The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-06-22

nodded toward table at his side,
On the table stood the Japanese gar
den, with its dwarf trees and bridges
and pagadas. Clear water sparkled
among the pebbles and the sacred mar
cissus was putting forth tender vel.
lowgreen shoot.
You like it?' Her voice thrilled.
Splendid! I've had 1t placed there,
you see-clse, where ! can always look
at 1t. I've been looking at It ever since
It came. How thoughtful you are, Ce.
liza!
She turned quickly away.
A breeze, tinged with the odor OF
fresh blossoms from the park, stirred
through the window, rustling the
leaves Of a book open under Barry's
hand.
! You've been reading? Shall 1 read to
you now.
It's the Arabian Nights. He ans.
wered quickly. I'm awfully fond OF the
Arabian Nights. I'm fond Of Conrad,
too. Stories OF the eastern seas, you
know. And all that sort of thing. Re,
member what YOU said about the re,
incarnation OF the Hindu?
AS she touched the book he went
on:
No, thanks; don't read. Just talk to
me. I'm always glad to have you with
me.
She dropped her eyes and struggled
with q button Of her glove. Behind
her Larry's sister moved about the
room. Celia glanced at Larry, who
just then was starring at the ceiling.
Her breath quickened. Larrys eyes
roved to the Japanese garden. To her.
self, Celia barrow repeated over and
over his words. I'm always glad to
have you with me.
They did not speak. 1t seemed to
her that something within her forbade
many words. Every time Larry look.
ed toward her he smiled and when 1t
was time to go she rose In tlutter,
taking his hand, q blush spreading ov.
er her pale, oval face.
Thanks again, Celia, he murmured.
Do come in tomorrow!
She dropped his hand and hurried
out, saying to herself: He loves me;
he loves me! His eyes followed her
through the door and came to rest on
the garden by his side.
She returned to him almost every
day till he was well, and at every
leayetaking she said to herself. He
loves! me
A month later she was reading at
her open window. She was reading
with her eyes alone. Her thoughts
were with Larry Holden. Suddenly,
as II the thoughts had summoned him
to her by their longing, she heard Lar.
rvs own voice in the hall. She leaped
from her chair, pressing a hand to her
heart, waiting. 1t was the first time
Larry had ever been In her home. AS
he entered the room, she tottered, 90.
ing toward him, and at the same timo
she smiled.
Celia! he cried.
He kissed her. Her face famed and
her eys closed. He made dashing
figure, In a stream OF sunlight, his
golden hair flashing around his brow
like halo. He spoke quickly and his
eyes sparkled with excitement.
Dear Celia! he cried, looking straight
into her eyes. I've something to say
10 you. lin going on q Journey
Isn't 1t splendid? Awfully good Of old
dad! I'm going to the Orient, Celia,
I've been wanting to ever since read
the first word about It, in some tale or
other, years ago Blue seas, blue skies,
jungles and brown faces! Just had to
come right over and tell you. Know
why? Because, 1t wasn't so much the
Arabian Knights, nor Joseph Conrad,
but your Japanese garden that set me
off this way. By George, looking al
those funny little Japanese trees! The
little bridges! The pagodas! It's to
be Japan first, Celia! Your little gar
den did 1t. Wish me luck. Lots Of
luck His outburst stopped abruptly
and he added in sudden awe: You're
awfully pale, Celia. Why
She smiled. Then, taking his boy.
ish face between her hands, she drew
him toward her and kissed him twice
on the forehead.
Take care Of yourself, child, and
write to me-sometimes-
A moment he looked wonderingiy In.
to her eyes. He kissed her again,