New Britain herald., 1928-09-15
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[ Bertha. She hasn't an idea in the world what's what. It won't take me a sec."
 Tad parked the car in front of a caterers. Valerie was to leave an | order there for pastries for lCn- cheon she was having the next day, and Tad was to wait outside. An hour passed. A policeman requested him to move on. He drove up West street and down Temple Place and slowly along Washing ! ton street. He was beginning to worry about Valerie. Probably they had missed each other when he had to move. Perhaps he sad better go back to the jewellers. Val would be annoyed if he kept her waiting. She had so much o l do-poor kid.
 He left the car at garage in Park Square and took a taxi back. Almost two hours. Wow. Nalerie'll be having fit,
 l He saw her first. Hanging over counter, where precious stones rested on velvet pillows of white and royal purple. She was hold ing her hand to catch the light. And on her little finger dinner ring sparkled and gleamcd. A man was bending over her cy1dr'..N ?vCHM bending above her. A stick hooked over his arm. and d glass in his eye. He was smiling fondly and twirling 8 small blond mustache.
 Tad had never seen Valerie look happier. nor more beautiful. He wanted 10 shake her as though she were naughty child. Yet he felt a contradictory impulse to crush her to him, and kill the rest of the men who sought her smiles, He had an absurd desire to slap her foppish companion across his smil- ing crimson lips.
 Then Valerie saw him, and had the grace to look guilty.
 oh, Taddy. I want you to know Lord Montford. And, Monty, this is my darling tiance-don't you love him, Monty, Isn't he beautiful Mother and l met Lord Montforl | in London, Tad. ."
 The men were lowing stiffly.
 I'm sorry I kept you waiting. dcar-but Monty just insisted upon buying me a wedding present. And he simply MADE me choose i, my self. Wasn't it the funniest thing. running into him like this? The Leviathan is in this morning, you know, and Monty hasn't been in town an hour. think it's just the screamingcst thing!
 'See my lovely present, Taddy."
 Valerie held out her hand.
 Gravely Tad took it. and bent to look. He must be able to control his voice before he spoke. He won dered if Valerie and her Monty had noticed how completely the dazzling thing eclipsed the solitaire on Val. cries third finger. Of course they had. No wonder the idiotic saI looked so complacent.
 "You arc very kind. Lord Mont. ford" he said, and every word Wa: barbed with the venom that choke( him when he tried to speak quietly You are exceedingly generous, l an sure. But 1 cannot permit my fan cee to accept so valuable gift
 Why. Tad."
 Valerie sounded like an outraged exponent of all the conventions.
 "Why. Tad Thorne, what do you mean talking like that, I will too The very idea. Anybody y'L
 But if Miss West wishes," began Lord Montford smoothly. "I scarcel, understand. :"
 Valerie, give Lord Montford bacl his ring"
 The astonished clerk had melted discreetly into the background. 1 curious customer edged a little nearer.
 And tell him, Valerie, that vol do not wish to accept such trinkets because your husband will not b. able to afford them for you"
 "Is not that reason enough tha Miss West SHOULD wish to accep them?" Lord Montford settled hi glaas, and gave his stick a victori ous little swing. No offense in tended, assure you, my dea chap"
 Nalere's face was crimson.
 But Tad '
 This is no place for scene Valerie. Please. :"
 CHAPTER VIII
 Slowly Valerie slipped the rin, from her finger.
 Here. Monty" she said. Tad right. Thank you just the same.'
 She took Tad's arm.
 You know, Monty, I'm craz about diamonds. But I'm craz about this big boy, too. And he an awful bad actor, Monty"
 Valerie was carrying dclicat situation with verye. Tad though he had never seen her so adorabl tefore. She extended her sln hand.
 "Goodby then. old dear. We'' love to have you come 10 the wed ding. wouldn't We, Tad? And tn reception, 100. It's only for ou very best friends - but we'd ador having you. Wouldn't We. Tad ?"
 Delighted murmured TaG icily.
 They were shaking hands, LOT Montford and Valerie.
 So sorry" he told her. that shan't be able to. But youll loo me up when you run over to Lon don? And remember me to you charming mother. So curious t have seen you again. Cheorio.'
 Damn cloWn'' thought Tad. an tugged a little at Nalerie's arm.
 Outside she turned on him.