New Britain herald., 1928-07-05
Philtp Veritzen Assumes Command
 h CuriOusly Mixed Love Drama

h CMiously Mixed Love Drama lay in the answers of the little group Of young people to Philip Veritzen's query. l wondered if to each of them as to me had come the sense of something tense. purpose ful, in the apparently casual ques- ton.
 I knew, of course. that he wished to find out whether Mary had obey ed his mandate neither to See nor to speak to Noel beyond require ments of ordinary courtesy when in public. And l realized that Mary shared my knowledge when she spoke hastily.
 "Oh. by chance. of course, Bit its my luck to draw George most of the time in our doubles"
 Good or bad?' young Mir. Jack son asked. smiling. and Mary's re- ply was equally flippant.
 Take your choice" she said. and then Noel. who had not spoken since his return from summoning Otto, struck in with proposal whose studied carelessness was be- lied by the look iii his eyes.
 Suppose we begin today to set tie the international championship? he said Mary will you join with me in defending our national rights?''
 I found my eyes on Mary's face, turned them away again quickly from the misery which her eyes mirrored. And my heart was hot against Philip Neritzen at ths girls low hesitant reply.
 I'm afraid our national honor would trail in the dust. Noel, if you depended upon me to uphold it. she said. I'm an awful dub at ten his. Better just let us go along the way we have Then neither you nor George has to put up with me all the time"
 was glad that Otto's knock and his employers curt summons to come in, effectually prevented the emphatic disclaimers which both young men were beginning. I did not care to have Philip Neritzen witness any more proofs of the de- cided preference of both young men for Dicky's niece, with Princess Olina playing the role of secee d violin-I guessed for the first time In her pampered, sheltered young life.
 You have kept us waiting, Otto" Mir. Neritzen said sternly.
 II am very sorry, sir" the man replied, but I could not come into the house after changing tire without"
 Mr. Veritzen made an impatient gesture.
 T have no time for explana- tions," he said curtly, and l saw the mans face flush, wondered what necessity kept him from openly re- senting his employers arrogance. "I want you to carry these things up to the little boys room. That is." turning to me with so marked a difference in manner that I felt uncomfortable, If you think We have not delayed so long as tc make the visit unadvisabie."
 "Oh, mo-" l disclaimed quickly Indeed" I added, with the hope of lessening Otto's discomfiture, "I don't think Mrs. Bickett would have been ready for us before. But now, l am sure we can go up and how delighted Junior will be! Will you come this way. please?"
 l led the way up the staircase. hearing as I went the chatter of the the tennis court. openly exultant of the scheme Mary had devised of Keeping an extra set of tennis shoes for each of them in a box upon the veranda. Thus they were enabled to snatch a game at a moments notice, especially as they all wore sport clothing most of the time.
 Junior was sitting up in bed watching the door when we entered and l saw his face fall as he real Szed that Mir. Neritzen held nothing In his hands.
 But. Mother," he began, forget ting his training in his disappoint- ment, 'I thought Aunt Katherine said--"
 Otto's opportune entrance cut short his protest. much to my re- lief, and Junior gave an excited whoop
 "Oh. Nuns. look!" he said. "1t's like Christmas and Easter and birthdays all rolled into one.'