The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-02-10

1 gL essed the handspring of his hopes. More than the handspring he might never trouble to discov- CT, so sure he was of Barbara.
 Why are you doing anything at all for me, Armitage?" First the mother, now the son! Suddenly Armitage realized that it mattered not whit whether the pair of them knew it's full extent of his bargain with Barbara. Ar nitage permitted himself to show anjoyment, also.
 What amuses you?" demanded Mark, off his guard.
 The idea of your amusing your elf with me-" returned Armit- lge, and continued to grin at him. Mark grew little paler Now keep on eye on him." warned a 2srt of Armitage's brain. He's an- gry and he's going to bite. Give him what the bulldog got, the left arm wrapped in a rug, and watch his style" He said amiably- Life does make one look a clown sometimes. Personally ] rever mind being an object of ridicule."
 Are you sure?" purred Mark When you're in love, my dear armitage, and one day I suppose you may be, you1l find you want Q hit the man who makes you appear ridiculous in her eyes"
 Very possibly. But the woman I love"-he said it quite deliber- ately-"may find she prefers mt to the other after all"
 You know you ought to dis cusS your idea of love with Bar bara She's great on discussion Always digging up love and having l look at it and planting it in different place. And then Sh wonders why it doesn't flourish"
 Speaking of Miss Quentin, ar you quite determined not to an 5wer her wire?"
 T never correspond with any body and she knows it," sait Mark and glanced at his breakfas ray, untouched beside his bed.
 Involuntarily Armitage's eyes fol. lowed his, and fell upon an en- gelope that had not been opened
 Mark Lodely, Esq, care of Far reI Armitage."
 You've made absolutely nc breakfast, Lodely." T had no appetite"
 Armitage forced his glance away and the first thing it encoun tered was another unopened let ter upon the mantlepiece. He sup posed that it had arrived yester day. He lost control a little anc said
 Shouldn't somebody-Mrs. Lode sly or-myself-send Miss Quentin a line? She may be anxious about you"
 ] White by all means. Mother won't if she can dodge it. And by the way, I've a good idea. Why shouldn't Barbara come up hert and fit up that studio that you're kindly giving me? It would be g charity on your part to give hel the jojb."
 Its an excellent idea," Farrell said and, turning to face Marl again, surprised look of childish 
 Perhaps you'll make clear" hS added, when you suggest it tc Miss Quentin that Malavia's recent scheme can be scrapped or uset .as the basis for the new one, just as she chooses"
 "Malavie! Do you mean to say that you have had studio de signed by Malavie?"
 "Yes, and bedroom adjoining it. But I've already told him that II didn't think you would like the result"
 "Malaviel" gasped Mark. Good God, Amitage. I'm afraid you've thrown away an enormous sum of money. You see, Malavie's is the super-scene painter in limelight world. or course" added Mark kindly, "a Malavie studio might be useful as a stunt To give parties in you know. I should get known that way; and it would do no harm to get known while I'm finding out whether I've a chance to get good. II know well enough how much I have to learn!"
 It was the first note of sincerity he had struck since he had spok- en of his work on that night in Kings Mallard. It eased the ten sion a little.
 "Oh, yes," went on Mark. T sold some sketches last night to a ia. woman named Constantia J. |Jacogson. I think you should take this check, Armitage."
 "Why?"