The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-01-31

|l1hG <1l lli4bSS5S AACf14 4O4QoC e AAStAN pecuniary assistance to a weaker brother on his wedding-day.
 There was a pause. Then Mrs. Lodely leapt gladly into the breach.
 There now, told Babs you could get married on Thursday just as arranged, if you did it be- fore you start to Townl I'm sure if you do it first thing on Thurs day, Babsll be quite satisfied, won't you Babs?"
 Has Babs been dissatisfied be- cause I haven't married her yet?"
 Now you know well enough l never meant anythin' like that!" protested Mrs. Lodely, as she heav- ad herself to her feet and, an- nouncing loudly that she would see about some supper, got her self out of the room.
 As the door clashed shut behind Ter, Marks head fell forward. His ips were white and his whole frame twitched sharply. In an in stant Barbara was kneeling by h:s side, her arm across his shoul- iers, the other hand seeking to hold him up.
 Lean back, Mark, it'n be all right. I have you sate. Lean pack, dear"
 An anguish shook her heart. Oh, to have the power of a man ike Farrell Armitage. Not, only ais wealth, but his sureness, his single purpose, his strength. ner- yious and physical-to be able to pick Mark up and carry him out nto the sunshine that was his by every right.
 His eyelids fluttered just as she began to think that she must call Judy to bring a stimulent. She had perhaps framed the name, for Mark whispered
 T don't want her. She makes ;uch a row Keep her away for 2 little longer"
 Poor, dear Judy" She bent un- til her her face squeezed against his head. She's rather wonder ful mother, really"
 She might be if she didn't make such a noise about it. One reason I shall always need you, is that you are my tran quility.7
 Incredible happiness to hear him nulmer that. Incredible happiness to feel his weight against her shoulder, his languid hands upon hers. A tide of peace washed up over the conflict of her thoughts and the world went empty of ev- but Mark and herself and his need of her.
 White ash powdered and fell from the burning log into the fire. .9. Never his, You're mine. Don't you know it?
 Every nerve in her leapt, start Jed. Someone had spoken in her ear? Before she could stop her self, her head had jerked up and round, her eyes raking the shad- ows of the room. Don't you know t? 1t echoed in her ears-no, no, not in her ears; in her mind. Far rell Armitage was speaking in her her mind had respond ed with instant recognition.
 A muffled exclamation from Mark as her violent movement had shifted his head smartly to the chair back.
 Barbara! And I called you tranquil"
 She made no plea for forgive ness. She withdrew her arm from nim and standing to her feet, peered about her
 My darling beautiful, is there } ghost?"
 NO. Yes" She was painting. T thought I heard-Did you hear ! voice say-something?"
 His eyes were so bright, so anus ed that she almost believed he could read her secret. What if all that had passed last night were spread before him, like a book? What if the miles between this ,ouse and that other new one were lncounted, mere walls of glass?
 "The wedding is to be at nine, Barbara, instead of twelve. After which, my girl, you'll come aboard the plutocrat's car with us and stay at Brandish Place, too. He won't mind. He'll probably like It-shouldn't say he's the kind that rather enjoys having pretty creature hanging upon his every word. It's futile to toll when you ,an wallow. Besides" the gleam in his eyes reopened, but not be- cause of her-"besides, there may be no need for toll any more. I've got Armitage."
 What do you mean?"
 Don't snap. You've beautiful voice and you should always speak