Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1919-01-07
The Capitals
Short Story
Observation-Disclosures
DAUGHTER OF EVE
By EDITH 3. LAMPREY.

When Hester Malone tripped in from
her ride, the delightful tang Of au-
tumn still chung to her. Loose strands
of wavy hair lay about soft cheeks
whipped to vermilion by the wind.
Dropping an armful of woodland beau
ty, she tugged at the generous en-
folding collar of her modish coat and
looked about her for a receptacle for
the treasures.
In the tiny kitchenette she espied
the big brown bean pot. alas no long
err In service, and tugged 1t down from
an upper shelf. 1t was just the thing
to hold the great cluster of purple as
tiers trimmed with goldenrod.
with her small. dark head cooked to
one side. Hester studied the effect OF
warm hued autumn leaves against
drab velours hanging. Suddenly the
slim, erect figure crumpled up like
soft gray kitten and pumped onto
the springy couch, crying heartbroken-
ly. There was mighty good reason
for the tears, for Hester was known
as a spunky young person, who held
her headyery high whichever way the
wind happened to blow. Today she
felt deeply Inundated, crushed in fact.
and all on account of Jed Bakers
silly old car.
1t had q left-hand drive, that car OF
Jed's, which of course brought Hes
ter's stunning left profile in almost
constant view of the apparently enam-
nc hA
car lurched over rails and crossings,
which was often, Jed's broad right
shoulder brushed dangerously near
Testers dainty left, and very, very
close to her heart. Which was all very
fine, or might have been. had only Jed
been seated on her right hand. For
on Testers left cheek there was a
scar, a tiny, one, which showed scarce
ly any, unless irritated by strong
wind.
Jed had parked the car by the road
side. and together they had followed
the winding path up the long slope
dotted with clumps OF vari-colored To-
liage. He had filed her arms with the
riot of wild flowers growing by the
wayside. Hester was hatless now, and
as her dark head had leaned to back
ground of blazing sumac Jed had
started toward her with arms out
stretched. Hester's dilating gray eyes
his when to her utter confusion and
humiliation she saw his arms drop to
his sides. His finely lighted eyes sud-
denly grew dim and dropped from hers.
fastening themselves directly upon the
scar on her left cheek. The thrilling
words Hester had been waiting to hear
for more than year now were left I'M
said.
1t was the horrid little scar, of
course, which had raised its infiamed
head and separated her from Jed, per-
haps forever. Why did she have to
have that unfortunate fall in her baby
hood? 1t was running her life.
A fresh burst of tears and Testers
face ducked into a convenient pillow.
Jed was going West tonight ION very
important business" he had told her.
Perhaps there was someone there
whom he cared for more than her.
He had behaved strangely when they
parted.
Jamie Boyce. fiashy acquaintance,
called her on the telephone, inviting
her out for spin. After innumerable
refusals the weary-hearted girl at last
lent an ear to the persistent one. 'Is
1t left-hand drive, Jamie?" Hester
coolly asked.
mot for mine, little Miss Choose-it,"
retorted this young sport. 'Ts 1t a go
glrlie"
''Ill come" laughed Hester. It would
do her good, perhaps numb the eter-
nal ache in her heart.
1t was a glorious Sunday and Hester
made a desperate effort to enjoy It,
Laughing and chattering like magpie
as the up-to-date car slid smoothly
along under the delighted James ex-
pert guidance, she realized that Jed's
old car had been a "back number"
Was Jed himself In the same category?
She stole a glance at the cock-sure
profile. AT her second searching look
jamie whirled the big car into quiet
country lane. shut off the gas, stepped
on the brake and flung his arms about
her. Hester, love you. viii you
marry me?" he demanded speedily.
Hester stared Mortified into the face
close to her own-the spreading irises,
red-rimmed from lack of sleep, the dis
sipated mouth and weak chin, the
green necktie. decorated with infiamed
"freckles" and diamond horseshoe.
Il get va" coolly announced Jamie,
releasing her. He jabbed at the self
starter button.
If only it had been Jed Jamie, seat
ed on her right, hadn't noticed the
scar. Hester smothered a groan. She
loved Jed and Jed only.
As Hester was pluckily endeavoring
TO believe that she wanted to pound
brass" the rest Of her life, Jed came
back.
81 want you. Hester" he cried.
Indeed" commented she to the
world in general. But her heart ham
mered divine messages.
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