The Washington times., 1938-01-01

secrecy, had paid the additional
$40 for six months.
Lynn ran to the fireplace, to
windows with their view.
tits perfect, Wild! How did
you do it?"
II called home and got Elsie to
come down and move you. Simple.
I had nothing to do with it all"
Finally the caretaker left them.
Wild came over to Lynn and took
her hand. This is my peace offer
ing, Lynn. had to make things
right, after last night! I just had
to!"
There was a knock on the door.
Wild opened it. It was a waiter
from a nearby restaurant, with a
menu card.
We're having a house warm
ing, darling. Do you want a
Steak?"
Lynn hurried around and set
the little table by the window. It
was cool tonight, and the stars
were clear in the deep blue sky.
IF we only had a fire!" Lynn
said.
Wild bowed, dashed out of the
place. Fifteen minutes later he
was back with a crate, filled with
pieces Of wood.
mot very good, but it will be
burning in no time" he said as
he broke up the box.
The fire was blazing on the
hearth when their dinner came.
There was even a bottle Of cham
payne.
Miss Morrow, your good
health" Wild said as he raised
his glass and touched hers.
And yours, Mr.. Austin"
May I call you Lynn?"
Then he took her in his arms,
kissed her solemnly and they sat
down to the house-warming dinner.
CHAPTER Xxx
MANHATTAN IDYL
They were completely and utter
ly happy, those two, oblivious to
the rest Of the world. That au-
tumn always remained one of the
happiest times in Lynn's life. In
after years when she'd see the city
she loved sparkling in the autumn
sun, or lit by a harvest moon, it
brought a vague nostalgia, a little
heartbeat one feels for lost youth.
Wild did not, however, take
Lynn back to Austin Manor. The
girls name was not mentioned be-
tween him and his parents, al
though he talked to Chuck about
her. But Mrs. Austin knew her
son was seeing the lovely model.
She heard gossip. She was bound
to, for Lynn's face appeared more
and more frequently in the maga-
zines, Rene's work was causing
considerable comment. Then, too,
Wild was too important a person
to escape general gossip.
On the night of the housewarm-
ing Mrs. Austin called Elsie into
her sitting room after dinner.
"Close the door, Elsie, I want to
speak to you."
Obviously embarrassed, the
woman came in hesiGatingly.
Don't misunderstood, I'm not
asking you to spy on Mr.. Wild.
But I was surprised when he
called for you today. Tell me
about it."
HE wanted me to move Miss
Morrow's things" Elsie said with
reluctance.
Where to?"
Elsie gave the number Of the
apartment building to which Lynn
had moved, and from which she
had come.
Mrs. Austin tried to appear
casual as she questioned the girl:
What kind of an apartment is
it, Elsie?"
Very ordinary, madam" And
Mrs. Austin knew the maid was
thinking the same thoughts as her
own. If it were a cheap apart
ment, then it was quite apparent
that Wild was not paying the rent.
Mrs. Austin sent Elsie away
finally with a smile, and the vom-
an was frankly relieved that the
questioning did not go further.
Elsie adored Mr.. Wild. But she
ad to answer Mrs. Austin's queS-
tions. That was only fair. And
she did hope Mr.. Wild would not
get into trouble. After seeing the
Morrow girls scant belongings, the
maid wondered.
Mrs. Austin did not write down
the address until after Elsie had
gone. Then she noted it care
fully. She sent for her husband
Immediately and told him what
she found out.
CHECKING UP ON LYNN
II don't want to press things,
Charles, but has Harlem made
any report to you?" Mrs. Austin
could not bring herself to men,
ticn the girls name even to her
husband.
Eyes, but he's turned up
nothing. She seemed to be quite
a nice girl. Up in Vermont she
comes from decent middle-clasS
people, a sister in Bangor, mar
ried. ordinary. Her father was q
sman-town lawyer, it seems"
Mrs. Austin turned impatiently.
Now, Ruth, he's doing the best
he can"
To Be Continued
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