The Washington times., 1928-12-06


gave you a filthy deal. and it is
natural enough. After all. Mi
chael Winchester is a gentleman,
men. and he can give you any
thing in the world. You're the
type to have a job looking pretty
and spending a hundred thou.
sand a year"
Do you mean that you think
there is something between Mi
chael and me?" Madge questioned
slowly.
Little oner Frances laughed
mot to me To the rest of the
world but not to me!'
Frances. your cynicism over
reaches itself. You must think
that about everybody. MichaePs
car knocked me down. / refused
damages and we made a bargain
instead. He was to get me well
again and call it a day."
Frances. despite her eynicism,
ing the truth.
''I'n be darnedr' she exclaimed.
We'll, say, Madge-you had bet
ter watch your step, my dear. /
believe you, of course do. But
the rest of the world won't, and
I'll bet he's going to spring some
thing on you. BY the way
what does your old man feel
about all this?"
That will prove you're wrong
about Michael as you were about
me" Madge protested. Only
this evening. father accepted a
job in Michaefs office-some-
thing to do with real estate
on the very evening that l heard
father had lost the last Of his
capital and we were practically
down and out.
Frances smoked in silence for
a little while. Then she got up
and walked about the room. talk
ing excitedly.
Wake up. Madge! BY an
alarm cleck! Rich men don't
do that sort of thing. and the
richer they come the more they
hate parting with dir e. Think
of it.. He knocks you down.
You won't take damages. He
installs you hero like the Queen
of Sheba with bells on. He
offers your father a job. and you
think he isn't going to make
you a proposition! Excuse me
if ! smile!''
Are all men beasts?" Madge
demanded furiously. Isn't there
decent one among them? At
least, Michael Winchester hasn't t
pretended that he loves me-loves
me, get that?-as Carroll pre-
fan DIT nnafk. k.ln nj
is. Francesi How low and vile!"
Frances started to answer her,
but was interrupted by the ring.
waiting for Anna. Madge an.
swered it. Then she held the in.
strument toward Frances.
For YOU" she said.
After she had finished talking,
she turned to Madge. ut was
the Peahodvs," she said. They've
come back to life and some
friends dropped in. They want
you to come to a party they are
throwing. They have bumped
into Deborah West. who pretends
she is not here with Peregrine
Blagdon. her butter and egg man.
Come along, Madge, 1t will do you
good"
Anna eIided noiselessly into the
room. She carried a big bunch of
orchids and a note.
From Mr.. Winchester, Miss"
! 81 have to go back to New
! York" Michael had written
Meanwhile, please get we'll as
soon AS you can. Michael"
Madge handed the note to Fra n.
ces with A little expression OF
triumph. her feeling of worry dis,
appearing as she felt more reas,
sured.
81 told you so!" Madge smiled
Fra noes waited until Anna had
left them. There is one chance
In six millions that all this is
on the level" she said then,
You are so hard mp YOU have
tn take chances-~so Just wait
| You don't stand to lose anything.
because as soon as he begins To
toll YOU that he loves you but
please excuse him because he
can't. marry you you have only
10 say: This is not unexpected
| my dear Mr.. Winchester. and
please close the door as you go
OUT Now come on to the party -
ana Frances led the way down
stairs to where Collins waited
With the big car.
At the Peabodvs' place. thew
found Peregrine Blagdon and De
borah West looking more defiant
ly beautiful than ever. GLADYS
and Ernest Peabody and a mar
and 2 girl who were introduced
vaguely as Burt and "whoofv'
connnleted the number.
They were all to drive out 3
few miles tn the estate Of vet an
other man who IT sAened. wa,
great friend of Bla gdon.
IT gave MadEe A little thrill
to say grandly:
oh. vou'l1 h~ zo oro",.'~>'
You go on, and Frances and ]