Evening star., 1934-01-31
INSTALLMENT XVII.

of Billie and BIN Phillips lasted
until the wee SIN hours of the
i morning Charity thought she
had never seen two people so
happy. 1t made her little sad-think-
ing Of the emptiness of her own mar
xied life
She svif1ed yaWn as she let herself
into the penthouse. She was so sleepy
she thought she'd be tempted to go to
bed with all her clothes on. But when
Charity saw Sylvia standing in the door
OF her bed room. she gave a little cry
OF fright and all thought of sleepiness
left her.
Sylvia. what is Urong-are you ill?"
The maids eyes were stained with
tears; She shook violently before she
Tits Mr. Temple madame" Sylvia
broke into fresh sobs. The Seaside
Hospital has been calling you since 10
o'clock. Mr.. Temple has met With an
accident
Charity swayed DOUG She sank
into chair and covered her eyes, strug-
Cling to regain COmpoSure. When she
looked up her face was drained of
every bit of color
Get me something to wear. Sylvia
she said then calmly. And call Raj
ferty, Tell him to hurry
Rafferty, is dressed and waiting in
the kitchen, madame. l called him as
soon as 1 heard, and told him to be
ready"
THAT was very thoughtful of you,
sylvia" Charity tried to lend a lit
lie of her composure to the Shivering
servant Did the hospital leave
number?" she cahed to the hurrying
maid
Sylvia came back with heavy three
piece tan ensemble and gold blouse.
The number is on the pad. madame"
I'll slip into these things while you
call. Let me talk
Charity's hands shook until she could
hardly get her evening gown off She
had Just slipped into the blouse and
skirt when Sylvia had the number.
It's one of the nurses madame"
With a great effort Charity forced
telephone. But her voice was calm
and courageous.
This is Mrs. Temple
Mr.. Temple met with serious ac-
cident about 9 O'Clock" the woman said
hurriedlv. His oar ran off a bridge
and turned over not far from here.
Id advise you to come out as quickly
as YOU can"
Charity choked.
It'll be out right away. Wiwill
he live?"
L can't say" the nurse answered
almost curtly. We may know by the
time you get here what his chances
are. There's a bad skull fracture"
oh" Charity sobbed I-I'll hurry"
Sylvia was holding her coat out when
she hung up Charity slammed her
hat on and called to the maid as she
ran out the door, I'll let you know,
Sylvia"
Rafferty, waited for her in the hall
way. They ran to the elevator Raj
ferty taking the trembling girls arm
10 give her much needed support.
In the limousine Charity sat back
weakly and closed her eyes Was Doug
dying? 1t couldn't be. He was too
young to die like that. Broken and
mangled. Suddenly Charity put her
hands over her eyes and shuddered
But the picture could not be blotted
out She began to cry, first softly,
then sobs shook her.
It wss a long drive. but there was
almost no traffic at that hour of the
morning and Rafferty, broke all speed
laws. In a little more than an hour
Charity saw the lights of the hospital
q short distance away. She sat up and
dried her eyes. calling again upon the
calm courage that always sustained her
In time of emergency
When she walked into the hospital
her face was set and white, but she
had regained her composure.
I'm Mrs. Temple" she said quietly
10 the nurse at the desk.
"Oh, yes the girl got up. I'll call
Dr.. Brandt. Will you sit down."
Charity sat down on the edge of a
1itt1o horPlo rd I'll Nov jcy- l,o, Je
In a few seconds a tall white-haired
man in immaculate white came down
the hallway. He bowed, and when
Charity started to get up he put re-
stra1ning hand on her arm and sat
down beside her
Mrs. Temple" he began sympa-
thetioally YOU must be prepared for a
very great shock
Charity nodded. but found she could
hot speak.
Your husband is very critically in
tlred. There is little hope for his re-
tovery. He-WaS not alone"
Charity swayed. and DR. Brandt put
IN arm around her shoulders.
"Was-was the person-With him
badly hurt?" Charity asked in low.
halting voice that could scarcely be
heard.
"She cannot possibly recover"
'Who-Who is it,"
"A Miss Vandergriff, l believe"
Yanner! Yanner was dying Dr.
Brandt kept his arm about Charity
While she dropped her head and fought
again for self-control.
There" he said kindly when her
trembling ceased you must be as brave
As possible. Do you feel equal to going
In to see your husband now? He's been
calling for you
"For-me?' Charity asked blankly.
For you
The doctor smiled and pulled Charity
70 her feet. AS they walked along the
corridor he added Conversationally.
Hes been calling your name ever since
he was brought in. truckman saw
the wreck and phoned the hospital
little after 9. At first We wondered
who Charity was. but one of the little
probationers who reads the society COL
Grnn said she was sure your name was
Charity
"He-he delrious?"