The Carlisle independent., 1915-05-06

WI
 Frederic. White Faced and scowlins.
 Remained at the Window. frightened, darling It's all right. Listen to me! Mrs. Desmond is as safe as"
 "oh. Freddy. Freddy" she walled. breaking under strain that he was not by way of comprehending. "Oh. Freddy, dear!" Her nerves gave way. She was sobbing conyulsively when they came to the lower hall.
 In great distress, he clasped her in his arms, mumbling incoherent words of love, encouragement ridicule for the fear she betrayed. Far from his mind was the real cause of her un- happy plight.
 He held her close to his breast and there she sobbed and trembled as with a mighty. raeking chill Her fin gers clutched his arm with the grip of one who clings to the edge of precipice with death below. Her face was buried against his shoulder
 You will come with me, Freddy" she was whispering, clinging to him as one in panic.
 Yes, yes. Don't be frightened, Lyd- dy. I-I know everything is all right now. I'm sure of it."
 "Oh. I'm sure too. dear. have al ways been sure" she cried, and he understood, as she had understood
 Despite the protests of Jones. they dashed out into the blighting thun- derstorm. The rain beat down in tor rents. the din was internal As the door closed behind them Lydia, in the ecstasy of freedom from restraint bit terly imposed, gave vent to a shrill cry of relief. Words. the meaning of which he could not grasp, babbled from her lips as they descended the steps. One sentence fell vaguely clear from the others, and it puzzled him. He was sure that she said; "Oh, am so glad, so happy we are out of that house-you and I together"
 Close together, holding tightly to each other, they breasted the whirling sheets of rain. The big umbrella was of little protection to them, although held manfully to break the force of the cold flood of waters. They bent their strong young bodies against the wind, and a sort of wild, impish hilar. ity took possession of them. It was freedom, after all. They were fighting force in nature that they understood and the sharp, staccato cries that came from their lips were born of an exultant glee which neither of them could have suppressed nor controlled. Their hearts were as wild as the tenn pest about them.
 Mrs. Desmond threw open the door as their wet, soggy feet came slosh- ing down the hall. Frederic's arm was about Lydia as they approached, and both of their drenched faces were wreathed in smiles-gay, exalted smiles. The mother. white-faced and fearful, stared for second at the amazing pair. and then held out her arms to them.
 She was drenched in their embrace No one thought of the havoc that was being created in that swift. impulsiye contact
 T must run back home" exclaimed Frederic. Lydia placed herself be- tween him and the door.
 "Nol l want you to stay" she cried
 He stared What a funny ideal"
 Wait until the rain is over." added Mrs. Desmond
 No. no" cried Lydia. T mean for him to stay here the rest of the night. We can put you up. Freddy I-I don't want you to go back there un- til-until tomorrow.
 A glad light broke in his face By jove, I-do you know, I'd like to stay. I-I really would, Mrs. Desmond Can you find a place for me?' His voice was eager, his eyes sparkling,
 Yes" said the mother, quietly, all most serenely. You shall have Lydia's bed. Frederic. She can come in with me. Yes, you must stay. Are you not our Frederic?"
 Thank you" he stammered. and his eyes fell
 q will telephone to Jones when the storm abates, said Mrs. Desmond.