The Washington times., 1937-11-25

get over the State line for some
body to marry us. 1t is for you
to decide" Dicks face was bleak
as he spoke.
She looked up at him, then at
her father. Mallory laughed
shortly.
"very good, stoddard. Well
timed!" Mallory threw his hat
down onto a chair. II suppose
the fact you're going to marry an
other woman in a week means
nothing to you?"
The two facing him did not an
swer.
"Or did you have that put in the
paper just to bring Karen to
time?"
Father" Karen's voice was
shocked. "You don't know any
thing about this. Please!"
I'm afraid I know altogether
too much. I know how you've
been seeing this man, how he's
just been playing you for your
money! I know all that, and like
a fool I kept hands off just be-
cause I was afraid you'd run off
and marry him if I interfered!"
"You knew" Karen stared at
him.
Certainly I knew. I knew all
about that restaurant where you
were meeting him every day! 1
knew all that"
"How?"
Mallory did not answer. Ka-
ren's eyes widened. "You hired
detectives?"
why not?" Mallory suddenly
broke down at Karen's hostile eyes.
You're the most precious thing
I have in the world, Karen!"
"Oh, dad!"
Dick switched on another lamp,
pulled Karen to the sofa with him.
"Sit down, Mr.. Mallory. think
we owe you an explanation"
You're being very broad
minded"
Dick did not answer that thrust.
He began simply. II love your
daughter. I was engaged to an.
other girl for a long time before
I met Karen. That is the whole
story"
Mallory, his shoulders sagging,
sat watching Karen. There was a
long silence. 1t was Karen who
broke it.
"I came here, dad-when I read
that announcement tonight"
IT judged that was what hap
pened," Mallory said. when you
did not come home with Jay, ]
was sure"
Dick waited for chance to
speak again. "I'll go with you
tonight, Karen. 1t is for you to
say"
Mallory stopped him. Are you
in love with this fellow?"
Eyes, Dad"
you'll get over it,"
Karen did not reply. She was
watching Dicks face. 1t was tired
and haraSSed. His hair was still
damp from his long walk in the
early morning rain which had be-
gun falling after Karen had come
to his apartment.
There was a patent nobility in
Dicks face. She turned away
from him but he held her hand
tight. Karen, I'm waiting fol
you to decide"
She turned toward him, hel
heart in her eyes.
Mallory interrupted: II won't
allow it! I tell you I've reached
the end. Get your coat, Karen
We're going home"
Just a minute, father, Dick
and I have something to decide
THE WRONG ANSWER
She put both hands on hiE
shoulders and looked into his eyes
"Dick, would you be happy with
me?"
II love you."
THAT is not the answer, Dick
But he had no other. Hel
hands slid from his shoulders anc
she walked to her father.
He picked up her coat. Dick
watched her in silence. Karen
let her father help her into hel
coat, then she turned to Dick.
1T can't be. I see how yoU
feel" She put her hands on hel
fathers arm.
Please, Karen" Dick came
toward her.
You wouldn't be happy W.
MaIlorys are not lucky, I guess.
Tears welled suddenly into hel
eyes.
Take me home, Dad"
you'll say good-by to me
Karen?"
Go ahead, Dad; I'll be with
you in moment"
The older man went out into
the foyer. For the first time ir
his life he felt utterly helpless tt
cope with situation. This lovely
daughter of his was a stranger
He could not help her now. With
all his money and power. Woulc
she have been happy with this
fellow? Mallory did not know.
Back in the dimly lighted sit
ting room Karen was in Dicks
arms again for a moment. Good
BY and good luck" was what
Karen said.
i can't let you 60"
He kissed her again. Then she
ran out to her father, without
even looking back.
And Dick let her go.
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