New Britain herald., 1926-04-10

Morton turned, w neh was tnatE he asked,
 Years ago." she said, "I was six teen then. I was a dancer"
 Morton pursued the question no farther but led the two young wom- en to Audrey's car, and helped them Into 1t.
 As they rode. he eyed Audrey, when her own gaze was turned away.
 Did I understand that you were going to show Mona the city today?" he asked.
 Audrey turned, and looked full at him. as If answering more than his question. Yes, would love to show her everything we have here that is pretty. l don't want her to be lonesome
 Morton grinned little, and sub sided.
 Norn herself mystified. but catch- ing an air of silent battle between her two companions, looked from one to the other, and said little as they rode through the streets to the hotel.
 Morton and Audrey waited while she went upstairs to her room.
 T am going to stay with her all the time she Is in New Britain" Audrey said to Morton, quietly.
 He raised his eyebrows. "The idea Is that I shall not sec Mona alone?" he asked
 Audrey placed her hands on his , two wrists, and her blue eyes were opened wide as she answered him.
 Mona is my rival" sine said, her voice low so the lobby loungcrs could not hear. II am going to defend you against her. l am q woman, and have a right 10 fight for my own"
 She turned, and sat down on a deep louge. Morton sat beside her. and they waited, silent, until Mona reappeared.
 "Oh. folks" she said. you don't have to wait down here, The hotel has saved me the loyeliest suite of rooms, with a big sitting-room.
 She looked at Audrey. Wont you come up?"
 Audrey assented, and the three ,u- tered the elevator. They went to- gether to Nona's drawing-roon.
 Morton waitd a moment, as he watched the two women seating themselves, and then asked if he might be excused.
 T have something to attend to-" he explained.
 You're fighting me-" Mona said.
 T am" said Audrey. II told you that when we met in New York. love him, and he k going to marry me-"
 Mona started, Did he say he would?'
 Audrey was silent. The ether glr, persisted.
 Did he promise to marry you?" o Audrey was honest, and finally she q shook her head. No, he didn't promise, but I know he must. v love him, and he must he loves t, me"
 @ Nona considered, You hate me- She looked at Audrey, and the F. younger girl bowed her head In as- sent.
 - Well" said Mona. T don't hate you. l just love Morton. don't - know whether he will ever marry Q me. I don't know anything abouA
 him. I've known him q year, but this is the only thing know--ii he j. doesn't want to marry you, he'll not '- do 1t. That is where my hope lies" 6 Audrey had risen from her chair,
 and was moving around the room. l. looking at the French prints that a hung upon the wall, She had an t absent air, as she moved from one 10
 another. Abruptly she turned. d Are you bad woman? ?" she shot
 at Mona. 1t The other girl colored. "Is any 't body good?" she countered, bitterly. r. T suppose, in your way. you're good e but you'd kill me. if you could. Is
 that good? ?'
 Audrey had started her reply, and n the telephone bell rang. Mona ans l. swered, She listened a moment, r. then said: "Ill be there right away" Id will you wait here just nlin- -d Ltc?" she asked
 Audrey started as If to follow her, B. but the door slammed. Mona was i'd gone.
 y Audrey looked hastily about her. n The other girls hat and coat were l. on a chair. Her gloves lay on the lg little telephone stand. Of She cant leave the hotel, any e. way" Audrey said, half aloud. . Tho porter entered with Hona'a n trunk, and Audrey stood aside as he Id trundled it into the bedroom, and ar placed 1t In a corner Nona's hand
 bag was on 8 chair. Audrey moved l. as if to examine it, Then, with s
 little shake of her head, she retreat- m ed, and went back to the drawings lc room.
 ly For few moments she settled nc herself in an arm chair. Then, ner. h. vously, she began moving about tha 1T. room.
 Minutes passed She glanced at In her watch. Time was flying. She Tn looked out the window. She ex- CT amined the prints on the wall. Ther
 she opened q door, and looked uu "a, and down the corridor. No one was he in sight. Int Hastily she went bacI; to Nona's ht apartment, seized her own coat. and d. sped down the hall. Without waiting
 for the elevator, she ran down the rd stairs, and went to the hotel desk.
 Did you sec MT. Morton ?" she 'et asked, breathlessly.
 "Mr. Morton" said the clerk, left on here about ten minutes ago with as that young lady who came in with er, you."
 ". (To Dc Continuei) ne Convr;uh+ 1obE MIA c,r,.ion