A By Mary Schumann Copyright by Macrae Smith Co. WNU Bervice CHAPTER VIII—Continued af Bo Fluvanna gasped as revelation came. ‘‘Kezzie! . Not Jerry?” “I suppose we couldn't keep it much longer. You'd have heard. In fact I'm surprised Lizzie hasn't been over already, ranting to you!" Fluvanna shook her head, gave a hopeless sound in her throat. “Don’t you realize what you've done? It's not Lizzie—it's Ellen! The poor child had confided in me all spring. She was in love for the first time in her life! . . . Oh, Kezzie—Kezzie!"' Kezia drew her mother's hands down from her face, which she had covered. Her voice was light and winning. “Sweetest darling Mother, you'll allow him to come to the house? . You said you would! And you'll be nice to him when he comes? Fluvanna thought, “Was she real- ly thinking of marrying him?" “Yes, he may come to the house. There must be no more secret meetings.” “You lamb!” She kissed her mother. ‘And you'll not say any- thing to make him uncomfortable? He's very sensitive. He said it almost made him shriek the way the Pendletons looked down on him!” It was Fluvanna's swift thought that receiving Jerry casually and pleasantly might remove the piquancy of the situation as far as Kezia was concerned. ‘I'll be care- ful of his—sensitiveness,”” she re- plied. Kezia looked at her doubtfully. Then, “I knew I could count on you to understand,” she mur- mured. “I'll go out and help Anna get the lunch on the table.” About one o'clock it began to rain, a cold drizzle. The rain was too late to help the baked farms and gardens, but was sooth- ing to taut nerves, strained with too much heat and sunlight. Flu- vanna wandered about the house rather forlornly. She would take a hot bath, and then a nap. No, she would lie down first. That odd pain which she had so often lately, was coming back. She went into her room and closed the window where the rain beat in. Someone came in the front door without ringing th: bell. She heard Dorrie's voice down- home?” “Up here, Dorriz.”” She sat down suddenly in a chair, overcome with weakness. “lI brought you a cake I made myself,” said Dorrie. “How delicious that will be! You're so thoughtful, Dorrie.” Dor- rie was a good child. “l haven't had a maid lately. I've been doing everything my- self.” Dorrie seemed to seek ap- proval. “Did Tillie get another place?” **She had to go home because her mother was sick. I wanted to do it . . . thought I'd feel better.” Fluvanna bit her lip with the sud- den pain, closed her eyes. After a moment she heard Dorrie’s voice, sounding as if it were far-off, “You look so strange.” She did not answer. Then seeing Dorrie’'s eyes fixed on her in a kind of fright, Fluvanna answered with an effort: “Don’t mind me. I'm terribly upset and worried.” “You know about it?" Dorrie, a little sharply. Fluvanna nodded. Dorrie must have heard about Kezia and Jerry too. That was the reason for this visit, the cake was an offering of sympathy. ‘‘It's all so sad—so cru- el.” She sighed. Something leaped in Dorrie's face; something rebellious and un- kind. ‘Hugh told you! He said he hadn't!” “No, not Hugh. 1 just heard it today. 1 suspected something— things puzzled me. I asked Kezia. It took her a long time, but fi- nally she told me.” Dorrie’s lip curled. ‘“Kezia!” Why did Dorrie speak in that tone? Why did she stare at her with such a hostile gaze? Sudden- ly the pain in Fluvanna's chest gripped her; her heart began to beat with quick hammer - like strokes. Faster and faster until the pain seemed to be bursting her lungs. The room revolved swiftly like a whirling black disk with a circle of light at the center. The circle of light became smaller and smaller until the blackness blotted it out altogether. She knew noth- ing more. over. asked Later she became conscious of Dr. Carey holding her wrist, his finger on her pulse. His face was grave. “I must have fainted,” she mur- mured. “You must have indeed.” A day or so later he said, “You'll have to face it, Fluvanna; that heart of yours is a leaky old or- gan. With care it might see you through some little time—a year, two-three. And then again . . .” She listened to him with no feel- ing of shock. Had not some in- ner presentiment tald her that it would