Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-01

n n ISIS VARNEY Strengthened out In
M imaginary crease in the white bed
spread, and stepped back pace to
look round the room with well satisfied
eyes.
IF she doesn't like this"-she appealed to
David; who stood in the doorway watching
her amusedly-"I am afraid she will be very
difficult to please"
ct looks very nice" he admitted with
mannish Indifference. They had no room
like this at the flat, at any rate"
Miss Varney sighed.
"Poor Nigel! And he loved his home and
the country so much"
a moment she lost herself in retrospection
Now that he was dead and gone she
blamed herself that she had not cared more
for her younger nephew. David had always
been her fayorte. She wondered now if per
haps Nigel had guessed much.
1t seemed impossible that she would never
see him again, or hear his teasing voice
Tears filled her eyes, and splashed the
White lace of her black bodice.
David moved towards her, and laid a hand
on her arm.
Don't cry" he said. Perhaps It's all
for the best-and he went out as he would
have wished"
Miss Varney st1fled a sob.
She wiped her tears resolutely away, and
tried to smile.
Il M an ola silly, L KNOW. Forgive me,
David. And now we must hurry or the child
will be here before we are ready. Tell me
again what she is like, and if you think she
really and truly cared for Nigel"
II am quite sure she did," Bretherton an
swered quickly. Il should say she cared for
him tremendously; she looked broken-heart-
ed when I first saw her. We shall have to
be very kind to her, Aunt Florence. She
will be able to do with all the petting and
coddling you can give her"
Poor child, she is more than welcome"
Hiss Varney stood on tiptoe, and dropped
iiss on Davds chin. Il think it's so good
f you to have her here. She ought to be
cry grateful"
She went away hurriedly, leaving David
landing in the doorway of the room that
lad been his brothers,
Miss Varney had certainly done her ut
nost for the comfort of her guest. There
we're flowers the manteshelf and dress
ing table, books on low shelf, cushioned
chair and writing table, and a small
CHEEKY fire burning in the CRATE, for the
summer seemed to have gone and the after
noon was chilly.
What would she think of it? he wondered,
a little curiously. She had only been to the
Red Grange once before, so she had told
him.
He turned slowly away, drawing the door
to behind him before he went down the wide
staircase to his own study.
The car had already gone to Selmont, the
nearest station. If the train was punctual
she ought to be here in a few moments.
Even as he glanced at his watch he heard
the motor horn the car turned in at the
drive. He stopped, irresolute.
A servant crossed the hall to open the
door Miss Varney came hurrying down the
stairs.
THAT must be she, David Oh, dear, do
feel SO nervous!"
David looked a little nervous himself. He
passed hand rather agitatedly across the
back of his head, and glanced at himself in
long mirror that hung on one wall; but he
went forward composedly enough when the
drew up at the step, and a servant
opened the door.
A little dying ray Of sunshine struggled
through the gray sky as Mary Furnival step
ped from the car, shining warmly upon her
sweet face and black-robed figure.
Sunshine to greet her! good omen,
thought Miss Varney, as she unceremonious-
1y brushed David aside and went. forward
with outstretched hands.
my dear child, I am SO glad to see you.
Welcome home-to Nigel's home!"
The girls eyes went past the little lady's
kindly face to where David stood, and a sort
of fear momentarily filled her eyes. But it
was gone Immediately and she returned Miss
Varneys impulsive kiss with warmth.
81 glad to come, and 1 think it is
sweet of you to want me-"
She shook hands with David composedly
enough, but she did not raise her eyes to
his. Her lips were little tremulous. Now
the first flush of excitement had died away
she looked pale and i'll.
Tea will be all ready when you have TAX
en- off your hat. David I told them to put
tea in your study-it's much more coy
there. You don't mind, do you?"
She did not wait for an answer. The two
women went away up the wide staircase to-
gether.
David Bretherton stood looking after them
with a little frown She was glad to come,
he was sure of that; the tone of her voice
and the tremulous agitation of her face told
him more than an effusion of words could
have done. But he remembered how she had
avoided meeting his eyes.
He went into the study, where tea was
laid by the fire, and stood looking across
the room with thoughtful eyes.
Continued Thursday. Renew your sub
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PUNGENT PARAGRAPHS
Some men think they are presidential pos
-;Jo Gil, o1o