Evening Star Newspaper, February 18, 1929, Page 20

THE RAGGED PRINCESS By E&gar Wallac CHAPTER III ¢ ETER and Paul fetched four ¢ shillin’s each,” reported old Mrs, Grafiitt, peering near- sightedly at the coins as she the _table. laid them on Elizabeth, *“Harriet, Martha, Jenny, Queenie and Holga—" “Olga,” corrected the girl sitting at the table, pencil in hand. “Let us be respectful, even to hen: “They fetched half a crown each from Mr. Gribs, the butcher. It's un- Christian to call hens by name, any- how.” Audrey Bedford made a rapid calcu- » lation, “With the furniture that makes 37 pounds 10 shillings,” she said, “which will about pay the hen-feed man and your wages, and leave me enoughto go %o London.” “If I had my rights,” said Mrs. Graf- fitt, sniffing tearfuliy, “I'd get more than my wages. I've looked after you ever since before your poor, dear mother | died, obliging you as no_other mortal ! woman would. ~And now I'm cast aside | without a home and I've got to live with my eldest son.” i You're lucky to have an eldest son,’ said Audrey, unmoved. o “If you gave me a pound for Juck— “Whose luck? Not mine, you dear old humbug,” laughed the girl. “Mrs, Graffitt, don't be silly! You've been living on this property like a—a fighting cat! . Poultry farming doesn't pay and never will pay when your chief of staff has a private sale for the eggs. I was working it out the other day, and Iv reckoned that you've had 40 pounds worth of eggs a year.” “Nobody have ever said I was a thief,” quavered the old woman, her hands trembling. “I've looked after you since ou were 2 bit of a girl and it's very {xrd to be told that you're a thief.” She wept gulpily into her ‘handkerchief. “Don’t cry,” sald hAlldre)‘. “The cot- e is damp enough.” ugwhere will you be going, miss?” Mrs. Graffitt tactfully passed over the ques- tion of her honesty. “I don't know; London, perhaps.” “Got any relations there, miss' Perhaps, at this the last moment, the late owner of Beak Farm would be a little communicative. ~The Bedfords always were closer than oysters. “Never you mind. Get me a cup of tea and then come for your wages.” “London's_a horrible place.” Mrs. Graffitt shook her head. ‘“Murders and sulcides and robberies and whatnots. ‘Why, they robbed a real queen the other night!” "sGoodness!" said Audrey, mechanically. She was wondering what had hap- pened to six other chickens that Mrs. Graffitt had not reported upon. “Robbed her of hundreds of thousands worth of diamonds,” she said impres- sively. “You ought to read the papers more—you miss life.” “And talking of robbery,” said Audrey gently, “what happened to Myrtle and Primrose and Gwen and Bertha?” “Oh, them?” For a second even Mrs. Graffitt was confused. “Didn't I give you the money? It must have slipped :hmugh a hole in my pocket. I've lost It.” “Don’t bother,” said Audrey. “I'll send for the village policeman—he's & wonderful searcher.” Mrs. Graffitt found the money almost | immediately. The old woman shuffled into the low- roofed kitchen and Audrey looked around the familisr room. The chair on which her mother had sat, her hard face turned to the blackened fireplace, Audrey had burned. One charred leg still showed in the fire. No, there was nothing here of tender memory. It was a room of drudgery and repression. She had never known her father and Mrs. Bedford had never spoken of him. He had been a bad lot, and through his wickedness had forced a woman of gentle birth to submit to the hard life that had been hers. “Is he dead, n:mther'.'" the child had asked. o “T hope s0,” was the uncompromising Teply. l!’:)uu had never asked such incon- venient questions, but then ‘she was older, nearer in sympathy to the woman, shared her merciless nature and her prejudices. Mrs. Graffitt had brought her tea and counted her money before she ‘walled her_farewell. “T'll have togkiss you before I go,” she_sobbed. “I'll give you an extra shilling not to,” sald Audrey hastily, and Mrs. Grafitt took the shilling. It was all over. Audrey passed through the December wreckage of the garden, opened a gate and, taking a short cut to the churchyard, found the grave and stood silently before if, her hands clasped. *Good-by,” she sald evenly, and then, dry-eyed, went back to.the house. ‘The end and the beginning, She was not sorry; she was not very glad. Her box of books had already gone to the station and, was booked' through to the parcels office at Victoria. As to the future—she fairly well educated, had read much, thought much and was acquainted with the rudiments of shorthand—self-taught in the long Winter evenings, when Mrs. Graffitt thought, and said, that she would be better employed with knitting needles. | “There’s