{ CHAPTER XII—Continued ee] Bn “Baldy,” Evans said, “I don't agree with you that it was—the mon- ey. That may have helped in her decision. But I think she cares—" “For Towne-—nonsense.” “It isn't nonsense. She knows nothing of love. She may have tak- en the shadow for the substance. And he can be very—charming.”’ It wrung his heart to say it. But al- most with clairvoyance he saw the truth. When they returned to the house Baldy found a message from Edith. He was to call her up. “Uncle Frederick has just told me,” she said, ‘‘that Jane is to be my aunt. Isn't it joyful?” “I'm not sure.” “Why not?” “Oh, Towne's all right. for Jane.” “lI see. But he's really with her, poor old duck. Talked about it all through dinner. He's going to try awfully hard to make her happy.” *“Then you approve?” He heard her gay laugh over the wire. ‘‘It will be nice—to have you —in the family. I'll be your niece- in-law." “You'll be nothing of the kind.” “You can't help being — Uncle Baldy. Isn't that—delicious? And now, will you come in tonight and sit by my fire? Uncle Frederick is out.” “I've sat too often by your fire.” “Too often for your own peace of mind? I know that. And I'm glad of it.” Again he heard a ripple of laughter. “It isn’t a thing to laugh at.” She hesitated, then said in a dif- ferent tone, “I am not laughing. But I want you by my fire tonight.” It was late when Evans went up- stairs. He had spent the evening with his mother, discussing with her some matters where his legal knowl- edge helped. They did not speak of Jane. Their avoidance of the sub- ject showed their preoccupation with it. But neither dared approach it. On the bedside table in Evans’ room lay the valentine he had bought for Jane. There it was, with its cupids and bleeding hearts—its forget-me-nots—and golden darts, But not in love Arthur Lane and Sandy talked it over. “1 wonder what has hap- pened. He looks dreadful.” The two boys were on their way to Castle Manor, They wanted books. Evans’ library for youthful readers. old adventuring tales. And Evans had read everything. He would sim- ply walk up to a shelf, lay his hand on a book, and say, ‘‘Here's you'll like.” And he was never wrong. But of late, Evans Follette had met them with an effort. yourselves,” he had said, when they asked for books, and had sat star- ing into the fire. And he had not urged them to stay. His manner had been kind but inattentive. They were puzzled and a little hurt. “I feel sorta queer when he acts that way,’ Sandy was saying, “as if he didn’t take any interest. I don't even know whether he wants us any more.” Arthur refused to believe his hero inhospitable. “It's just that he's got things on his mind.” They reached the house and rang the bell. Old Mary let them in. “He's in the library,” she said, and they went towards it. The door was open and they entered. But the room was empty . . . That morning Baldy had had a let- ter from Jane and had handed it to Evans. It was the first long letter since her engagement to Towne. Baldy had written to his sister, flam- ingly, demanding to know if she were really happy. And she had said: 1 shall be when Judy is better. That is all I can think of just now. Her life is hanging in the balance. We can never be thankful enough that we got the specialist when we did. He had found the trouble. The question now is whether she will have the strength for another opera- tion. When she gets through with that! Well, then I'll talk to you, darling. I hardly know how I feel. The days are so whirling. Mr. Towne has been more than gener- ous. If the little 1 can give him will repay him, then I must give it, dearest. And it won't be hard. He is so very good to me." And now this letter had come aft- er Towne's second visit: “Baldy, dear, I am very happy. And I want you to set your mind at rest. I am not marrying Mr, Towne for what he has done for us all, but because I love him. Please believe ‘it. You can't understand what he has been to me in these dark days. I have learned to know how kind he is—and how strong. I haven't a care in the world when he is here, and everything is so-—marvellous, You should see my ring—a great | sapphire, Baldy, in a square of dia- monds. He is crazy to buy things for me, but I won't let him. I will take things for Judy but not for myself. You can see that, of course. I just go everywhere with him in my cheap little frocks, to the thea- ters and to all the great restaurants, and we have the most delectable things to eat. It is really great fun.” Since he had heard the news of Jane's approaching marriage, Ev- ans had lived in a dream. The peo- ple about him had seemed shadow- shapes, He had walked and talked with them, remembering nothing afterward but his great weariness. He had eaten his meals at stated times, and had not known what he was eating. He had gone to his of- fice, and behind closed doors had sat at his desk, staring. And now this letter! “You see what she says,” Baldy had raged. “Of course she