Evening star., 1930-12-15
INsTALLMENr XXI.

"HE next morning Shirley seized
an opportunity for word alone
with Margaret
i We've had such a wonderful
time here, Miss Yorke, or Mar
garet, which do I call you?" Shirley
said appreciatively. Il do want to thank
you"
They were in Shirley's room, and she
was strapping and packing her bags
buSily. Margaret, standing in the door
way, felt the significance that lay under
the friendly tone, and hot wind seemed
to touch her skin
II wantsd to tell you something
explain something to you, rather" Shir-
ley went on, setting her jaw over q
refractory strap. 1T seems only fair.
wanted you to know that Stan-Mr
Crittenden-and had wonderful talk,
yesterday afternoon. I explained my
position fully-explained that it is wiser
for me to go East just now, and he
understands. I have his promise that
1t shall make no difference. Now
can see-perfsctly!- you have been
using your position here-Dont inter-
rupt mel" Shirley interrupted herself
sharply, as Margaret made an inarticu-
late exclamation II see the Who'll =
thing" she went on angrily, her cheeks
burning now, and her voice high.
Don't think I don't-Tm perfectly
aware Of it! So please don't waste your
breath denying that you are madly in
love with Stan CrittendenI'
Yet she paused and looked at Mar
garet challengingly, as If for a reply,
her breath coming hard and her eyes
glittering.
''I have done things for which /
might apologize in my life Margaret
said slowly, in the pause. But I do
not apologize for that"
ssVo,, IoV,x, Cloirlox, ovnlo iT,and
mo-" the other woman said thought
fully, almost absently, ''I can't deny it."
Shirley, turning her back upon the
half-packed suitcase on the bed. locked
at her in astonished resentment.
"You admit you love Stan?" she
stammered.
"I don't think that has anything to
do with it." Margaret said patiently.
"I accused him of it and he promises
me that 1t is over" Shirley said agi-
tatedly, triumph antly.
There was NEVER anything to end!'
Margaret assured her proudly.
Shirley continued to eye her uneasily,
her expression a mixture of resentment,
contempt and angry self-conf1dence.
Suddenly Margaret raised her dark blue
eyes, and with change in her man.
ner, said gently:
II shall not remain here. It's only
fair to tell you we plan. Nora and I, to
take Jim and go away"
"Ah-h-hI" Shirley said 1t was al
most the hiss of a snake. She hesi-
tated, and her own face softened I'm
sorry" she said awkwardly. And as
Margaret was silent, she added: you
see how I'm placed. It's very hard for
me. must be sure of Stan, and If he's
to be attracted by every pretty face
You see how difficult my position iS?"
"Oh, yesl" Margaret said wearily.
And, turning, she left the room without
O further word
Almost Immediately the departure
took place. The car was at the door
and the women came out, looking
strangely urban In their small helmet
taken all the way into town; the Hyde
Browns and Shirley dropped in San
Mateo and Burlingame.
Get here in back, with me, Stan"
Shirley directed, flssing happily with
smartly white-gloved hands, I'VE can
have talk, all the way in. So many
thanks, Margaret" she said, leaning
out. "It was perfectl Say goodbye to
N@6so5d.i @Gsoodeby. tAn and thank YOU stan
said, touching Margaret's hand. ''DearI"
he added, in tone that only she
could hear
Margaret's face was suddenly rich
with color, and the protective hand
that she put about Jim's little shoul-
ders was trembling.
The engine roared; the car moved.
They left her. standing with her blue
eyes fixed half-wistfully upon them as
they whirled away.
Constance, Wiliis and Shirley united
in praising her. She was an exception
ally charming person.
But when the Hyde-Browns were
murmuring together on the front seat,
Shirley snuggled conhdentially close to
Stan and told him that he mustn't
fiirt with Margaret while she was away,
he must please be good.
Shes going away, too, she said so,
said Shirley.
mot for long!" Stanley answered un-
easily. "She and the kid may 90 up to
some hotel for the worst weather"
"She Speak7 very confidently Of stay
ing with little Jimmie" Shirley COM
mented mildly. "Is it the idea that she
shall-permanently-remain with him?'
"Oh, certainly" Stanley assured her.
Shirley said nothing more at the time
but that evening, when they were talk
ing together quite late after a dinner,
she returned to the subject. Stan, it's
Nora who really takes care Of the child, y
she said.
"Yes, I know. But Margaret runs
Cnem Dotn, STANLEY OuereQ p2ClenJly.
"Yes, but Stan-two of them for one
small child And the rent of hotel
rooms, or wherever they go. Isn't that
pretty steep?"
MY aunt left the little fellow hand
some income, Shirley"
"Yes, of course. But you'll be put
ting you hand in your own pocket al
that rate" Shirley countered quickly.
Stanley, annoyed himself, grinned and
90 annoyed her.
Hes extremely lucky to have q
woman like that so devoted to him.
he said.
my dear, isn't that going to be {
part of my job?" Shirley demanded
prettily. II wouldn't care, Stan," Sh,
added quickly, as he scowled. q.
wouldn't care If you hadn't admitted
sort Of feeling for her. But she ha
been flirting with you. You didn'
deny it, and now she assumes this pas
sionate devotion to Jim. which, o
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