Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-01-21

to guard? IF he could see 1t, then OAR
len, too, had seen it. Her cheeks
famed, but she held. her head high
and proudly.
In a moment, though, she saw that
the fierceness was not for her. He and
Olney had been quarreling.
But look here, Carter, you merely
said that you'd make a bid on the
picture before the exhibition closed!
That wasn't a deal"' Olney's voice
was raised and Judy saw that he was
both angry and troubled.
"Who bought the picture?"
Olneys glance was that of hunted
rabbit II don't suppose there's
any secret about it:'' he began I'M
easily.
Judy saw Darien make the slightest
of gestures. And he rose. II bought
the picture: he said, coldly and dis
tinctly.
Didn't Olney tell you that / had
already made arrangements to buy
the picture?" Tommy's tone was as
cold as his, and there was repressed
fury in it.
II think he did mention it."
well, the pictures mine. III give
you my check for whatever you paid
for it. And / want it at once"
Darien's tone was knifelike. II do
not sell what l buy!' he said. Il am
not tradesman. ] have bought the
picture and l shall keep It," He gave
Judy sudden side glance of amuse-
ment and apology. DO | sound very
disagreeable?" he asked her. Il owe
you an apology for this. May 1 make
it up to you some other time, please?"
With a nod to Olney he started to
move away.
Tommy went after him swiftly.
Judy saw them stop, facing each
other, but she could not hear what
they said
She looked up at Olney appealing
ly. What picture are they quarrel
ing about?" she asked.
Olney's glance was intimate, know
ing. II told you my judgment was
good" he told her. "They are quar-
reling about that picture Of you!"
Faintness swan up over Judy. She
put out q hand unsteadily and braced
herself against the edge of the tea
table. Quarreling over a picture of
her like two dogs over bone. Ugly!
She felt soiled, cheapened. She fought
back tears. II will not cry" she said
to herself. 81 must think" Out of
the confusion of her thoughts came
one clear command. She must free
herself of Tommy. He had dared to
quarrel over her picture! The instant
he came to her she would tell him that
everything was over, that she must be
free. Why, this was uncomfortable!
From what seemed a great distance
she heard Olney say. Are you III,
Miss Belts? You look most awfully
whiter'
She stood up. 81 want to go home"
she said 81 am tired"
Suddenly she went close to Olney
laid an appealing hand on his sleeve.
'..Mr. Carter financed this exhibition,
didn't hep" she asked. Her eyes
pleated with him to say no.
Olney shrugged. II didn't know you
knew thatv he said. II thought it
| was to be a secret
"Then-then--he did," Judys eyes
were pools of misery, confusion.
'Of course. Why do you ask?"
Judy took her hand from his sleeve,
Strengthened her shoulders, lifted her
head. 1t was a strangely old, strangely
weary gesture.
| Her voice, though, was light, when
| it came. oh" she said, with what
seemed like Indifference. Il just
wondered. That's ALL"
An old emotion and a familiar one
| had possession Of Jack Darien. He
knew every phase OF THIS emotion as a
/ child knows the pages of a dog cared
and well thumbed volume. A cold and
sickening rage it was, followed by a
cold and passionless pride of posses
sion. He had left Judy with a smile,
but the face he bent upon Tommy
| Carter was one of intense fury.
IL shall keep the pictured" he said,
quietly.
but / told Olney I wanted to buy
| it. You have no right to it,
mo more right than that / paid
Olney's own price for it. But it seems
to me that's right enough"
"Well, want that picture"
Darien made slight gesture Of com
mand. You're crazy" he said. Il
don't intend to stand here and argue
with you. Get out of my way!'
Tommy's face famed at the insolence
of his tone. Get out YOURSELF" he
cried. sharply. You're a cad and a
bounder. That's what you are!'
Darien's movement was so quick in
response that Tommy was Keeling
backward almost before he had seen
Darien's hand flash out.
You're a rum lot!' said Darien,
and he laughed mockingly. IF you
want to finish this l know several
places where we can do it"
Wen finish it here and now
Tommy cried thickly. but Darien put
up his hand. There are ladies' here"'
he said. II will finish it any place
! you suggest"
; Continued in Tomorrow's StAr4