isn't in love with ATR SN AW 2 ANE A RI RN | NN 0 A NRE per “I can’t stand much excitement.” him. But she thinks she is. There's nothing more that I can do.” Evans had taken the letter to the library to read. He was alone, ex- cept for Rusty, who had limped after him and laid at his feet. She loved—Towne. And that set- tled it. “I am marrying Mr. Towne Nothing could be plainer than that. Baldy might protest. But the words were there. As Evans sat gazing into the fire, he saw her as she had so often been in this old room-as a child, sprawled on the hearth-rug over from his swinging her feet on the edge of a table while he bragged of his athletic prowess; leaning over war-maps, while he pointed out the flelds of fighting; curled up in a corner on the couch while he read to her—‘'Oh, silver shrine, here will I take my rest , . .” He could stand his thoughts no longer. Without hat or heavy coat, he stepped through one of the long windows and into the night. As he walked on in the darkness, he had no knowledge of his destina- tion. He swept on and on, pursued by dreadful thoughts. On and on through the blackness. + « « No moon , . . a wet wind blow- ng...onandon.,.. He came to a bridge which crossed a culvert. No water flowed under it. But down the road which led through the ' Glen was another bridge, and beneath it a deep, still pool. With the thought of that deep and quiet pool came momentary relief from the horrors which had hounded him. It would be easy. A second's struggle. Then everything over. Peace. No fears. No dread of the future . . . It seemed a long time after, that, leaning against the buttress of the bridge, he heard, with increasing clearness, the sound of boys’ voices in the dark. He drew back among the shadows. It was Sandy and Arthur. Not three feet away from him--passing. “Well, of course, Mr. Follette is just a man,’ Sandy was saying. “Maybe he is,” Arthur spoke earnestly, “but I don't know. There's something about him" He paused. “Go on,” Sandy urged. “Well, something'’—Arthur was struggling to express himself, “splendid. It shines like a light—"' Their brisk footsteps left the bridge, and were dulled by the dirt road beyond. Sandy's response was inaudible. A last murmur, and then silence. Evans was swept by a wave of emotion; his heart, warm and alive, began to beat in the place where there had been frozen emptiness. “Something splendid--that shines like a light!” Years afterward he spoke of this moment to Jane. “I can’t describe it. It was a miracle—their coming. As much of a miracle as that light which shone on Paul as he rode to Damascus. The change within me was absolute. I was born again. All the old fears slipped from me like a garment. I was saved, Jane, by those boys' voices in the dark.” The next day was Sunday. Evans called up Sandy and Arthur and in- vited them to supper. ‘Old Mary said you were here last night, and didn’t find me. I've a book or two for you. Can you come and get them? And stay to supper. Miss Towne will be here and her uncle.” The boys could not know that they were asked as a shield and buckler in the battle which Evans was fight- ing. It seemed to him that he could not meet Frederick Towne. Yet it had been, of course, the logical thing to ask him. Edith had invited her- self, and Towne had, of course, much to tell about Jane. Evans, therefore, with an outward effect of tranquillity, played the host. After supper, however, he took the boys with him to the li- brary. On the table lay a gray volume. He opened it and showed the Cruik- shank illustrations. “I've been reading this. stuff.” “Oh, Pilgrim's Progress,” Sandy; *‘do you like it?" “Yes.” Evans leaned above the book where it lay open under the light. and started to read to them. It's great said That night Evans found out for the first time something about his moth- er. “You look tired, dearest,” he had said, when their guests were gone, and he and she had come into the great hall together. or am tired.” She sat down on an old horsehair sofa. “I can’t stand much excitement. It makes me feel like an old lady.” “You'll never grow old.” He felt a deep tenderness for her in this moment of confessed weakness. She had always been so strong. Had re- fused to lean. She had, in fact, tak- en from him his son's prerogative of protectiveness. “You'd better see Hallam,” said. “I've seen him.” “What did he say?” “My heart" He looked at her ‘““Moth- er! Why didn't you tell me?” “What was the use? There's noth- ing to be worried about. Only he says I must not push myself.” “l am worried. Let me look aft er the men in the morning early. That will give you an extra nap.” “Oh, I won't do it, Evans. You have your work." “It won't hurt me. And I am go- ing to boss you around a bit.” He stooped and kissed her. *‘You are too precious to lose, Mumsie.” She clung to him. “What would I do without you, my dear?” He helped her up the stairs. And as she climbed slowly, his arm about her, he thought of that dark moment