New Britain herald., 1925-12-15

ping of hands in the main hail sig niiied that the talk was ended. Peo- pie began to laugh and chatter again.
 Barbara quickened her steps. she looked about for the door which should open into the side driveway. IL was not in sight. She turned corner stealthily and found herself face to faCn with Lydia and Bruce.
 "Why, where are you going. Miss Hawlcy?' asked Lydia. The party isn't half over. l haven't seen you dancing at all. And where is that amusing fellow who came with you? You newspaper folk are so dro!l.
 T hope you will give Gignelh all the space you can, He is regarded as an international authority, you know. How glad I am that you could come. It is often so hard to find an intelligent reporter"
 Barbara flushed and stiffened. "l am going home. Mrs. Stacy" she said. T trust you will like my story. Good night" She walked away with her bead very high.
 Lydia ran after her. But who is taking you home, my dear? Is the young newspaper chap waiting for you?"
 Barbara spoke hurriedly. He was called away on assignment. l will get a taxi. thank you. Don't bother about me-"
 Lydia raised an imperious hand. "Nonsense, Call a taXi l should think not. will call my car and Mr. Reynolds will take you homo. There's nothing so forlorn as q las4 without a cavalier She laughed ir a high pitch.
 Barbara looked at Bruce. His eyes were turned away and his face was red. His hands twitched slightly.
 Then she looked back at the laughing Lydia. There was no way cut.
 Thank you, Mrs. Stacy" she re- piled with dignity. But l am sorry to trouble you, and---Mr. Reynolds
 Bruce started at the sound of his name. "Wby of course, Miss flaw ley,' he said, "Ill be glad to take you. I'll get my hat and coat"
 Lydia interrupted. Dear me l don't believe you two people have even been introduced to each other How stupid of me! have Been talk ing 1t fer granted that you knew each other.
 Miss Hawley. let me present Mr, Bruce Reynolds. You'll be having stories in the paper about him some day. Better make friends with her, Bruce. Newspaper reporters are good friends and bad enemies. You may need her some time" She laughed again, too gayly. Bruce rose to the occasion. T should be only too glad to make friends with her" he said gravcly. Then he went away to get his hat and coat.
 Lydia turned to Barbara, Better have the Telegraph watch that young chap" she said. Hes the idealist behind the Vale Acres pro ject. Going to make a name for him self some day. No doubt about it." She spoke proudly. Her eyes fol- lowed his retreating figure, Barbara clinChed one hand behind her.
 Bruce returned with the word that the car was waiting for them. He took Barbaras arm and Lydia's. To- gether the three walked toward the porte cochere.
 Do you know" said Lydia, as they walked, we three hold great powers in our hands. Here we are. You, Bruce, with your genius, with my money. and Miss Hawley with her newspaper behind her-what couldn't we do for anything we set our minds on?
 T shall send statement to the Telegraph tomorrow morning. Miss Hawley, telling of my entrance into the Vale Acres project-with money and with moral support. Will you ask your managing edition to call me?" She laid a hand on Bruce's ! arm in farewell.
 Hurry back, Bruce, dear" she said.
 The door closed behind them, shutting off the pathway of light on the steps. The limousine waited, in a glory of shining black and nickel. A liveried driver held the tonnean door open.
 Bruce helped her into the car and stepped in after her.
 (To Be Continued)