The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-03-28

|
as one in panic.
Yes, yes. Don't be frightened, Lyd
dy. IL 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 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. 1t 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, impulsive
contact. e..
Il must run back home" exclaimed
Frederic. Lydia placed herself be-
tween him and the door
No! want you to stay" she cried.
He stared What a funny idea.'
Wait until the rain is over" added
Mrs. Desmond.
No, no." cried Lydia. Il mean for
him to stay here the rest of the night
We can put you up, Freddy. Il
don't want you to so back there un-
til-until tomorrow.
A glad light broke in his face. by
jove, do you know, Id like to stay
IL really would, Mrs. Desmond, Can
you find a place for me?" His voice
was eager. his eyes sparkling.
Yes" said the mother. quietly. al
most sereuely. You shall have
Lydias bed. Frederic. She can come
in with me. Yes, you must stay. Are
you not our Frederick"
Thank you" he stammered, and his
eyes fell.
Il will telephone to Jones when the
storm abates. said Mrs. Desmond.
Now get out of those coats, and-Oh,
dear. how wet you are! A hot drink
for both OF you"
Would you mind asking Jones 10
send over something for me TO wear
in the morning?" said Frederic, grin
ming as he stood forth in his evening
clothes.
Ten minutes later. as he sat with
them before an open fire and slipped
the toddy Mrs Desmond had brewed,
he cried Il say. this is great"
Lydia was suddenly shy and embar.
rassed.
Good night" she whispered. Her
fingers brushed his cheek lightly. He
drew her down to him and kissed her
passionately
Goodnight. my Lyddy," he said,
softly. his cheek flushing
She went quickly from the room.
Later he stood in her sweet, dainty
little bedroom and looked about him
with feeling of mingled awe and
wonder All of her intimate, exquisite
belongings. the sanctified treasures Of
her most secret domain were about
him. He wandered. He fingered the
articles on her dressing table; smelled
Of the perfume bottles and smiled as
he recognized the sweet odors as be-
ing a part of her. and not a thing unto
themselves: grinned delightedly at his
own photograph in its silver frame
that stood where she could see it the
last thing at night and the first thing
in the morning: caressed-ay. caressed
the little hand mirror that had re-
fected her gay or troubled face so
many times since the dear Christmas
day when he had given il to her with
his love. He stood beside her bed
where she had stood, and the soft rug
seemed to respond to the delightful
tingling that ran through his bare
feet Her room, Her bed Her do