by the bridge. If those young voices had not come to him in the night, this loving soul might have been stricken and made desolate; left alone in her time of greatest need. Evans in alarm. CHAPTER XIII Once more the Washington papers had headlines that spoke of Dela- field Simms. He had married a stenographer in Frederick Towne's office. And it was Towne's niece that he had deserted at the altar, And most remarkable of all, Edith Towne had been at the wedding. It was Eloise Harper who told the re- porters. “They were married at the old Inn below Alexandria this morning, by the local Methodist clergyman, Miss Logan is a Methodist—fancy. And Edith was bridesmaid.” But Eloise did not know that Lucy had worn the wedding dress and veil that Edith had given her and looked lovely in them. And that after the ceremony, Delafield had wrung Edith's hand and had said, “1 shall never know to thank you for what you been to Lucy.” ‘Gee, but you're superlative,” Baldy told her as they walked in the garden. “Am 1" “Yes. And the way you carried it off.” “I didn't carry it off. itself.” ‘““Are you sure it didn't hurt?” She smiled at him from beneath her sig hat. “Not a bit.” The moment was ripe for ro- mance. But Baldy almost feverish- ly kept the conversation away from serious things. They had talked se- riously enough, God knew, the other night by Edith's fire. He had seen her lonely in the thougnt of her fu- ture. “When Uncle won't stay here.” He had yearned to take her in his arms, to tell her that against his heart she should never again know loneliness. But he had not dared. What had he to offer? A boy's love. Against her gold. So he talked of Jane. want her eng til gets right." *1 don't,” Edith said loved a man I'd to the world.” They were how have It carried Fred marries 1 “She doesn’t agement announced un- she back. 1 think she’s “if } shout it lazily. want to sitting on a rustic bench under the blossoming plum tree. Edith's hands were clasped behind her head, and the winged sleeves of her gown fell back and showed her bare Baldy want- ed to unclasp those hagels, crush them to his lips—but instead he stood up, looking over the river. “Do you see the ducks out there? A sign of spring.” and stood beside him. “And you can talk of—ducks—on a day like this?" “Yes,” he did not look at her, “ducks are--safe.” He heard her low laugh. boy.’ He turned, his gray eyes filled with limpic Tight. “Perhaps I am. But I should be a fool if I told you how 1 love you. Worship you. You know it, of course. But nothing can come of it, even if 1 were pre- sumptuous enough to think that you ~care."’ She swept out her hands in an appealing gesture. “Say it. I want to hear.” She was adorable, back a little, "We've gone too far and too fast. It is my fault, of course, for being a romantic fool.” “I'm afraid we're a pair of ro- mantic fools, Baldy.” He turned and put his hands on her shoulders. “Edith, I-—-mustn't.” “Why not?" “Not until I have something to offer you" “You have something to offer" “Oh, I know what you mean. But ~I won't. Somehow this affair of Jane's with your uncle has made me see’ “See what?" “Oh, how the world would look at it. How he'd look at it.” “Uncle Frederick? He hasn't any- thing to do with it. I'm my own mistress.” (TO BE CONTINUED) arms. She rose “Silly But he drew That in the comparatively recent past our Great Lakes were much larger than they are today is no se- cret. And indications that the re- cession is continuing are easily dis- coverable. But just how rapidly the outlines and levels of the lakes change is another matter, and some reports made by two men from the University of Michigan invite atten- tion to this somewhat important question, says Detroit Free Press. Recently Dr. E. G. Greenman, archeologist, uncovered on Great Cloche island in the Georgian bay re- gion the evidences of a great gath- ering of Indians at a spot which was then on the beach of the lake. But this same spot is 28 feet higher than the present beach. Estimating that the water table has been falling for some thousands of years at the rate of a foot in from 38 to 50 years, Dr. George M., Stanley after studying the site be- lieves the Red Men held their pow- wow and feast somewhere between 500 and 800 A. D. However, all geologists are not in agreement regarding the rate at which the big lakes have been re- ceding, and the estimate of one con- servative savant would put the gath- ering back about 3,500 years, which would be in the neighborhood of 1600 B. C, The difference in estimates seems ference of opinion about the steadi- ness of the rate of recession. shrinkage may have been much numerous and bigger than today. en into account is the changing tilt of some of the shoreline. There are strong indications that not so long ago the land in the vi- cinity of the Straits of Mackinac, for example, was definitely lower than it is today, perhaps because the com- pression caused by the weight of the big glaciers still remained. And