New Britain herald., 1926-04-05

,watching them as one might watch { the progress of q play. "Hc doesn't love you" said Au- drey. turning back toward Mona. "l can see it in his face"
 Mona lifted her hand dcfensiyely, then let it fall. Fatigue and pain and trouble had made her face years older than it was when Morton saw her the night before. Her mouth was drawn and the rouge upon her mouth looked as 1t might look upon the lips of death. i The younger girl, on the vantage ground of her own home, held Mona spiritually defeated. "Nou love him yourself" said Nona pitifully.
 1 Audrey stepprd backward, till she stood beside Morton. Then she leaned sidowisc and put her arm around his neck. of course love him." she cried.
 "As 3 daughter" interjectcd Mor- ton, dryly.
 Audrey threw her free arm into the air as if in triumph. Her voice thrilled as she continued:
 Not as q daughter! As a woman! l love him."
 Morton loapcd from the table and Whirled to face the girl.
 Audrey! Audrey. You don't know what you ere saying, child.'
 'I do know." She almost sang it. "You are the only man there is in the world. Maybe this woman loves you, but shell never love you q tthousandth part as much as l do. "Daddy. Sweetheart. I~want to stop being your daughter. I'm not really your daughter and never can be"
 shc whirlcd toward Mona, "lf he loves mo enough I'll marry him to- day"
 Mona turned her eyes helplessly to- ward Morton. It was the look that lies in the eyes of the dying. Morton placed his hands together before him, palms outward, and then swept them apart, as man opens q pair of heavy curtains.
 Audrey" The voice was filled with harsh command. "Nona, stand up. I want this nonsense stopped V
 Mona moved feebly and lifted her Isclf 10 her feet. Morton caught her by the arm as she tottered.
 "Tf it is any comfort 10 you, Nona," he added. his voice not quite so rasping, "Ill tell you that Audrey is NOT going 10 marry me today. '"Audrry--" his face was fast regain ing it's accustomed composure-if you were ten years younger I'd know exactly what to do with you. l sup pose l cant spank you, but I've q motion to-"
 The tension had snapped and Au- drey gave a short, nervous giGgle. As answer 10 Morton she threw her arms quickly around his neck and printed a kiss on his cheek.
 "Youll marry me some day, though" she said.
 Morton called his car and told Au. drey 10 come with him while he took Mona home. Mona sank listlessly back into her chair and watched Audrey with dull eyes as the girl moved briskly around the room.
 You've missed your breakfast Audrey" said Morton, "but 1t serves you right"
 A faint trace of smile showed on Nona's face. "I haven't had mine either" she told him.
 Morton reflected. "I'd ask you tc breakfast hcre," he said. but don't think your hostess would be 8 very genial one. l think Paillard's i' open for breakfast-I'll take you both there"
 He looked at Audrey 10 see Il there was any sign of protest. But for some reason the girls spirit: were high and she nodded gay as sent.
 "Whither thou goest, I shall 90, she quoted Thy people shall b' my people"
 Then don't pull their hair wher they come to see me" he advised His tone was light but there was ; , hint of warning in if.
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