New Britain herald., 1929-10-22

tains his services merely because he is a relative, Ray becomes increas- ingly bitter. He refuses to attend parties with Baroara's friends, who are quick to draw inferenCes that Barbara and Ray are drifting apart. The announcement from Ralph Hen derson that he is coming to Amer ica serves to hasten the arrival of a crisis between Barbara and Ray.
 Chapter %
 COMPETITION
 Ray and Barbara had been living in her Park avenue duplex apart ment about six months when she received a cable from Henderson saying he expected to land in New York on the sixteenth.
 She broke the news to Ray over the dinner table.
 What do you think? I had a ca bIe from Hcndy. He's sailing on the Aquitania and will be here around the sixteenth. Of course shall have to invite him to be our guest"
 He wouldn't have come if he hadn't thought you'd do that Don't be mean, Ray Aren't you glad he's coming?'
 Naturally . The three Of us are certain to have an awfully jolly time together, what?'
 It was such an exact imitation of Henderson that Barbara almost burst out laughing, but the thought that such encouragement would not be good for Ray made her check herself
 Don't be sarcastic, Ray. Sure ly you don't object to my inviting him?"
 It's up to you, my dear. It's your house"
 Anyhow, I am going to invite Hendy,"
 "Of course, lear. It would be pity to have given him the trip across for nothing. Travelling S so terribly expensive these days The Aquitania dockcd at three in the afternoon. A few minutes previously Barbara was at the pier. As she walked up and down, the pivot of many eyes, in her trim black suit with the high erminc collar, she wandered if it might be amusing 10 flirt lightly with Henderson in order to punish Ray A little opposition never did q man any harm. Indeed it might be the very thing to make him snap out of his grouch.
 The passengers were beginning to trickle through the barrier Al last, Henderson came.
 At the sight of him coming to- wards her, Barbara decided thai she was more pleased to sec hin than she had imagined. He looked she considered, 1istinEuished. Too she felt quite thrill running down her spine when he grippe her hands,
 Barbara, this is an undrcam of pleasure. l say, how topping 0 you to have bothered coming dow to the boat . . You're lookini great - ravishng. Never seen yol looking better in my lifc.'
 She laughed up at him.
 "The same old Hendy-the sam old flatterer. How many heart have you broken on this trip"
 None: isn't hat an admission Fact is, with the prospect of See ing you so soon, I simply couldn' concentrate. Now, if you'H cXcus me I'll have my luggage put in cab and sent 10 the hotel ." "Of course you're not going { stay at any hotel. You're stayin with us"
 No? Not really? I'm not goin to be hypocrtical and pretend [ argue about it. Imagine that I'v protested properly but that you'v swept aside my objections."
 Laughingly they proceeded or into the street where Barbara limousine was waiting for them.
 It was during a somewhat slo and tedious progress mp Fifth ave nue that Henderson said:
 And that husband or yours how is he?"
 Fine. He's sorry he couIdn get down to meet you."
 "Indced? Can't pretend that T. awfully cut about It. about his n, being at the pier I mean Fact i I'd hoped that you'd be there alon I tell you, Barbara that was a sigl for my sca-bl,ary cyrs-you stan, ing waiting at The harrior." The impuLaIyoly, You looked stunnin tool"
 The butler had tea waiting l the time they arrived al her apar mcnt.
 Over the srcond cup bc breach, a subject about which hc was little disna.n'. H. know that. i. were 10 stay long as Barbar. guest relations between him# and her husband would have to friendly. at leust on the surface.
 T say, Barb1ra. hat husband yours -- hn doesn't ful badly ' wards me because Of Ihe-HlII l. cause Of .thr Ittlo scene that ul4 in the abbey! I ENC you my wo I'd forgotten # comWetcly Nc feelings on my aart, 1 assure yo and, hang if all ] can s"e hIs po1 cant you pc
 Barbara 'aogsb, ,hat very spo, ing Of him. Ij mIIa her 1rore pl than ever that no had come Es surely, wouldn't Mlow Uendrrs to outdo him by b.tug l,ss ra nanimous.
 They were Hm talking uy f fireside, the teapot cold on th. $ yer tray beside th"m. when k eventually Came home
 "HulIo, Henderson. Glad to g you"
 He came into the room and , two men shook hands