The Washington times., 1937-11-17

went back to the Community Cen
ter with her purchases and ate
alone.
Karen's appearance caused a
small sensation among the girls
working there with Miss WEIGH.
But Karen stuck to her work, paid
no attention to anybody. She
found it interesting, although by
3 o'clock she was desperately tired.
She kept on doggedly, buoyed up
by the fact of how proud Dick
would be of her.
She wished she were meeting
him after work tonight. She
needed his help and inspiration.
Just before the office was ready
to close there was a telephone call
for Karen. 1t was Dick.
"How's the working girl?"
I'm f1le and like it," she told
him. While she was talking, Miss
WEIGH came out of her office and
went downstairs. Her sharp eyes
saw Karen at the telephone and
ESuGLl KNEW IL was LICK.
What have got myself into?"
Ruth unused as she went down the
hall. Dick had called her only
few moments before to see if
Karen had come with her letter.
He had not mentioned that he
wished to speak to the girl. He
must have put in another call i'm
mediately.
Ruth shook her head. If his in
tereSt were really so platonic, why
had he not said he wanted to
speak to Karen?
I'll be in the middle when the
crash comes" Ruth thought with
a sigh. Marcia would blame her,
of course. But what else could
she do? Ruth chided herself for
her fooliShness. I'll bet on Mar
cha in the long run. She has real
sense. If she wants Dick she'll
get him in the end"
Karen went home happy that
night. She was so tired she took
cab after she'd walked away
from the Community Center. It
was the first day of real work she
had ever done. It was something
to her soul.
Hungry, tired and dirty, she
walked into her fathers mansion.
And she found waiting there for
her Mrs. Harrington and Ping.
CHAPTER Xxx
The council of war had been
going on in her fathers study.
Her mother was there and there
was an untouched tray.
Karen suddenly was very hun
cry. She walked into the library,
threw off her hat and demanded
some tea. Heavens, I'm hungry"
She picked up a sandwich and
in silence the three watched her.
Karen, where have you been?"
Her mothers voice was severe.
"I've been doing some work for
the Junior League today"
"You haven't. I telephoned."
Pings voice was sharp.
Karen looked over the rim Of
her tea cup at him. "Why should
I lie about it?"
Il don't know! You're insane
these days! don't understand
you!"
Ping, please. Let me handle
this" Mrs. harrington, girding
herself for the fray, settled more
firmly in her chair. Il must talk
to you, Karen. I understand from
Ping you and he had a little mis-
understanding last night"
Karen set down her cup. mo,
Mrs. Harrington, I think we I'M
derstood each other for the first
time"
Karen's voice was serious as she
sat quietly listening. Ping, nerv-
GUS, jumped to his feet and be-
gan pacing up and down the room.
II think we deserve some ex-
PLANTATION, Karen" Mrs. Earring
ton was choosing her words care
fully.
Il think perhaps that is so,
Mrs. harrington. I'm sorry about
1t all. I'm terribly fond of Ping.
always shall be. But our mar
rage is impossible. That is all. >"
why do you say that, Karen,
after all these months?"
Because do not love Ping
enough to marry him"
Mrs. harrington brushed that
explanation aside. You are a
spoiled, willful girl, Karen. I
won't have this. You've led Ping
on. Now you suddenly decide to
change your mind for whim. It
is not fair"
BEING SENSIBLE
II admit it is all my fault I
am honestly trying to do the sensi-
Die thing. I should not have got
myself engaged to Ping in the
1lrst place. I take all the response.
bility for that"
karen'S statement seemed to
give Mrs. Harrington some salts
faction, for she cast triumphant
glance at her son. sit down.
Ping; you make me terribly nerv-
Gus" His mother motioned him
over beside her.
Are you sure you realize what
you are saying, Karen" Mrs. Nal.
Tory lnterpoSed here.
quite sure, Mother. I know"
Karen stood up. There isn't
any use in continuing this further,
Mrs. harrington. I got my ring
out Of the fire last night. Father
will send it back"
Ping jumped up then: Karen,
who's the MANI"
There isn't anybody Ping :"