The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-11-25
Chapter XII

well, Rupert, you came mighty near
losing you boy" declared the doctor
after his morning visit what was
the idea of sending for your precious
sistcr-in-law?"
what do you mean?'' asked Rupert.
I've only just arrived home"
"Oh," said the doctor, "then you don't
know that Mrs. Loves in the house.
Suddenly appeared said you'd sent her
and ordered Miss Fairweather out of
Sonny's room. Je was getting along
all right, but when he woke up and
found her beside him he worked him
self W into n fine state and had me
here at o'clock this morning"
"But / never sent for Mrs. Love-"
said Rupert with puzzled expression.
"Well, she's here and L guess you'd
better give her her marching orders"
and DIR. Lang smiled as he lit his cigar
foT he knew that Rupert was always
at sea, when she appeared. "Cheer up,
old man." he added, "the boys getting
on all right now. Miss Fairweather's
wonderful nurse"
After the doctor left, Rupert went to
his den and closing the door lighted his
pipe. How Mrs. Love had arrived at
Hearts Desire he certainly could not
imagine. He knew that Sonny was
devoted to Joan and it was but nat
ural that he should demand her pres
ence, yet at word from this woman
she had left him. Then suddenly he
had a flash of comprehension. Perhaps
Joan thought he cared for Mrs. Love.
Could it be that that was why-and
Rupert paused. Then he remembered
how enthusiastic the doctor was about
Joan's work as a nurse. Well, he must
not think about things that were impos-
sible Of attainment. Mrs. Love would
have to go. He hated the thought of
scene, yet felt that perhaps this would
afford the opportunity he had some
times wished for--the opportunity to
sever all future relations with her. The
sooner it was over the better, so cross
ing the hall he asked Rosanna to tell
Mrs. Love that he had arrived and
would like to see her.
What transpired during the brief in
terview was unknown to any one ex-
cept themselves. AS Mrs. Love went
upstairs once more she confessed to her
self that she had defeated her own
ends. She knew she would never know
the hospitality of Hearts Desire again,
and as this thought came into her mind
| wave of despair shook her frame. All
her dream castles had vanished. Hold
ing her head proudly, although her lips
quivered, she went downstairs as Dick
appeared. When Rosanna closed the
door after her exit, she remarked to
herself, well, that's good radiance o
bad rubbish-that woman did nothing
but make trouble here. Now perhaps
Mr.. Rupert will find out where he's
standing and Miss Joan will be happy
again"
Upstairs Joan sat patiently by Son
ny's bedside for the boy could not bear
to have her out of his sight. As the
wheels of the car crunched upon the
gravel Joan raised her eyes to the win
dow and caught a fleeing glimpse of
Mrs. Love. Half an hour later Rupert
entered the boys room. Sonny's eyes
opened and tired little voice whis-
pered, Daddy" although his fingers
still grasped Joan's hand. Bending over
his son Rupert talked to him for a
minute, then noting his WEAKNESS he
said, "Try to sleep again, Sonny, and
you'll soon be better"
you won't let Aunt Married. come
again, will your" questioned the little
boy, his body quivering with excite
ment.
mo, dear, she's gone. Dicks taken
her to the station" he answered as
he kissed the child. =
Sonny gave wan smile, turned to