The Washington times., 1932-01-07
CHAPTER 16

led from the entrance to OakeS
Manor, came over on the grass
to greet Laurel.
Demure she was today, in
her gown of simple white. And
-yes!-guiltless Of paint and
heavy makeup. she looked per-
fectly charming and natural.
1t was partly curiosity that
had brought him to the house
today. He HAD agreed at last
nights dinner-party to stop
here, on his professional rounds,
and take tea with the girls
mother. The husband-Michael
OakeS-waS rich and influential.
AS practitioner beginning
work in this neighborhood, it
was helpful to be friendly with
these people.
But an interest in young
Laurel, too, had inpelled him
here. Although he hadn't said
q thing about last nights adj
venture, it WAS rather odd
that Mrs. Oakes hadn't made
any reference, to her young
daughter >.
Had she waited cp for the
prodigals return last night?
.... or rather, early this morn
ing?
Did she know anything about
Laurel's doings?
Hadn't she herself, in the
intervals of bridge last night,
propped up the bar at the end
of the living room, partaklng
Of a good many cocktails?
This afternoon he'd given the
lovely Mrs. Constance Oakes a
lead or two, SO that it would
have been perfectly easy and
natural to mention her daugh-
ter.
But the charming lady in the
Sea-green wrap had only seemed
to want to talk about HIM
SELF. and HER.
Quite Alluring
How very charming she had
been, thought he, wondering a
little as to the reason for it!
On his departure she had
given him an invitation for din.
ner at the Country Club for
next Saturday evening.
Little Laura would be there,
of course?
Or would it be function for
the older people?
But none of the women
looked upon themselves as any
thing but YOUNG! Why, they
were as kitteniSh-even more
so than the youngsters.
Good afternoon, my Good
Samaritan" Laura stepped
forward. He returned her greet
ing.
"How's the head today?"
Because he was pleased to see
her, and because he felt he
shouldn't feel such pleasure,
his tone was professionally
brusque.
"Okay, thanks
mo bad after-effectS?"
mo. I had my usual break
1ast-two aspirinS and a bromo-
seltzer."
80? You think that suitable
for young woman?"
"Uh-ha. Plus, of course, black
coffee"
That's why your hands so
cold-and shaking"
A heart attack, brought on
by the shock of seeing you
again!"
She had forgotten her role of
1ngenue. She was grinning at
him impishly.
Il hope you didn't tell my
mother anything about. you
know what"
All She Counts For
II left that to yourself. Twas
none of my business"
"O-oh!" She drew a breath.
$50 that's all I count for in
your important life"
He looked intently al her for
a moment, "just as though I
were a queer bug under a
microscope" she told herself.
We'll, what's the verdict?"
He laughed. He had beauti-
full, even teeth, she saw. Like
this in the daylight, he looked
doubly attractive.
Il was thinking what a
quaint child you are"
Maybe I'm not so dumb.
Maybe I'd shine on closer
intimacy"
That was pretty swift one,
thought she. Would he take
up the challenge?
He said, simply: Much as
I'd enjoy little chat with you.
I must be on my way. I have
to be at the Manor Hospital
at half past five. I'll have to
hurry"
ooh! can't you put it off?
D'you know, DR.. Harvey, I've a
kind of yen for a talk with
you?"
Sorry. It's an operation on
q four-year-old child. I'm
assisting"
Laurel's eyes widened.
'Whoops! How thrilling"
Depends how you look on
It," replied the young man
briefly. "The baby'S parents
will be waiting at the hos
pital. I don't suppose they're