Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-11

you'd better go back to mother" said Rose
under her breath to Shelby.
So he went back to the sick room. Mrs
Wayne was lying there with her eyes wide
and bright. "She's come? How did she 1ook?"
Mother, she's just wonderful as ever"
She gazed at him sharply, noting how he
mad frightened, become younger in the few
minutes he had been out Of her sight. 'T
want her to come in and see me-" she COM
handed
why, of course, dear. But don't you think
you'd better wait until morning."
No, want her to come right away, as soon
as she's through-prinking. Oh, don't look so
surprised, Shelby. All women prink, my dear
boy, especially for any man they're interested
in. And suppose she's interested in you since
she's come all this way to see you, unless it's
caution-she may think she'd better look your
mother and your family over pretty carefully
before she accepts you"
Shelby laughed, finding no sting in the words
II want her to do that"
We'll, 1t was quite different with your father
and me-when fell in love with him it didn't
matter to me what sort of family he had But
there aren't many real love matches nowadays
Will you ask Miss Hardness If she'll come in
and see me, Shelby? And you and Rose are
to keep out while we talk"
That's thoughtful Of you nother-she'll find
that less awkward"
Mrs. Wayne lay quiet after he had gone out
There was no avoiding it. this girl terrified her.
In such short time, to have won such ascend
ency over Shelby!
Very soon Rose came in with the guest, and
Mrs. Wayne saw that Rose was won Leila
advanced CALAMITY, but there was a hot flush
OF excitement on her cheeks. Her youth, her
vibrant health, her unquestioned beauty and
distinction were so many irritations to the
woman waiting for her. Nothing Of this irri-
tation appeared in her greeting. She held out
her hand. SLOW dear of you to honor a Door
invalid! I'm so happy to see you here"
But I'm happy to come" said Leila. Rose
disappeared. There was a moment Of silence
the silence of estimate, of calculation.
I'm sorry you're SICK" went on Leila. "You
really should not have let me come. It must
be inconvenent"
Nothing is inconvenient to me that makes
for Shelbys Happiness. Shelby, you know, is
the best son in the world"
He says you are the best mother"
And frankly, I'm always 50 concerned when
he falls in love that it isn't the right girl-of
course, he's told you that there have been other
girls"
yes. he has told me-" But Ieila,s color
went higher.
If were well, strong person, wouldn't
be 50 anxious-but I'm living on borrowed
time. and never know when the loan may be
called back-and that's why I'm so desper-
ately anxious that Shelby may be really truly
happy You don't mind my talking like this?"
A VAGUE wonder crossed Leila Harkness
mind as to whether she had talked "iike
this" to those other girls, and exactly how many
of them there were. Her tone had implied that
they were only a little less than legion. II
don't mind" said Leila. But sincerely hope
you are mistaken about your health"
Mrs. Wayne shook her head But We won't
talk about that I want you to tell me about
yourself"
In that question. and the overemphasis she
put upon it. Mrs. Wayne gave the show away.
She had dealt hitherto only with those who
were blinded to reality BY the love and trust
and pity they had for her. Leila had no such
limitations. And in that moment she realized
that she had been invited under the Wayne
roof for the sole purpose Of proving TO Shelby
her upfitYeSS IN no wifi