The Washington times., 1937-11-19

Karen felt a sudden desire to
slap Serge's face. She was ap,
palled at her binding rage. It
was a good thing that the girls
were watching. Shed have to be
have.
"Get out of here" Karen kept
her voice low. but Serge saw her
hatred in her eyes. Get out OF
here and don't you ever come back
or I shall have you arrested.
mean it."
Serge, still smiling, leaned
across the counter and patted her
slim ringless hand.
"Such dramatics, my sweet. II
would be charming to have me ar
rested for moleSting you here
Such interesting reading. I'm not
afraid of you, but I'm off"
So the girls watching called 1t
real romance. They were thrilled
beyond words. Serge, looking down
at Karen'S grimy hands, smiled
more and more.
"It was nice Of you to have
called" Her voice was louder az
she spoke.
"I'll telephone you tonight, dar
ling" Serge said as he bowed over
the hand which was so unlike the
old Karen's.
With sweeping bow, which in
cluded the watching girls, he
| tIIrood apd loft her
CAUGHT IN A TRAP
Karen watched him go. She
dreaded facing those girls. There
would be questions, natural ques
tions. But she must go back.
Hes simply wonderful, who Ii
hep" they chorused as he rejoined
them.
"Just an acquaintance" Karen
said lamely.
Nonsense, it's romance" Alice
Turner retorted. you're so close
mouthed, Kid"
Karen tried to laugh and bt
casual. But the whole thing hac
shaken her more than she was
| Wiling TO aQmlC.
Really I'm not, and he is not
important. OF course, I'm not in
love with him" Her cheeks blazeo
as she spoke.
After that nothing could con
vince the girls otherwise. Miss
Welsh heard about the mysterious
visitor. The girls harried her about
Karen. In her eagerness to deny
she overdid her part, Karen be
came more Of a mystery thar
ever.
Karen's one desire was to gel
through the afternoon somehow
She must talk to Dick. Maybt
she'd have to leave this place
Tears came into her eyes as SHE
bent over piles of files. To Karer
it seemed that the afternoon
would never end. When S O'Clock
came she dashed for the wash
room and put on her hat with
care. Alice watched her.
"A date with HandSome?"
Heavens! Alice, I tell, you you're
wrong. He's just a family friend!'
To which Alice retorted with &
loud "boo."
Karen ran down the steps anc
looked both ways for a cab.
She had thrown all caution X
the winds in her eagerness to gel
to Dick. AS she reached the side
walk she saw Serge Standins
there, hat in hand.
I'm so glad you're prompt" hi
remarked and took her arm. HI
had a taxi waiting.
Come, my dear. Don't make 6
scene. The girls are watching
Come along with me for a littl'
way. I want to talk to you"
Karen, helpless, got into thu
cab with hilN. There was nothing
else to do.
CHAPTER XXI
The cab moved slowly. They
rode in silence, which Karen was
determined not to break. She hao
nothing to say to Serge. She
glanced at her watch. Dick would
be waiting now.
I'm in a hurry" she said.
"A date? Karen, who's the
heart these days? I've been won
dering."
Silence again. Karen's anger was
mounting. Then, suddenly Serge
came straight to the point.
"Your country, find it distress
ing" He began casually. but there
was note Of warning in his voice
which caught Karen's attention.
II go home-just as soon as
have money"
Still the girl did not comment.
II need $4,000 for my hotel bills,
Serge took out a little notebook
and opened it. Then he read from
that:
Gambling debts, $4,000; tailor
$4,000" He snapped the book shut
finally. IF I had $4,000 I'd sal
for home at the end of the week
I've been thinking of London.
like London in spring. Then
might take a trip around the
world"
When she did not comment he
added: "You can afford to pay fol-
security"
did you ever hear Of a WORD
called 'blackmail.'
You're being childish, Ken
There is business transaction.
might have gone to a lawyer. MY
reputation has been sadly damaged
by our accident. If it had not beer
for that we'd be married right