The Washington times., 1937-11-22

CHAPTER XVI
Karen came forward, her eyes
questioning. AS she halted, sud-
denly flashlight bulbs flared. She
stood there quietly without NOV
ing. Her heart was sick within
her. So this was Serge's revenge.
She had almost forgotten about
him in the general turmoil of her
life. That he had done this, she
had not the least doubt.
There were questions. Karen
kept her composure. Why was
she working? How long had she
been here? Who recommended
her?
Karen did not falter and Miss
Welsh had a true admiration for
this young woman as she met the
crisis. Obviously Karens one de-
sire was to protect Dick and her
self.
II was just working out my
final week here" Karen said, and
because it was true, her voice car.
ried that impression.
Your friends say you're re-
formed" somebody ventured,
Maybe it was time" Karen re-
torted. Everybody laughed.
Shortly the interview was over,
Karen turned to Ruth Welsh.
TIN sorry. I should have never
tried it. I'm q marked woman"
"NonsenseI I guess we can
weather the storm. Let's go and
have tea so we can talk"
Karen hesitated. She had lust
about enough time to get home for
Dicks call. I'm going to ask
you something. Come home and
have tea with me there. I'm anx-
louS to get a telephone call"
TEA FOR TWO
And Ruth, knowing full well
what that call would be, went
with Karen. The family was not
in evidence when Karen and Ruth
Welsh came into the Fifth Avenue
mansion. II Ruth was impressed.
she gave no sign. Together they
had tea served in Karen's own sit
ting room. And the girl left word
she did not want to be disturbed.
"Well?" Karen turned toward
Ruth Welsh.
1t was then Ruth began to talk
about her proposed summer camp.
They were deep in conversation
when Dick telephoned. Karen
went into her bedroom to take the
call, an appeal in her eyes.
Dick, it's happened. Serge.
Watch for the first editions.
There will be headlines"
Dick was comforting. "I'm glad
you didn't pay that crook one
cent. Karen, keep your chin up.
And, sweet, we'll talk the whole
thing out tomorrow afternoon.
Don't forget our ride"
AS though she could!
Karen told him Ruth was with
her at the time. If there was
alarm in Dicks voice, Karen did
not recognize it. For Dick knew
that Marcia would realize in
stantly that he had persuaded
Ruth to give Karen a Job.
He groaned under his breath.
wondered what he should do. He
must tell Marcia what had hap
pened. That much was sure. It
was the only way he could pro
tect Ruth.
Ruth, waiting for Karen to come
back to her, wondered Just how
she could face Marcia. Marcia
was her best friend, and by Mar.
cla's code Ruth had been traitor.
I suppose I have, but what
could I do?" Ruth repeated.
Marcia would never understand.
Karen came back into the room
finally and she was smiling. The
two ignored the telephone call
entirely, and before Ruth left she
and Karen had agreed to meet
and talk further about the pro-
posed summer camp.
Fact Is, I think I already have
a summer place which might do
for a start. Maybe we could go
up anu IOOk at IL.
Il want a place to put working
girls for two weeks, girls who
need a vacation desperately who
would like to pay q small fee so
they would not think they were
accepting charity" Ruth ex-
planned.
WED have to start small this
year, but maybe we could make
enough alterations so that we
could accommodate perhaps 20
girls at a time" Karen sold en-.
Enthusiastically.
Ruth went off walking on air
In spite Of her worry about Marcia.
Her dream might now come true.
MAD SOCIAL WHIRL
Karen was glad Ruth had gone
before her family began to congre.
gate. That made Things simpler,
one less thing to explain. For
Karen knew she had to warn the
family. Her mother came dash.
ing in about half an hour after
Ruth left. She was In a great
rush.
Remember, we're all going out
for dinner-you and Jay are due
at the McLeodS. There's that big
reception for Theodore Ray at
Pierre'S afterward."
Karen groaned. She had for
gotten Then her mother added
as she hurried on: You're
fathers dressing ct his club"
Where's Jay?"
Hell be in shortly Karen's
mother called back.
When Jay came in he stopped