there also are indications that the land levels at the southern end of Lake Michigan were higher. Certainly we know that lands have emerged at the Straits and have been engulfed in the regions near Chicago. So how much of the rise of the shore at Grand Cloche and other places is due to lake shrinkage and how much is the result of the elastic- ity of earth which has been relieved of a great weight is quite a question, Indeed, it's the uncertainty about all this that makes the subject fas- cinating, ne What They Want Maybe this will help you pick out Christmas presents, Sales Management Magazine recently asked 2,000 people for their idea of the “best Christmas present.” Here are the answers: Type of Gift Times Chosen Wearing APParel ...oeveivissesees 530 Jewelry Household Goods Autos and ACCessories ......covee. 154 Don't Know sass Personal Accessories Sporting Goods Radios and Musical Instruments. . Tobacco Travel Cameras ... . Leather Ge ods . L quer . Cazh .. Books and Mag azines Writing Materials Binoculars - Tools and A Think of Children, Not Only Yourself, When Buyi ing Toys Don’t buy the toy Just because it pleases your fancy. Keep the child in mind, too. Miniature dogs with wagging tails are fascinating to parents but they won't keep the child happy very long. Miss Elisa- beth Irwin, who is principal of New York's Little Red School House, says large blocks, tool chests or hand-manipulated derricks make much better gifts. Keeping in mind the child's and taste, durability of the toy a few well-chosen scientific princi- ples, she offers these rules to you who are Santa Clauses this Christ- mas: 1. Choose toys which stimulate the child's rather than age and imagu mee ——— x nee This new Arabian pony, which scoots along as the rider bounces up and down, is a sample of the toy which helps children exercise large muscles, mechanical toys. Trains that run by hand are an example. 2. Choose toys which help children exercise their large muscles, like large blocks, trapezes, boards to fit over saw horses. Roller skates, sleds, bicycles and other athletic toys are also good. 3. Find toys that don't break eas- ily. If you buy tools, be sure the hammer head won't fly off. Inex- pensive miniature automobiles may break down after a few trips around the parlor floor. 4. Buy games of skill, chance. Select games counting and building. not of involving Santa's Gifts Censored In S. Africa This Year They've cramped Santa Claus’ style this Christmas in South Africa. Little Jannie may ask for a toy pistol and little Piet may want a box of lead soldiers. But they won't get them. Toy soldiers, guns and tanks and pistols are now banned by the Union, The reason: A recent outbreak of violence by young criminals frightened the legislature into barring any toy resembling a weapon, particularly a revolver. Water pistols are barred, and even the little percussion cap pis- tols are taboo. City Christmas REESE ob Le 2 Shining down on Chicago's Mich- igan boulevard, this Christmas tree in lights 21 stories high is formed by office lights in the stately Palm. olive building, the effect being crowned by the Lindbergh aerial beacon atop the skyscraper, Any little | i fo Ar id th is crock rec tio ns for mai mittens in a 4, 6 materials them and stitches; colo To obtain cents in Circle, Ww. ¢ an nd 2G 0 . needed ; send 15 The Sewing Household Arts Dept., 259 14th St., New York, N. Y. this p pa ttern coins to our new minister “So 1 noticed tion was taken.’ Said the rejected suitor: “‘No, Joan, don’t give me back my ring. What's five dollars to a man with a broken heart?” A Good Point vk here, the attoned up “1 0c Ib burst « “orp very first time DON'T GIVE YOUR CHILD A “Bargain” Remedy You Don’t Know All About A Chile" Hie is sayond the price of pennies Ask your Doctor before giving your child doubtful “bargain’ remedies. No family need take this chance today. Wait. Think first. Are you absolutely sure you should give a single dose of that drug to your child? nlernally? It was sold, you recall, as “some- thing just as good”, for a few pennies less. A very dear purchase it could bel For your own peace of mind alone, give no home remedy you're not quite certain about without Setting your own doctor's opinion. A never go against il. Even in the case of the common children’s remedy, milk of magne- sia, ask your doctor what he ap- Ro es. And when he says “Phillips’ filk of Magnesia” see that you get exactly that by asking expressly for “Phillips’ * when you buy...never ask for just “milk of magnesia”. If your child prefers Phillips’ in the newer form—tiny peppermint- flavored tablets, give it this way. But whether you get liquid Phillips’ or Phillips’ Tablets get the Juuine Phillips, Look for the name" Phillips’ ilk of Magnesia” on bottle or box. PHILLIPS’ 2:53, Hold to Right Hold by the right, you double your might.—R. Browning. 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Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers