The Washington times., 1937-01-22

titled; then smiled, and obeyed.
Presently she was back, waiting
orders. her face full of inquiry.
Now I want you to go out to
the reception parlor where you
waited when you came here, and
inquire who is next. You Will
take that woman, whoever she
is into the small adjacent room;
you know the one l mean"
Where your secretary took
me-" said Sonia. "Really-she
was the sweetest person I ever
met, Dean Harcourt. She was so
tender and understanding"
Il am glad you found her so
Well-you take your lady
into that little room and let her
tell YOU all she wants to about
her reasons for coming here, ask
Ing her the same general queS-
tions you were asked. And then
YOU come back and tell me.
After that, you may bring her
to my door. Then you will be
free to recover your belongings
and go your way. There is an
other exit from the dressing
room, leading into the hall"
Sonia hesitated.
But, Dean Harcourt"- t"-she pro-
tested-"It seems such a pity to
ask me to do this when I have
had no experience-and there is
your secretary, outside, who knows
exactly what to say to people. I
never met anyone $3.50 thor
oughly fitted to deal with a
person in trouble"
The dean smiled enigmatically
THAT woman is not my secre,
tary,' he said quietly. "She was
my last caller-just before you
came"
Sonia'S amazement parted her
lips and narrowed her eyes.
do you always make them do
that?" she asked.
"No-just the ones I think I
can trust to do it we'll"
III try" she said.
She was gone for about five
minutes and returned with dis
tressed face. It was quite evident
that she had been crying.
"Well?"
"Oh-Dean Harcourt-it's about
her little girl. The doctors told
her this morning that the little
thing isn't ever going to be right,
mentally; a brain tumor. or some
thing. She's simply heart-broken
And there wasn't thing l
could say that would have been
of any comfort to her . just
held her-and couldn't talk. I'm
afraid you made a mistake in
sending me out there"
1T was very we'll done, I think" "
said the dean. Now go and bring
her in. And then you go around
to the dressing room and powder
your nose-and run along. 1t has
been a good days work"
Sonia impulsively clasped his
hand.
u think you're wonderful" she
exclaimed, smiling penSively
through her tears.
No. Sonia" he replied, meas
uring his words slowly, I'm not
wonderful. But you have made
connection with something, this
afternoon. that is Wonderful-won-
derful!" Drawing himself out of
the introSpective mood in which
he seemed to have been speaking
more to himself than to her, he
added When you leave the dress
ing room, if you turn to the right
the hallway will lead you directly
into the nave of the cathedral. E.
Go out that way. And when you
are there, tarry a moment, sit
down, face the altar, and say a
little prayer for me. I am not
very strong, you know. I need the
cooperation of people like YOU"
The clock in the great bell-tower
was striking four. Trinity's
theme song vibrated in the air.
Sonia sank to her knees beside
the deans chair and murmured
brokenly, People like mel. Oh
my Cod"
He laid firm hand on her quiv,
ering shoulder.
Come" he said gently. your
friend is waiting"
She rose to her feet and walked
unsteadily to the door.
Sonia smiled bravely, and turned
the knob.
II think I'll be all right now,
she said.
"Yes-chIld," replied the dean
as one answering from dream
you'll be-all right-now."
Chapter V
The interview was not taking
off as Andrew Norwood had ex
pected. This Dean Harcourt wef
anything but the benignly naive
old gentleman he had pictured
His infrequent glimpses Of the
distinguished churchman had been