New Britain herald., 1930-07-25

others. He's coming back. You'll see him tonight"
 "Oh!" said Chummy blandly. What do you mean?"
 Judy gave it up. During the day she went to Bas- tien Dumont's attic.
 T cant prepare Chummy," she told him. She won't take it in. And she's got vile cold. She can't go to the cafe tonight. Anyway I wouldn't let her meet him there, n front of all the boys. I don't know how she'll take it. You must tel him about her, and bring him to see her at our place. You must tell him the best way you can. Of course, as soon as he knows. he'll want to come at once. I'll expect you tonight about nine. Chummy mustn't be kept up late"
 She clasped her hands, excitediv. "Oh, Bastien, what wonderful thing When she sees him, it must
  xight."
 I'll do my best" he promised obediently; but it is nasty job
 Judy went home and passed a day oe feverish excitement. She threw out hint after hint to Chummy, who vas quite unresponsive. Even tle p!ainest words did not penetrate the darkness of her mind. Judy spoke then Once right out.
 "Chummy, your lover-Ala1 Steyne-has come back. He is con- ing to see you tonight"
 Chummy smiled her baby smile.
 CHAPTER II
 At nine o'clock Judy had every thing ready. Chummy sat in her chair like a lovely doll. Judy had made the room as clean as she cou.3. There were two bright colored shawls pinned on the drab walls. She had recklessly invested in eight yellow jonquils, which brought sum- shine into the dingy place. The ket- tie was singing on the fire.
 Listening wth all her ears, Judy caught ligtht, hurried footsteps tn the stairs. She went out on the landing.
 The great moment had arrived.
 Judy's face was white in the ligh. Of naked gas jet, She wore lt- the black frock very short in the skirt and sleeves, and low in the neck, showing that lovely. innocent curve of throat and shoulder that artists raved about. A string of red beads hung about her waist. Her thin stockings consisted chiefly Of darns. and the cheap, exaggerated shoe could not disguise her perfect feet.
 Footsteps sounded on the stars. It seemed to her that they Jagged. Du- mont appeared first, his companion half flight behind him.
 Judy devoured his appearance with her bright, excited eyes. This was Chummys young man. How often she had wondered what he
  wondered at the fidelity of hea't that could be plunged into dark ness by the disappearance of any man on earth,
 Her mind was too feverish 10 grasp details. She got an impression O. tall figure and a handsome face, which struck her particularly with it's supreme fitness. Alan Steyne looked strong and energetc enough to jump over the moon, she though. His eyes held hers with laugh lN them-and something else. He was fair and his face was very tannei, He looked as if he always got what he wanted Those were Judy's first impressions.
 He addressed her in a voice whose naturally careless ring was contra dicted by the anxious look in his eyes.
 Miss Grant, do you really think it is wise for me to see Miss Morley tonight? Dumont has told me every thing. I am so dreadfully sorry. but I mean, oughtn't she to be pepar- ed?"
 He broke off, looking at her help lessly Judy shook her head. an1 the mop of red-gold hair gllttera1 like bright waterfall.
 Its no good preparing her. sh" quickly. i've tried and tried. Oh, MT. Steyne. when she sees you, that'll do the trick all right, Dear old Chummy, I just can't hea,' it. Will you go in alone?'
 He looked frightened.
 "Oh, no-please come too, 1on know, she may not"
 Judy" came Chummy's voice from inside the room, Where a'2 you? Why are you such long time' I'm cold"
 Judy went to the half-open door, beckoning to the men 10 follow her. She saw Alan Steyne close his lips tightly and square his shoulders.
 Inside the room Chummy sat in the chair by the small fire. IL was the only chair fit for anybody 10 | sit in. She had a pale-blue woolsn ! shawl around her shoulders, and .t ! set off her fair loveliness so that she looked like an angel on an old fashioned Christmas card.
 Here is-some one to see you, Chummy, dear" said Judy in a choked voice.
 Alen steyne stood in front of the girl who had lost her wits for love of him He stood there, awkward | and ill at ease, with deep concern | ln his eyes.
 Clarissa Morley smiled up blanG- ly into his face. Then she blew her nose.
 After that there was dreadfIl