The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-16
Chapter x
Chapter X /A H, MISS DELANCEY.' said sv Don to Avril who had just turned over to him some of the


 uN Fl, MISS DELANCEY.' said SS Don to Avril who had just
 turned over to him some of the Fairyform drawings. we've new re- search worker and I'd like her to meet you. Miss Judy Gardner's an old friend of our family. Comes from the same village. Doesn't know soul here and as she's rather interested in art I'm sure she'll enjoy knowing you,
 A cold wind seemed to blow across Ayrils heart, but she smiled gaily as she replied, "Ill be delighted to meet her, and if there's any way in which ] can help friend of yours l shall be very much pleased"
 With that Don stepped into Judy s office and bringing her back with him introduced the girls.
 As Avril walked home her thoughts were no longer on the magnificent order which was still demanding all her time. Who was this girl and why had she got this position in Don's office? A thou sand vexing suggestions entered Avrils s mind Despite Don's apparent friendli- ness Avril had sensed something differ ent in his attitude to her. What had happened? Just as life looked all al luring-romance just around the cor ner. Would she ever find out what part Judy had played or was going to play in the life of her hero?
 Once in her studio. however, she tried tO banish all disquieting thoughts for she knew that her work all too quickly reflected her moods From time to time she had to go to the office as the con- ferences that Don had predicted were taking place. Formerly it had been a joy for as a rule Don had always man. aged to have few words with her. But now there was Judy. Yet Avril knew that outward appearances must be maintained as usual, no matter what questionings should arise in the still watches of the night.
 One morning as she passed Judy's desk she felt a touch of compunction because of her inward attitude towards this girl who had been suddenly thrown into the maelstrom of New York. Turn ing back she said Wont you come to dinner with me tonight?'
 'Id love to-" responded Judy, who had learned quite a big about the girl from Don.
 That's fine" replied Avril. "Can you be at the studio about 6? We'll go out and have dinner and then if you like, I'd be awfully pleased if you'd go back and spend the evening with me"
 'Indeed I shall be charmed. Thank you ever so much," answered Judy as she turned to her work. The prospect of a pleasant evening cast an unwonted radiance on her somewhat prOsaic work.
 To Judy Gardner her entrance into the business world was great adven- ture. Her life hitherto, with the excep- tion of three years at her state college, had been spent in small New England village. Since childhood she had known all the people around the neighborhood for her father the village doctor, had many patients in the outlying country side. No great events marked her life until the entrance of the friendly strang- CT who completely won her fathers con- fidence and got him to invest his hard earned savings ill securities which were as good as gold. The loss of the money was Judy's opportunity and although 1t grieved her father greatly that his daughter should come to leave home, it gave Judy the chance for which she had often longed.
 The afternoon sped quickly and at 6:1J Avril entered the studio.
 "Welcome." said Avril as she took Judy's hands in hers. Now, we're going to one of the fantastic restau- rants that you said you'd like to visit. V
 "Oh how lovely. My dreams are be ginning to come true. You know I al ways wanted to live in the Latin quarter of New York, but Mir. Farrar recom- mended a room uptown and as l knew nothing about life here l thought I'd better go."
 That's right" answered Avril as the girls entered the restaurant and seated themselves at rough deal table where through the heavy haze of smoke they could faintly discern the other patrons whose work or eccentricities Avril dis cussed with Judy.
 Judy enjoyed this event immensely and as she walked home with Avril she talked frequently of Don. Hes really the incest man l know. Don't you thinl he's splendidE"
 He seems very interesting" Avrl acknowledged ill the coolest tones she could command.
 "Of course I've known him ever since was a youngSter and perhaps he seems sAnore wonderful to me than to oth,