New Britain herald., 1926-04-13

said. standing motionless.
 Fool you?" he inquired. His voice was artificially alert. Like his smile, its brightness was unreal.
 "fou'vc never tried to fool me be- fore,' she went on. Did you--were you-oh, daddy, daddy. daddy" Her voice traiIed off, and she sank fainting to the floor.
 It was a different Morton who stopped, picked her up. and ran with her 10 the kitchen. To the house maid who ran after him panic stricken, he gave abrupt orders:
 Turn on tLo ice-wator faucet. Fill that glass. When the water comes cold enough throw glassful in her face"
 Audrey's dress vas open at the throat, but he pulled it wider.
 Damn" he swore, half aloud. "Oh, you mcasly brute, What in Gods name have I done! Oh child. Child, Child."
 He was rubbing her hands md wrists, and from time 10 time wip- ing her eyes, tcnderly, where the water that tho maid had thrown re- mained In the girls eyes.
 When Audrey began to stir. he settled himself on the floor, and drew her head protectingly into his lap, with his arm wrapped around the fair curls.
 I've got 10 go on with the thing, I've got to-" he groaned. But God forgive me! Forgive me. dearest lit tie child."
 Audrey had refused to go to bed, after she finally came out of her faint She told Morton, listlessly, that she wanted to go downtown with him. While her maid was helping her 10 dress, Morton hurriedly changed lis own clothes. His linen had heen crinkled from use the day before, and there was q little streak of soil upon his collar.
 Audrey ate few mouthfuls of breakfast, half-heartedly Morton himself scarcely was able to eat. He kept his eyes fixed anxiously upon the girl, and his spirits rose as she moved more vigorously and certain lv. He was very tender with her as he took her arm. when they left the house, and helped her down the steps, and out to the waiting auto mobile. He held Ter hand and patted it. absently. from time to time, as they rode to his office.
 "T'll be in here only a few mo- ments." he said, "Do you want to wait?"
 ! Audrey responded, almost without interest: "ls Nona up there?"
 He quickly shook his head.
 "Ill wait down here in the car" shc told him.
 He hurried inside ID the elevator and into his office. Without taking off his coat and hat, he called Nona's hotel. and asked for her room. She answered sleepily,
 "1'm coming over there with Aud rey." he said. "Nona. the poor child Is ghastly tired, and in deep trouble '
 I'm sorry, Harry" said Nona Truly. I'm dreadfully sorry l' there anything l can do""
 "Nothing now" Morton told her "eXcept I want you 10 he kind tc her"
 When Morton and Audrey arrived at Nona's room. she was dressed but her heavy eyes proclaimed that she had not yet shaken off hei drowsiness. Audrey sank into chail in the corner. and looked out tho window. after Mona had greeted her
 Morton touched Mona on tho arm As she turned, he fixed his eye upor her as if to convey sn unspoker message.
 Audrey and I have 70 go hack tC N~-r York tonight" he said slowly
 Audrey gave a little start. Nor5 nodded her head.
 I'm glad" she said. You know I'm afraid I'll lose my job in thu show if I stay away too long. Can go back tonight, too? Is it al right?
 Audrey spoke. wen go back 10 gether. you and land" she turned , her eyes toward Morton-"and ou sweetheart"
 She crumpled In her seat, Hnc buried her face in her hands.
 Mona was on her knees beside th, : girl in an Instant. Does 1t hurt you too?" she cried. Don't s-y, littl