Middletown transcript., 1917-05-12
CHAPTER TX.
The Damascus Road.

1t argued no real lack of SiSterly
affection that Rose didn't want to see
POrtia that morning. Even if there
had been no other reason, being found
in bed at half-paSt ten in the morning
by sister who infleXibly opened her
little shop at half-past eight, regard
less of bad weather, backaches, and
other potentially valid excuses, was
enough to make one feel apologize
and worthless. Rose could truthfully
say that she was feeling wretched.
But POrtia would sit there, slim and
erect, in little straightforward chair,
and whatever perfunctory cOmmisera-
ton she might manage to express, the
look Of her fine eyebrows would be
skeptical.
But Roses shrinking from a talk
with Portia that morning was mild
feeling compared with Portals dread
of the impending talk with Rose.
Twice she had walked by the per-
feet doorway of the McCrea house be-
fore she entered it, because she
Shrank from the ordeal that awaited
her in there.
They mad been seeing each other
with reasonable frequency all winter.
The Aldriches had Portia and her
mother in to a family dinner pretty
often, and always came out to Edge
water for q One-o'clock dinner with
tho StontopS on Sunday
Mrs. Stanton had taken great lik-
ing to Rodney. His manner toward
her had just the blend of Difference
and breezy uncOnventionality that
pleased her. He showed an unending
interest in the Woman Movement
never tired of drawing from his
mother-in-law the story of her labors
and the exposition of her beliefs. Some
times he argued with her playfully in
order to get her started. More often,
and so far as POrtia could see, quite
seriously, he professed himself in full
accord with her views.
The reason why these family parties
were at an end Mas what Portia came
W tell IlOSc Ills kSlle IlODeu
she'd be able to tell it gently.
Rose greeted her with a "Hello,
angel! Why didn't you come right
up? Isn't it disgraceful to be lying
around in bed like this in the middle
of the morning?"
81 don't know" said Portia. might
as well stay in bed, if you've nothing
to do when you get up" She meant
it to sound good-humored, but was
afraid it didn't. Anyhow" she add
ed after Il straight look into Rose S
face, ''yOu look, this morning, as Ii
bed was just where you ought to be.
What's the matter with you, child?'
Nothing" said Rose, nothing
that you'd call anything, at any rate"
Portia smiled ironically. I'm still
the same old dragon, then," she said.
And then-"Tm sorry. l didn't mean
to say that. either. I've had rather
worrying sort of week.
"What is it?" said Rose. "Tell me
about it. Can l help?"
mo-" said Portia. "I've thought it
over and it isn't your job" She got
up and went to the window and stood
looking out where Rose couldn't see
her face. "It's about mother" she
concluded.
Rose sat up with q jerk. "About
motheri" she echoed. "Has she been
ill again this week? And you haven't
let me know! It's shame haven't
been around, but I've been busy"-her
smile reflected some of the irony of
Portias-"and rather miserable. OF
course l was going this afternoon"
"Yes," said Portia, 81 fancied you'd
come this afternoon. That's why
wanted to see you alone first"
"Alone!" Rose leaned sharply for
ward. "Oh, don't stand there where l
can't see you! Tell me what it is.'
I'm going to-" said Portia. "You