New Britain herald., 1929-07-05
The Heart Story
 of a Steadfast Woman
Loves Awakening
By Adele Garrison

ITO your happiness," he said, but barely tasted the drink before add ing: This is one time we-what do they say over here-'put it over on each other, nest ce pas?"
 She laughed merrily, and I won dered just what that effort of lnirth had cost her
 T trust I surprised you as much as you did me, Georges" she told him.
 You did" he said with empha- sis, and then Harry Underwood cut short the little coloquy-at Lillian's signal, I conjectured,
 Line for kissing the prospective brides forms on the right" he in- toned with a burlesqued accent that relieved the tension. But I had seen the dismayed look in Olina's eyes at his jest and interposed with a prompt amendment.
 You mean the Continental kiss of the hand, Harry, I am sure" said demurely.
 T suppose so," MT. Underwood grumbled. But just wait till find out who put you up 10 that. It isn't like you to spoil fellows cherished dream that way"
 Tense situation
 Olna laughed with the rest, but little later, when we had left the table and the general congratula- tions were over, she found occasion to say to me meaningly: Thank you so much. Mrs. Graham. And may l talk to you by yourself some time soon?"
 Of course" I returned prompt. hoping that my eyes did not betray the excitement I felt at her question. Twas quite certain that the subject of her talk would be the engage ment of Mary and Georges. It was patent to me that the imperious young Princess had received what Harry Underwood would call "the jolt of her young life" in learning of Prince Georges betrothal to the girl over whom she had meant to triumph by announcing her own be- trothal to Noel. I had studied her carefully during her sojourn at the Larches, and had told myself that, while she was undoubtedly infatuat- ed with Noel, yet jealousy of Marys attraction for both Georges and Noel was the handspring of her de- termination to drag the young vio- linist in chains before Mary That she had not reaMzed this herself, I was sure--it was a working of the subconscious-and her first reac- ton to the news of Mary's engage lnent had been one of dismayed in- credulity. her second a determina- ton to find out how seriously the betrothal announcement was to be taken.
 Perilous Paths I was sratified that the girl had turned to me in her anxiety, but I also was determined to tread warily the perilous paths which await the feet of those who receive confi- dences and l added an amendment to my prompt acquiescence.
 "1ll make the opportunity for q | nice long chat tomorrow" I said, adding, as quick disappointme cloudcd her eyes, Tt really won't be l possible before without inviting comment which ] am sure you wish to avoid.'
 She shot a quick frightened | glance at me"
 "Oh!" she whispered. T suppose they are-'
 You are among friends, my dear. please remember that" I said wondering bit guiltily if she would be convinced of our friendliness l could she fathom our plans for the breaking up Of the engagements just announced. But l salved my consci- ence with the assurances that we were indeed sincere friends, and that our plans were meant to secure ! her the lasting happiness which her marriage to Noel, a reluctant bride | groom. worshiping another girl, could never bring her. l had no time, however. for more than the whispered assurance. A | deferential hand touched my arm, and Philip Neritzen's suave but in sstent tones compelled my atten- | ton.
 T must speak to you alone. Mrs. l Graham, as soon as possible" he said
 (Continued Tomorrow Copyright, 1929. Newspaper Feature Service Inc.