tons of time,” growled the village omnibus driver as he threw her into the dark and smelly interior. “If it wasn't for these jiggering motor cars I'd ‘cut it finer. But you've got to drive careful in these days.” A prophetic saying. The girl was stepping into the bus after her bag when the stranger ap- peared. He looked like a lawyer's mid- dle-aged clerk, having just that lack of sartorial finish. “Excuse me, Miss Bedford. My name is Willitt. Can I have a few words with you this evening when you re- turn?” “I am not return “Do I owe you anything? Audrey always asked that question of polite strangers. Usually they said “yes,” for Mrs. Graffit had the habit which was locally known as “chalking up.” “No, miss. Not coming back? Could 1 have your address? I wanted to see you on a—well, an important matter."” He was obviously agitated. “I can't give you my address, I'm, afraid. Give me yours and I will write to_you.” He carefully blacked out the descrip- tion of the business printed on the card and substituted his own address. “Now, then!” called the aggrieved driver. ' “If you wait any longer you'll miss that train.” She jumped into the bus and banged the door tight. It was at the corner of Ledbury lane @ that the accident happened. Coming out onto the main road Dick Shannon | 100k the corner a little too sharply and | the back wheels of his long car per- | formed a graceful skid. The bump ! that followed was less graceful. The Back of the car struck the Fontwell village omnibus just as it was drawing ! abreast of the car, neatly sliced off the tack wheel and Tobbed that ancient vehicle of such dignity as weather and wear had left to it. Therggwas a solitary passenger, and she had reached the muddy road be- fore Dick, hat in hand, had reached her, alarm and penitence on his good- looking face. “I'm most awfully sorry. You're not hurt, I hope?” He thought she was 17, although she was two years older. She was cheaply " she said. dressed; her long coat was unmistak- ably renovated. The necklet of fur about her throat was shabby and worn. did not notice. e. looked down into a face that seemed flawless. The curve of eyebrows, or set of eyes perhaps, the perfect mouth maybe, or else it was the texture ans® coloring of the skin. He dreaded lest she should speak and that in the crude enunciation of the peasant he should lose_the illusion of the princess. “Thank you—I was a little scared. I shan't catch my train.” She looked ruefully. at the broken wheel. ‘The voice dispelled his fears, The ragged princess was a lady. “Are you going to Barnham Junc- tion? I am passing there,” he said. “And, anyway, if I hadn't been going that way I must go to send relief for this poor lad.” The driver of the bus, to whom he was referring in such compassionate terms, had climbed down from his perch, his gray beard glittering with rain, his rheumy eyes gleaming malevo- lently “Why don't you look where you're going?” He wheezed the phrases proper to such an occasion. “Want all the road, dang ye?” Dick unstrapped his coat and felt for his pocketbook. “Jehu,” he said, “here are my qard, a treasury bill and my profound apblo- fes.” £ “My name's Herbert Jiles,” said the driver suspiciously, as he took the card and the money. “Jehu is a fanciful name,” said Dick, “and refers to the son of Nimshl, who ‘driveth furiously.'” “I was nearly walking,” said the in- dignant Mr. Jiles. “It was you as was driving furiously!” “Help will come from Barnham,” said Dick. “Now, young lady, can you trust yourself alone with me in this car of Juggernaut?” “T think so,” she smiled, and rescu- ing her bag from the bus, jumped in at his side. “London is also my destination,” said Dick, “but I won't suggest that you come all the way with me, though it would save you a train fare.” She did not answer. He had a feel- ing that she was being prim, but pres- ently she cleared away that impression. “I think I will go by train; my sister may come to meet me at the station.” There was no very great confidence in her tone. “Do you live hereabouts?"” “At Fontwell,” she said. “I had a cottage there. It used to be mother's until she died. Have you ever tried to live on eggs?” Dick was startled. “Not entirely,” he said. extremely nutritive, I but—-"" “I don't mean eat them: I mean, have you ever tried to get a living by poultry farming?” He shook his head. “Well, don't,” she said emphatically. “Hen's are not what they used to be. Mrs. Graffitt—she kept house for me and absorbed my profits—says that a great change has come over hens since the war. She isn't sure whether it's bolshevism or Spanish influenza.” He laughed. “So you've given it up?” She noddec. - ~cxal times. “I can’t say that