Linda Condon

d no idea of discretion; tired of them anyhow." Linda radiated happiness. This was the mother she loved above all others. Her mind turned a little to the man who had talked to her t

to see, but the row

n sitting. There was a name on it, and while, ordinarily, she couldn't read handwriting, this

sense of disappointment grew within her. Linda wanted to see him, hear him talk; at times a sharp hurt in the shoulder he had grasped brought him back vividly. The next day

?" he

told her brusquely, "he won't want it." He turned away with the magazine and left Linda standing irresolutely. She wanted to ask if Mr. Welles were still at the Boscomb

tly bald. His shoes were very shiny and altogether he had a look of prosperity. "Hello, cutie!" he cried, capturing her arm. She responded listlessly. The other produced a crisp dollar bill. "Do you see the chocolates in that case?" he said, indicating the cig

s papa?" he demanded. "I suppose he will be here

gnity, "There is on

old-backed brush from a leather case. "That's more than I have," he confided to her

ewhere; men were beastly. "I guess your moth

e are just packs of gentlemen whenever she likes. But she is

ce children don't. Your mother didn't bring yo

fact that, if she were to wait, he woul

deliberated; "Mis

asserted shortly;

and admires her a whole lot. Tell her he's no young sprig but he likes a good time all the better. Dependable

him in her gravest manner. "She said o

heerfully. "Things look different late

er reflection in the mirror. "He was smoking a big cigar," Linda added. The other laughed. "What a sharp little thing you are!" she

. "Were his clothes right? You must point him out to me to-night. But do it carefully, darling. No one should not

whispered, "There he is." But immediately M

little girl to-day," he told Mrs. Condon;

ot a minute's trouble. The common sense

gallantly. "Every reason to."

ke up for a lo

a in the hall beyond the music. "Mama out?" she inquir

r. Jasper had gone; s

ister," Mrs. Randall co

see you riding on a leopard!" A flood of misery enveloped her,