New Britain herald., 1926-05-12

Audrey turned around QulCkly All life is empty" she said, when you don't have what you want" She looked meaningly at Morton. He flushed an angry red. "Stor incoming over imaginary troubles you two. and be glad things are no worse for you, A fine pair Of din ner companions I've brought along."
 Audrey tried to smile, and Mona also made & visible effort toward cheerfulness. The orchestra had struck up violent fox trot that forbade conversation. Couples in evening dress began to swirl past their table on the dance floor
 Suddenly Audrey sat upright, her face a mask of consternation. Look"
 \ f1eeting smile passed between Mona and Morton before they turned 1 to follow the direction Of her eyes.
 Locked in a close embrace. John Parrish and goden-hairod girl were dancing tho most extreme Ver- sion of the Charleston. The girls diaphanous chiffon gown revealed every lace rosctto on her single un- i dergarment. and it's low decollotte line left a wide eXpanse of white shoulder to the public gaze.
 Her hair floated in a halo Of glory about her childish pink and white face.
 Good looking girl" said Morton coolly. while Audrey stared with mortified eyes.
 She's rotten little gold digger" said Mona. And a blackmailcr, too. Got enough money out Of old man Crabtree to keep her the rest of her life, if she wasn't such q spendthrift."
 Audrey turned around, her eyes ablaze. Why don't you interfere ." she asked Morton. Hell be ruined and then what will you do for q secretary?"
 Morton concealed a laugh. There are better secretaries in the sea than have ever been caught, It's his own inalienable right to go to the dogs as he pleases. Don't let it worry you"
 Audrey subsided. But both Mona and Morton noticed that she did not eat the food that she had ordered
 She kept her eyes away from the dance floor, except for occasional furtivc, searching glances. Parrish and the girl danced again and again. They had not seen the other group.
 Daddy, said Audrey at last, please take me home. I'm tired out"
 Without word. Morton beck oned to the waiter to bring his check. Parrish and Goldilocks were just leaving the restaurant. Audrey sank back Imply.
 "And now" said Morton to the young man who stood before his desk next morning, tell me how much money you have borrowed. Your accounts with mo are o. K"
 Parrish threw his head back haughtily. Don't be insulting, Mir. Morton. Of course, my accounts are straight. I'm not thief-but l did borrow"
 "Trom whom 9" asked Morton.
 Prom tho men in the office.'
 Why did you do it? Was it any fun?"
 well" said Parrish, dropping his eyes. Miss Morton said I was a stick-in-the-m mud. And l couldn't stand that"
 go you started ont to be a cake cater and a four fushcr?" qucried Morton relentlessly.
 The young man did not answer.
 How much did you borrow?"
 Three hundred dollars. Every time I went out with-Miss Mont gomery it cost me about fifty dol lars. l spent all my savings, too."
 Morton wrote a check and handed it to him. Pay back your friends in the office, and return this money to me in weekly installments. And be glad 1t cost you only a few hun dred dollars 10 learn that you're 8 young ass."
 Parrish looked directly at him. 'I'll take the loan, Mir. Morton, and I'll give you a note for it. But l can't work for you any more. I'm a failure at everything. Miss Nor ton doesn't like me, and you are los ing patience with me. I'm going back to New Britain and get an- other joh."
 Morton nodded. "Pcrhaps it's just as well, Parrish" But his eyes dwelt kindly on the downcast face of the younger man.
 When Parrish had gone out, talk ing his brief case and his other be- longings. Morton sat very still for some time. staring at the window. He did not even smoke.
 The door of his office opened sud- denly. and he started up, Audrey came in. "please come on 10 lunch with me, Daddy. I'm so lonely"
 He smiled at her, reached for his coat and hat, and followed her through the outer office to the ele- vator.
 Outside the office building he stopped. and, placing his hands on her shoulders, turned her around to fo kim