I've sold the old home; it was sold by bits in the shape of mortgages. That sounds pathetic, doesn’t. it? Well, it isn't! The old home is ugly and full of odd corners that bumped your head and smells of a hun- dred generations of owners who never took baths except when the roof leaked. And the drainage system goes back to the days of the early Britons, and none of the windows fits. My sym- pathies are entirely with the grasping mortgage—poor soul!” “They are understand, Copyright, 1925, by Chicago Daily News Cold Easily will find their powers of re- sistance much increased if they use Thjs old-fashioned family | medicine has vitalizing' and warmth-giving qualities. It maintains strength because of its nourishing, body build- ing elements. . It has had over 73 years of success and is recommended for every member of the family be- cause it does not contain alcohol | or dangerous drugs. BEST BUILDING TONIC PLEASANT RELIEF FROM CONSTIPATION Shoulders droop under weight of years. Young, yet beauty has fled. Cheeks are sallow and drawn. Unsightly pimples. Keep your system clean and you keep Its energy. ible charm. Then life ailure. Clogged bowels and inactive liver cause poisons to seep through the system. Health vanishes and with it beauty and energy. Dr. Edwards’ Olive Tablets will save you from this dark hour. For 20 years they have been prescribed in place of calomel to men and women seeking health and free- from constipation. They act d smoothly. No danger- ous griping. Take nightly before g. Results will amaze you. Thousands of men and women would never be without Dr, Ed- wards’ Olive Tablets, a vegetable compound mixed with olive oil. Know them by their olive color. 15c¢, 30c and 60c. P ——————————— THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1929. —— “You're lucky to have a nice sister to meet you at the station,” he said. He was thinking of her as 17 or per- haps a little younger, and his manner was a trifle paternal. “I suppose I am,” she said without enthusiasm. “This is the beginning of Barnham, isn't it?” “This is the beginning of Barnham,” he agreed, and a few minutes later brought the machine before the station entrance, He got down after her, carrying her pitiably light baggage to the platform, and insisted upon waiting until the train came in, “Your sister lives in London, course?” “Yes, in Curzon street.” It was queer that she should have told him that. Nobody in the county was even aware that she had a sister. Dick did not show his surprise. “Is she—" it was a delicate ques- tion—*is she—er—working there?” of She wondered at herself as she sald the words. “The devil she is!” he was startled into saying. The train was signaled at that mo- ment, and he hurried off to get her some magazines for the journey. “It is awfully kind of you, Mr, ——. My name is Audrey Bedford.” “I shall remember that,” he smiled. “I've a wonderful memory for names. Mine is Jackson." He stood watching the train until the dull red of the tail-lamps swung around a curve out of sight. Then he went slowly back to his car and drove to the police station to tell of his accident. Mrs. Martin Elton, and that was her sister! If he had given her his real name and she had gone to Curzon street and told pretty Dora Elton that she had passed the time of day with Capt. Richard Shannon, the harmonies of the bijou house on Curzon street might very well have been disturbed. And with good reason. Dora Elton was the one crook in London whom Dick Shannon was aching to trap. " (To Be Continued Tomorrow.) e e ey Publisher Resumes Flight. LE BOURGET, France, February 18 (#).—Van Lear Black, Baltimore pub- lisher, hopped off this morning for Marseille in continuation of his flight, begun last week, from Croydon, Eng- land, to South Africa. Adverse weather “Oh, no. She is Mrs. Martin Elton.” ‘WOODWARD delayed his departure for several days. & LoTHROP 10™ 11" F.Avp G STrreTs Special Engraved With Machine- Cut Die, New Monogram or Offering Stationery $290 one line address die stamped in colors on box of Whiting’s Polo Cloth Paper. Each box contains sixty-three sheets, single or folded paper, and forty- eight envelopes, and may be stamped in any one of ten different shades. StaTroNERY, Fimst FLOOR. ¢ Our First Shipment Women’s Imported Lisle Sports Hose $].50 32 pair The smartly dressed woman will include hosiery of lisle in her wardrobe for Spring and Summer. are showing many new hose, in the popular sun- complexion. We patterns in self-tone net tan tones to thatch one’s Full-fashioned Lisle Hose, in beige gray, nude, sunni and white. Pair. Fine Gauge Chiffon Lisle Hose, plain and Paris clocked, in sunburn tans and gray. Pair. ...