New Britain herald., 1925-12-26

| SICK tnlS morning tAat we tried 10 keep the crowd away from him. He's probably sneaked out the back door
 Barbara went down the inner corridor and knocked at Drncc's door. Nobody answered. She tried tho knob. The door was locked
 She left the suite by the rear door and went back to the newspaper oG- flee.
 McDermott was watching for her. through q crack in his door. He called her in.
 Pm sorry Wells gave you that assignment this morning. Miss Haw- Icy. Meant to warn him. But sup posed you wouldn't care 10 have me plead or special privilege for you either. Did you get statement" "'
 Barbara laid her hat down list lessly on his desk. Not from Rcy- holds. But Stone says he and Roy holds are both innocent. The office was full of angry men" She seated herself and laid her head on the back of the chair. McDermott look ed at her with compassion in his eyes.
 Better go home early tonight, he said. You are going 10 have bad smashup one of these days if you don't rest" She looked up and tried to smile. T guess it doesn't natter" she said.
 "Oh, yes, 1t does" contradctod McDermott. "Wholl take care of your mother if you break down."
 II don't know" said Barbara des- pcrately. Her eyes were far away.
 She went back 10 her desk and sat down to write her story
 Have you a good hot story for me, Miss Hawley?" asked Wells leaning over her shoulder.
 "Ill give you what facts I could get.' Barbara spoke coldly.
 At four o'clock, she called her home. The day nurse answered the telephone. Your mother seems bet ter, Miss Hawcy, She has had something to cat twice today and is sleeping quietly now. Dr. Graham l will be in q little later" Barbara hung up the receiver with lighter heart. Do you know," she said to Bob Jeffries as she was pre- pairing to go home, If only my mother gets well I'll not ask any other thing of God as long as l live. Just one person in this world 1 ic oI1 I 1S,,t ,3
 Course you do, Babs, and I hop" she'll be all right soon. Believe me [ know what it means to be knock ! ing around from place to place. without anybody that belongs to you. I haven't had even a relative to write to since I was little kid. It's pretty oakland still worse for a girl. Girls just weren't meant to i live all alone"
 And what about men? The most pathetic persons I know are bach elors past so. Far worse than olA maids"
 Bob only smiled.
 Her mother was sitting up in bed when Barbara reached home. The fever held color in her checks and an unnatural sparkle in her eyes, but she looked better.
 Hi there. mumsy,' cried Bar bara throwing down bunch of long stemmcd roses. See what I've 1 brought you"
 The pink roses were scattered over the countcrpano. Mrs. Hawley picked one up with caresstng fingers. "Why did you do it, Bahs?" she asked. You have so many eX- penses just now. It worries me | frightfully Have you heard any thing from my lawyer? I ought to 1 have an accounting on my affairs soon. I'm afraid I'm poor business woman"
 Barbara looked away. "There'll be 1 time enough for an accounting after ! you get we'll" she evadcd. Just GIL joy these roses now and don't scold mo for bringing them to you"
 She ran into her own room 10 dress for dinner.
 1 It was about ten o'clock when the i doorbell rang loudly. Barbara rushed to answer it before it should wake her mother. She had spent the oyc- ming over her bills and her head was aching violently.
 Jerome Ball stood at the door, Hello, Babs,' he said gaily. Come by to make peace and to ask you out for a spin. Bob tells me you're hay ing hard lines right now, sickness, and everything"
 Barbara looked at him coldly. Fl wasn't necessary for you to come" Jerome brought out a long box. It bore the name of q florist. Some thing for the sick room" he said.
 Barbara melted, The box was full of white roses and lavender sweet peas. How nice of you, Jerome," she cried. This just about makes up for everything. Mother will love thcm.' She called the nurse and sent the flowers upstairs.
 You look dead to the world" said Jerome. Wont you ride around the block with me, for lit tie fresh air before you try to sleep? really want 10 talk with you"
 Barbara looked out at the frosty night. The house was close and warm. The faint odor of chemicals drifted down from upstairs. Her head was throbbing mercilessly.
 "I'll go" she smiled, "but only for few minutes" Jerome was hand some, notwithstanding his weary eyes and worldly mouth. Barbara enjoyed his masterful, protective manner.
 The night air brought relief from the throbbing in her head. She be gan to feel at ease. even young again. They drove in silence for some time. Jerome did not speak of the escapade that had ended their last ride together.
 Barbara had made up her mind to forget it.
 Do you know you're an awfully