The Washington times., 1936-12-31
NOW READ ON
By MAY CHRISTIE

door open.
"A nice kettle of fish," His
round, cherubic face was devoid
of it's usual grin. His lips puck
cred into whistle. He looked as
if he were about to burst out
crying.
"It's frightfully serious, Fred
die. You know Bernice is fond
of you, and I'm sure you recipro'
cate. You are fond of her, aren't
you, Freddie? You don't want
her name-"-Ann swallowed
banded about New York;"
"Oh, good Lord, no." he
groaned. You must think I'm
an awful rotter, Ann. I'm mighty
sorry"
tits too late just to be sorry,
Freddie" Tears stood in AIMS
eyes. IT love Bernice, and you
know scandal would simply kill
my father. His heart isn't any too
strong since the crash, anyway"
She was praying inwardly: Dear
Lord, let him marry her! Don't
let disgrace come to Bernice!"
II suppose. said Freddie. "there's
only one thing to do? Announce
our engagement"
THAT wouldn't be any use
Freddie, II told them you and
Bernice were already married-a
couple of days ago-I told I wit
messed it"
"Holy smoke!"
Lets not quarrel, Freddie. It
was the only thing that I could do
Coming upon you like this-the
crowd all here, and loving a scan
dal as they do had to act
quickly. Don't think I wanted to
do it. I hate lying-but it was the
only possible way out!"
She reasoned with him. Fixed
him a stiff bromo-seltzer. They
talked it over.
Humiliating to almost have to
beg a man to marry ones sister!
And after everything was ar.
ranged, and Freddie had got his
car from the garage, it was no
easy task TO waken Bernice.
The trio reached Harrison at
seven in the morning, where the
wedding was performed by a jus.
tice of the peace.
At 9 o'clock, Ann called the Of
flee of the best-known gossip
writer in town.
His secretary answered. In a
trembling voice, she informed her
that it might be an interesting
scoop to announce the secret
marriage of Eernice Delafield to
Freddie Brandon, the we'll known
interior decorator, which had
taken place three days ago
The columnist's secretary wanted
to know where the wedding hao
been solemnized.
Ann waived that.
You can call Mr.. Brandon al
his apartment around noon ano
he'll verify it," She gave Freddie's
phone number and hung up.
Now to break the news to Dao
and her mother. Lolly might be
pleased at Bernice getting mar
ried-she wanted all her girls tc
be married quickly-"providec
for" she called it. Which was
ironical. in the circumstances!
Dads tired gray face grew
urox,e,. nc Ann occ,,roioo Io1oo G
ure she was far from feeling
Sprang her news.
So many strange things had
happened to him in the past year
that he had thought that he was
immune beyond feeling any
thing l.. yet this hit him.
"By why an elopment?" A puz
Zled hurt was in his eyes, his dazec
look
Darling, it's been coming or
for a long time. Like the measles
You know, girls are awfully indie
pendent nowadays. You mustn't
blame Bernice."
"But-but is he the right man.
"He is-for her. She's in love
darling. She's terribly in love
with Freddie Brandon"
CHAPTER Xxx
1--WE aren't so poor that we
couldn't have given her a quiet
home wedding" said Dad.
Thought Ann: IT shall burst
out crying in another minutep
But she contrived to smile-tc
carry it off successfully.
"Horne weddings are old-fash
ioned, my love. Freddie and youl
beautiful dotter just upped anC
did it, with no frills or nonsense
Honestly, that's much the more
sensible method. And so economi
call"
Can he support her. ANN"
Decidedly he can, if he has q
mind to work. And now he's mar
ried, he will work. Freddie's got
Rreat creative talent"