatly grieved that the clause in her
uncle's will prevented her from sharing
in his fortune, and he had done all IN
his power to try to secure her share,
but so far without avail. He knew that
she was spending her money rather
freely, but as he had no jurisdiction
over that he had merely made sugges-
tons now and then for her considera-
ton.
Good morning, Mr.. Moberly," said
Joan as she entered his sanctum. Il
wonder if you will attend to some OF
my affairs?"
Indeed, I'll be delighted" replied
the lawyer, as he shook hands cordially
with her.
That's good" said Joan as she seated
herself near his desk, "for now that
I'm disinherited / find I'll have to go
in for a season for retrenchment and am
going to give up my studio"
Surely not, Miss JOAN" answered
the lawyer. "How, are your stories
coming along"
"Oh, haven't had check for ages.
but I'm still writing and living in hope,
replied Joan.
"Tm sorry to hear that" was the
lawyers reply. Perhaps your family
might be willing to help you until you
finish your novel and put it across"
"You speak as though it would make
a fortune for me-" laughed Joan.
"Well, you may be glad to know that
it's finished and I've sent it to pub
Usher, but l may have to wait months
and months until he decides what he
is going to do with it. Meanwhile I've
got to have some money, and I've taken
a Job as housekeeper, or something on
that order"
Going to be married.. Who is the
man if l may ASK"
'Oh, no, nothing so serious as that.
I'm merely to direct the housekeeping
for "A farmer upstate, and I want you
to look after my mail and keep my
whereabouts secret from my family
and friends.
''That will never do" declared the
lawyer emphatically. eff you won't
accept any help from your family you
must let me find position for you I'M
4 til things begin to look up in the liter
airy world" and there was a note of
real distress in the lawyers voice.
THAT'S very kind of you," exclaimed
Joan, and her blue eyes sparkled, "but
I've made up my mind to be indepen-
dent"
"Wen, look here. what are your
qualifications for this positiOn?" asked
the lawyer gravely.
ooh, evident failure in everything
else" replied Joan gaily, although Mob
erly detected a note of pathos in her
apparently flipant answer.
"Now, see here" remarked the lawyer,
and his gray eyes rested tenderly on
Joan, why don't you run out and see
Mrs. Moberly for a few days. Things
have evidently been worrying yOu,, but
a week or two in the country will set
you up and then you can make your
plans"
That's perfectly dear of you and I'D
ing town in the day after tomorrow and
I've heaps of things to do"
'"Then you've really taken the pO-
sitionT' querier the lawyer in amaze
nent.
"Yes, I've just come from the Gilt
more, where met my future employer, "
announced Joan.
Then l can't persuade you to
change your mind:" questioned Moberly
solicitiously.
"Not for six months" answered Joan
I've promised to stay that length OF
time-provided I'm satisfactory" and
Joan smiled at the lawyer demurely
Goodbye, here's the address" she
added as she shook hands with John
MOberly.