The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-09-28


Annabel herself was bewildering TO
look at. and her clothes were wonder
ful. The conversation went on with
out her and Amy presently realized
that she was unnoticed in the pres
ence OF SO much splendor
must go and help mother" she
said, rising.
You are a busy Amy" said Anna
bel without protest.
Amy hesitated a moment. but Ger
aid was deep In conversation and did
not notice when she left the room.
With flushed cheeks and quivering lips
she went to her own room and locked
the door.
"She did not come to see me-" said
Amy to herself. Its Gerald, and he
never noticed when left"
The tears would come and she lay
down on her bed and had a good cry
Then her head began to ache and she
got up and sat in a chair. Presently
through the open window she heard
their voices. not distinctly, for they
were talking again in confidential
tones. Amy felt her cheeks burn like
fire.
Il think it will come out all right"
Gerald's voice came clearly to her
CcA6. " Atcsl WtIG they luSI6
before her very eyes?
Yes, you predicted that in Boston"
said Annabel, and Amy almost scream
ed.
They had met then in Boston. This
solved part Of the mystery. This was
the reason she had come and through
all her own misery and self pity she
felt q burning contempt for the girl.
One more sentence burned itself into
her heart as she sat at the window,
her fearful eyes staring out into the
night Annabel's soft voice reached
her on the evening air. Love is the
only thing in the world that matters,
Gerald" Annabel was saying.
After that their voices grew lower
still and later her mothers voice
called her from her room. Amy would
not ans ger. anl after while saw them
both go slowly down the path, Anna
bells roses nodding in the breeze.
The Aext Afternoon Mr.. Crosby him
self saw Gerald leaving the Leighton
home. Tha: night he called on Amy
and she refused 70 see him.
After that on several occasions gos-
sip told the same story. He had been
seen with Anuabel, but the worst was
that Annabel would see no one else.
There was mystery in her visit to her
childhood home, said gossip, but 10
Amy it was all as clear as day.
She returned to Gerald the engage
ment ring; she sent Pack his letters
unopened and sIeadfastly refused to
see him. II was q month Of torture,
5ut she tried 10 race Ler uUty bravely
Today she brought ner books out
to the back orchard, sat d~"A Under
a tree and tried to read The sun Was
going down and the words were Jump
ing about in unwarrantable fashion
when she looked up and saw him COM
ing. In another moment she would
have been safe beyond his reach but
lie caught her just in time.
why do you come here" The an
CRY voice was cutting and she held
her head high.
What is the matter, dear?'
stop, l won't be second fiddle; Ger
aid Blake, am through with you.
Let me CO."
IF you mean Annabel-"
81 don't care anything about Anna
bel" said Amy scornfully. "A girl
who"
Gerald understood. Eyes. she did
come here to see me-" he said. but it
was necessary. Now listen. Amy"
Il will not" stormed Amy. You
met her in the east and her eyes
blazed as she thought of his deceit.
YES" he answered.
"She arrived here and came straight
TO my home TO see you. You did not
tell me you saw her in Boston"
Il could not then" he answered, but
can tell you all about it now. An
mabel ran away and got married in
Boston. We met by accident and /
helped her to keep the secret. 1 prom
ised 10 keep it and promised to help
her fix it up here at home, which Il
have done. 1t was necessary to see
me before she went home on her ar
rival. It's all right now. Her father
sent for the happy bridegroom yes
terday."
All Amy's bravado was gone. She
was crying, softly on the grass.
do YOU" her voice choked in her
needle and thread.
do II" Gerald smiled. 81 think I
do he said.