The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-11-05
CHAPTER XIII


eLnH YOU dear old thing? How
SSV Dwell you look" exclaimed Mrs.
Love as she stepped from the
pullman. Throwing her arms about
her brother-in-law's neck, she kissed him
first on one cheek and then on the
other-a ceremony he endured with
as good grace as she might.
what sort of journey did you have?"
questioned Rupert when she finally re-
leased him.
"Oh, it was very tedious. Why don't
you live where it is easier for us to get
to your" she asked as she gave him a
coquettish look.
cts grand country here" he replied.
Just the place for raising stock. What
about your baggage"
81 have a trunk, but 1 don't believe
it has come and hat-box," said Mrs.
Love as she laid her hand engagingly
on Rupert's arm.
1--WE can take these with u.s." Ru-
pert announced as he picked them up
for at that hour there were no porters
around. I'll phone about the trunk
tomorrow, but it will come straight to
| air Vauey, L Imagine.
"Oh, how wonderful you are to carry
these so easily" remarked Mrs. Love
as she favored Rupert with an admiring
look.
Rupert said nothing as Sc put them
into the back of the car. Then turn
ing to Mrs. Love he said, "Come step
in, I'm sure you must be hungry"
Realizing at that moment that no
chauffeur was along, she said. "Oh,
you came for me yourself. How sweet
Of you" she purred as Rupert handed
her in.
WELL" answered Rupert in matter
of-fact tones, II don't like to keep
Dick late unless it is really necessary
for he's a good worker and when the
day is done his work for me should be
DONE"
AS Rupert stepped on the gas, Mrs.
Love put out restraining hand. mot
so fast, please" but her gentle plead
ing was unheeded as Rupert FASTENED
homewards.
When Mrs. Love entered the room
she usually had when she visited
Hearts Desire she was quick to note
the changes that had been made. She
frankly admitted that she was glad to
see things in better condition, but
and she paused-she had always hoped
that she would be the woman who
would eventually have the right to take
the house in hand and arrange it to
her own satisfaction. While she made
ready for dinner she confessed some
what reluctantly to herself that Ru.
pert did not seem to respond to her eff
forts to arouse his interest, and she
readily admitted that in Miss Fair
weather she had a worthy rival. But,
as she powdered her nose she smiled
she had supreme confidence in her
charm.
1t was with a smile on her lips that
she entered the dining room. Have l
kept you waiting?' she said to Rupert,
talking.
"Oh, no., responded Rupert. as he
rose However, i guess we're all
ready to sit down now"
YES" answered Mrs. Love as she
walked towards the head of the table
Il suppose I'll take my usual place"
and turning to Rupert she looked
straight past Miss Fairweather
"Of course" answered Rupert as he
pulled out her chair, then did the same
for Joan.
Mrs. Loves eyes narrowed for a mo-
ment and there was a flash of anger
that betokened great fury, but she
started to pour out her coffee. II know
you don't like your coffee till later,
Rupert, but l had such a tiresome time
on the train and then such an exciting
drive that I'm badly in need of mine.
We'll, you had better pour some for
Miss Eairweather, as she likes her
coffee bow" suggested Rupert while
Joan remarked, I'm sorry you had such
a trying time, but you didn't have any
accident IN the way up, did you?" and
her eyes sAught Rupert's.
He smil@d while Mrs. Love exclaimed,
mo, but 4 Is wonder we didn't. Mr..
Ransome Grove as though the police
were afte1 u.s."
"Oh, noasense, Married." said Rupert.
81 didn't drive very fast. OF COURSE