New Britain herald., 1926-09-07

LhCy seie lull Vi unrest, DUN o
them. but could not bring them
selves to talk of Myra.
Il wish I could go home" Bum,
said, plaintively. Wont they lie
me go, Larry?"
Il don't think so. 1t seems a cor
oner's verdict is far from final 81
thewminds of the police. They don
seem inclined to make move
though, or let anybody else make
one, until Perry comes home"
Are they doing anything to FIND
him ?"
1es-in a stupid, bat blind way
They telephoned to the dealer who
often sells his pictures, and the mar
said he hadn't seen Perry for two OIL
three weeks. A fat lot OF good sucl
hunting does"
What do you think they ought
to do?"
The little flower face looked uI
at him wistfully, as if he were the
only hope or reliance.
AS indeed he was. Poor little
Bunny had never before known a
trouble or care greater than the
misfit of new gown, or the tragedy
of an unbecoming hat. And now,
plunged suddenly into a sorrow so
grave and terrible. and with no
hope of rescue or relief, her dazed
brain and stunned heart could
could scarcely meet the issues.
Yet she was learning. Already she
was beginning to see that she must
rely on herself for decisions and ac-
tons.
Her thoughts flew to the rather
nice woman who had that morning
offered to help her. Who had even
offered her temporary home
and, who seemed to consider one
necessary.
Larry" she said, suddenly. II
ought not to be here alone with
you"
He set down his cup and came
and seated himself by her side.
NO, Bunny he said, seriously,
you ought not. To be sure, a situa-
ton like this, a terrible crisis of
this sort, gives bne liberty to break
all laws of convention,-indeed, it
makes convention seem a trivial and
futile thing. But, conventions re-
main, when situations pass. I wish
| knew what is best for you to do.
I'm sorry to tell you, that | know
you will not be allowed to go home
just yet. Mott is very busy with his
inquiries, and he's only waiting q
little longer for Perry's reappear-
ance, before he breaks loose with
some terrible developments"
What do you mean. Larry, you
scare me to DEATH"
Don't be frightened till the time
comes,-I'n keep you advised and
all that, but,-be prepared, Bunny,
for stormy times ahead"
What do you mcan?" the girl
cried. She was snow white now. and
her blue eyes were big and dark
with apprehension.
Larry" she whispered, you
know that awful man said that
our,-our finger prints were on that
bother
Yes, ] know he did"
What does that mean, Larry?"
Well Bunny. what does 1t
mean?"
But a sudden change came over
the queer. elfin child.
She sprang UP from the couch,
and almost dancing across the room,
she seated herself bolt upright in a
small, straight chair.
She folded her arms. and her love-
ly mouth pursed itself into a pout
of mutinous rebellion.
I'm not afraid of them,' she
said, defiantly. "Thewocan say what
they choose, and do what they
choose! I'm not afraid Are you,
Larry"
No" he replied. puzzled at her
attitude. why should
be 2"
"Ah, why should you be-" she re-
peated, why should l be? Why
should anybody be?"
Bunny. hush! You're talking
nonsense" Inman exclaimed, a
vague fear coming to him, that the
matter had affected her mind.
'No,-no, I'm not. l say, Larry,
have you looked over Perry's
papers,"
mo, of course not! What right
have l to do that"
'Oh, he'll never come back.
thought at first he would,-now, I
know he won't. And I miss him so
i miss him so" her voice
trailed away like a diminishing
echo.
Inman sighed. She was such
child.
Yet the next moment she spoke
seriously.
Larry, the lady next door,-that
Mrs. Prentiss, you know, has asked
me to go to stay with her for a
l can go home"
HAS she" Why, Bunny that's
tAC NSis lilll5. uc nope you IL
go!'
Are you so anxious to be rid OF
me-"
"Yes,-for your own good. For
your own good name. You see, peo-
pie would talk if you and I stayed
here alone. Nor would it make it
any better for you If Perry turned
up. You must see that. But for you
to go to Mrs. Prentiss', would be an
ideal plan! DO go, Bunny, do. You
can run over here every day, you
know, to look over Myra's things
and ell that. Please, Bunny. let me
urge you to 60"
Don't attempt to boss mel You
know 1t always makes me obstin-
ate."
well, I'll coax you, then. Go,
dear, there's a good girl. You will,
won't you?'
Il don't know"
Now Bunny had Immediately and