$1.50 Hosizry, FiRst FLOOR. Gulistan de Luxe Seamless Rugs Are Exact Copies of Orientals In texture, design and colorings these rugs are cor- rect reproductions of modern and antique Orienta! Rugs, noted for their silky sheen and perfectly blended colors, Note their very deep pile of finest lustrous woolen yarns, and their moderately low prices. Size 9x15. Size 11.3x15 .. .$290 "Size 9x12 .....$150 .Size 83x10.6 ..$138 Size 6x9 .......996 ORIENTAL RUGS, FIFTH FLOOR. ... 3215 Size 4.6x7.6 ....$53 Size 36x63 .....925 Size 27x54 . ..$1550 Size 2214x36 ...$10 Our Annual Offering Universal Aluminum At Special Prices Universal Aluminum Double Boilers; 2-quart size, with cool steel handles. Universal Aluminum Sauce Pan Sets; 1 and 2-quart sizes, with cool steel handles. Two pans. Special .....95¢ Universal Aluminum 3-quart Covered Sauce Pans. Special .....95¢ Housewares, FIrtH FLOOR, Bneciali . -..$1.75 Universal Aluminum Convex Kettle; 4-quart size with cover. -Spe- cial L e[ Universal ~Aluminum Drip Pan, with rounded corners, Special..$1,05 TWO DIE IN COLLISION. Man and Wife Victims of Auto Ac- cident in Which Two Are Held. GREENFIELD, Ind., February 18 (#). —E. J. Dadisman, 38 years old, of Day- ton, Ohio, was killed instantly and his wife, 30, was fatally injured last night when their automobile was struck by another car on the National road two miles east of here. Howard Bell of New York City and W. D. Warnington of Cleveland, occu- pants of the other car, were arrested and held in the Hancock County jail on charges of manslaughter. Officials sald they found a bottle of liquor in the grass beside the machine occupled by the two men. Warnington received several broken ribs, but Bell escaped with cuts and bruises. NEW YORK, February 18 (#).—The BROWNSVILLE, Tex., February 18 motorman, conductor and seven passen- | (#).—At the request of American postal gers were slightly injured and 50 other ' officials, inauguration of the Mexican passengers were shaken up last nl:htillr mail line from Mexico City to when a five-car train on the Third | Brownsville, scheduled for February 23. Avenue Elevated Line crashed into an | has been postponed to March 9, Arturo empty train near the Bronx terminus | W. Elias, director of mail for the Mexi- of line. The rear car of the empty | can government, announced in adviccs train was telescoped. Nine Injured in Elevated Crash. | Air Mail Line Opening Delayed. | received here yesterday. WooDbWARD & l.LOTHROP 10™11™ F aND G STREETS THE MEN’S STORE—Second Floor Men---Does This Sort of Clothes Service Mean Anything to You - This Men’s Clothes service is founded on the belief that we should not simply sell you a suit, an overcoat, a topcoat---or any other garment, but that you are entitled to a genuinely helpful clothes service. A service to aid you in a decision that is best for. you—but to let you make that decision. First of all Quality—No favored makers or certain definite mak- ers—but clothes from the best makers each season. There is a wide choice here now in New Spring Clothes ready to put on. Custom-tailored Clothes for men who like individuality in fabric and design., Excliisive weaves from England, Scotland and Ire- land, where fabric making is an art, and quality a tradition, Your garment is designed and cut expressly for you. Your Suit is fitted to you by a tailor—whether you buy a ready- to-wear garment or have one custom made, it must fit you; the tailot’s knowledge and judgment supplements that of the sales- men. If you are hard to fit, or if you are easy to fit, if you put- chase the most expensive or the least costly garment, the service is the same, Supetior values by specialization in buying and making — the Woodshire Two-trousers Suit at $45; the Woodward Fifty ($50) Suit; the College Shop Two-trousers Suit at $35; the High School Two-trousers Suit at $25; the foreign fabric Washing- ton-type Suit at $65; the Watt & Thexton and Kenneth Dur- wood Overcoats and Topcoats—all are specialized garments and supetior values. Location and Arrangement—this specialization of the Men’s Store on the second floor has actually proved that you can buy clothes in less time, and with greater satisfaction, here. Away from the first floor hurry and distractions; you choose without interruption, and you really make a choice—not simply buy a garment, When you are ready for spring clothes, or any clothes, comein. Let us show you through the Men’s Clothes Store, composed of the Main Clothes Section, the English Shop, The College Shop for Young Men, The Formal Room. And adjoining are the Men’s Furnishings, Hats and Shoes—a complete Men’s Store. At your convenience---May we have the pleasure of serving you? MEN’S CLOTHES, SECOND FLOOR.