not be long? “And then again—-17" “Three months—six months.” “1 won't burden my children with such news. Death shouldn't be her- alded months in advance. It's an individual—matter.” She smiled a little, So her son and daughgers only heard that the fainting attack was brought on by exhaustion and the hot weather. There was some talk of a trip and a change of cli- mate, but this Fluvanna vetoed and the matter was dropped, CHAPTER IX As the weeks wore by Hugh ex- perienced the disintegrating effects of split emotions. Try as he would he could not reconcile the situa- tion into ease of mind. It was like a broken dish which had been un- skilfully mended. You saw at once the ugly dark line where it had been joined together. Grudgingly he admitted that Dorrie seemed to be making an effort to efface her conduct; she was conciliatory, con- sulted his wishes in a new way. This last was disconcerting for it continually reminded him of the reason. She had been wont to de- mand, not to appeal. She did not fry to get another maid when Til- lie left, studied a cook book, and had new dishes for dinner. She carefully recounted where she had been each day, as if to reassure him, He had a new wife—but at what price?—he told himself. Although his longing for her did not cease, became more powerful as he be- came more aware of it, it was a hideous thing, humiliating him be- cause he was helpless before it. He was often short and curt with her, then to make up for it, was care- fully polite. One day restaurant into a new The owner he went for lunch. phere of a Moorish inn, stone floors, rude fireplaces, and jugs before a drinking fountain in the wall. The place was dimly lighted and it was not until he had ordered that he saw Ellen Pendleton eating lunch- eon with Ronny Wakes. They oc- cupied a red leather wall seat just opposite him. Ellen was talking animatedly to Ronny, her frequent laughter a lit- tle feverish in its gaiety. Pre occupied with his own affairs, he had seen and heard nothing of El- len for some time, and when Rone ny left the table to telephone, Hugh crossed over. ‘Hello, stranger. you all summer.” “It has been a long time.” Hugh fumbled. ‘Everything go- ing well?” he inquired after a pause, “Everything."’ “lI must be getting back to the office. By the way, you're with Ronny. How come?" Ellen's lashes swept her cheeks, then she raised her eyes unflinch- ingly. “I suppose because he asked me." “I'm squelched! But I thought— I was given to understand-—that your interest lay in another direc- tion. That soulful young chap, Jer ry.” He saw an odd thing. A quiver of pain, so sentient, so defenseless, crossed her face that he thought she was going to faint. Then she was controlled; she even smiled. “Haven't you heard? lies in another direction.” “lI haven't heard a thing,” he replied frowning. he has rotten taste?" I haven't seen al as ever! change.” ly. His own predicament him more alive to the remote suf- fering in her eyes. ‘Call on me if there's anything 2 Ellen shook her head firmly. ““Thanks—there's nothing.” phone with apologies. Hugh spoke to him and then took his departure. He found himself wishing he did not have to go back to the office: the work had gone flat to him and he found himself struggling to con- centrate on the simplest problems. hand. “Mr. you, Mr. Marsh.” He went president, but he nodded him to a chair. he hung up the receiver, “how would you like to take a vacation?” Hugh felt a faint perspiration break out on his forehead. “You mean you're not satisfied with my work?" Sloan gave a short laugh. “Look in the glass, my boy. You've been off color for a month. Run away for a week or so, play golf, keep out in the open air, forget the busi- ness. You're heading for some- thing—an illness, I would say-—if you don’t snap out of it.” The thought clicked in Hugh's brain that twice lately he had heard of men sent on vacations by thoughtful companies, men who in a few days received a wire that their services would no longer be needed. “I'm all right,” he an- swered brusquely. “I feel better working.” His superior played with his fountain pen. ‘‘Something bother- ing you?” he inquired. Hugh did not answer. “Financial?” “No.” (TO BE CONTINUED) southern resorts going at high tem- po, smart women everywhere are preoccupied with new evening gowns to add glamour to time, place and the occasion. Greater formal- ity than in years is the rule, and women are playing up to this edict by wearing gowns of rare beauty and richness. One may belong to either of two schools of fashion—that which fa- with a regal air or the type which favors diaphanous sheer silks that dances or promenades in the great concourse of fashion. Stiff silk satins such as sli satin or duchess satin are lovely choices for dramatic gowns The ““‘delicious’’ colors of these glorified satins are simply entrancing—make you think of moonlit rays that go glimmering over rippling waves, or icy blues that crown snow-capped mountains or the lovely tints of the rainbow as mer skies. pper artfully gored skirts that sweep into widened hemlines. See the model to the left in the illustration. It is a frock of Edwardian period influ. ence done in ice-blue satin with the new shirred bosom styling. The puffed sleeves and princess lines ette. suggests an heirloom that accords harmoniously with the type of silk used for the gown-—a silk so granc stiff it, as vas the boast in grandma's time, would “stand alone.” Some of the newest silk satins are studded with gold or rhinestones picture stands gowned in over or silver sequins les natching pail- sssory highspots y and a handbag illettes, together with an exquisite white ermine Warp printed sil orful white ustlin taffeta frock warp-printed with red bow-knots. With it this lovely lady wears pale pink kid gloves embroidered in and pearis. The new and fa veritable works of art. There are pearis at the throat of this fair lady and she wears a superb pearl bracelet. Other charming versions of the princess dinner and dance gown are with puffed sleeves and buttons all the way down the front. Rich silk da- masks are also fashioned in prin- cess lines made square-necked, in puff-sleeve which look like Edwardian ladies come back to life. © Western Newspaper Union styles FUR AND FEATHERS By CHERIE NICHOLAS For high-style this midwinter sea- son let your hat be either fur- trimmed or feather-trimmed. The model at the top is a stunning fez turban of black felt and Persian lamb designed to complement a fur- trimmed cloth costume or a fur coat or cape. Smart vogue calls for fur trimmed millinery. With the cor- onation in sight ostrich feathers are enjoying increasing popularity. A lovely British film star wears the delightful hat shown in the picture. It is an exquisite black felt with twin ostrich feather plumes in two shades of rose. Another cunning new style for young girls that takes on an ostrich trim is the little felt shape that is somewhat a Juliet type, being a shallow round skull cap. This is worn far back on the head with two wee ostrich tips posed perkily at the frond DAY AND EVENING For daytime sheer black woolens are smartly in fashion, and for eve- ning the vogue for black nets and chiffons is everywhere apparent. Just now fringe trimming is portant on the afternoon sheer. The narrow fringe, placed row and row, forms cunning short cap-like sleeves fringe elsewhere on the bodice or at sash ends, or that which is hemline. In the early showings the new daytime black sheers are feminized with the daintiest of white lingerie details in form of frilly jabots, and and bib effects. The party-frock nets in black are made up in full-skirted styles ing about. Mustard Yellow and Beige Favored Colors for Spring spring fashions. In fact the vogue is on at this very moment for these flattering and very new-looking col- ors. tweeds in beige and gowns of light- weight woolens in beige or golden hues are the “last word” for mid- season, worn under the not-yet dis- carded coats, in the daytime. For evening simply styled frocks of “old gold” satin are very pleas- ing. Some of the newer brocades are also in this color, Peasant Jewelry Carved in brilliant peasant reds, greens, yellows, and blues, minute Tyrolean figures are set in a red and white catalin frame a fourth of an inch thick. The pins and clips are one-and-a-half inches square. Alphabet on Blouses Letters of the alphabet are spilled all over the fine cashmere blouses that are worn with winter street suits. The letters are usually in bright colors over a dull back- ground, MIMICRY NO SUCCESS After practicing assiduously in considered it sufficiently realistic Standing quietly in the hall, he began the buzzing noise and, gradu- ally opening the diningroom door, vent to the imitation. “Lifelike, dear, what?” he haz arded, smilingly. “Pooh!” his wife answered. *1 GOOD PROPOSITION a stock com- on this ocean “Couldn't we form pany and sell lots front?” “1 should say so—and look at the water we could put in the stock?” A Suggertion She woke up in the early hours of the morning and nudged her sleep- ing husband. “Wilfred,” she said in a hoarse whisper, “Wilfred, wake up! There's a mouse in the bedroom!" Hubby unwillingly sat up. what about it?" he groaned. “l can hear it squeaking,” said fearfully, “Well, d'vou want me to get out and oil it or something?” he snapped. “Well, Hubby Was Spared A motorist was giving a woman lessons in driving “The hand lever,” he “brakes the rear wheels only, and the floor pedal brakes all four. Is that clear?” “M'yes,” replied the woman, doubtfully, “but I'd rather not have any of them broken.” said, Obstinate Husband “And what's your new husband like, dear?” “Oh, simply too obstinate for words, darling. You wouldn't be lieve the job I have to convince him that I'm always right!”-—Smith's Weekly. Or Begin Praying Skipper—Is there any man in this crew who can't swim? Bosun’'s Mate-—-Just one, sir, the carpenter's mate. Skipper—This ship's geing down If he's really a carpenter he'd bet ter start building himself a boat! THE PROBLEM Mrs. A. — How beautiful dance together. Mrs. B. — Yes, 1 wonder whose husband her partner is? they In Sea Terms “Good morning, parson. Haven't seen you lately.” “No, captain, I've been busy. On- “Smart going, parson! True, All Right Motorist—I've had it a whole year and 1 haven't paid a cent for re- pairs or upkeep on my car since 1 bought it. Friend—Yes, so the man at the service station tells me.—Exchange. Old-Fashioned Sweet Young Thing—My boy friend has cold feet. Fond Auntie~Shame on you, young lady. In my day we didn't find out those things until we were married. No Spare Parts “Please, ma'am,” begged the beg- gar timidly, “T've lost my left “Well,” snapped the woman, slamming the door. "I'm sure it isn't here!” An Antique Guide ~ This castle has stood for 600 ysars. Not a Visitor — Um, must have the same landlord we have, Lacy Squares Form a Spread or Scarf Pattern 5695 In this pattern filet crochet, that favorite of the modern needle- woman, is adapted to two lovely squares—handsome used together effective each used alone in cloth, bedspread or scarf. The lace stitch sets off the design in each square. String is ma- terial used and vou’ll be delight- ed with the result. You can also use mercerized cotton to make the squares a smaller size. In pattern 5695 you will find instructions and charts for making the squares shown; an illustration of them and of the stitches needed; ma- terial requirements. To obtain this pattern send 15 cents In stamps or coins (coins preferred) to The Sewing Circle Household Arts Dept, 259 W, F senth St., New York, N. Y. Vain} ily pattern number, the Nina Wilcox Putnam oy Power in Truth There is nothing so powerful as truth; and often nothing so strange.—Daniel Webster, IDON'T WAIT FOR A COLD 1. Keep your head clear 2. Protect your throat 3. Help build vp YOUR ALKALINE RESERVE LUDEN’S Shadows of the Mind The shadows of the mind are like those of the body. In the morning of life they lie behind us; at noon, we trample them under foot; and in the evening they stretch long, broad and deepen- ing before us.—Longfellow. THREE! Less Monthly Discomfort Many women, who formerly suf- fered from a weak, rundown con- dition as a result of poor assimila- tion of food, say they benefited by taking CARDUIL, a special medicine for women. They found it helped to increase the appetite and improve digestion, thereby bringing them more strength from their food. Naturally there is less discomfort at monthly periods when the system has been strengthened and the vari- ous functions restored and regulated. Cardud, praised Matis of WED fs well worth a Of course, if benefited, consult a physician,