The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-03-12
DAUGHTER OF EVE

BY EDITH .. LAMPREY.

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 tny kitchenette she espied
the big brown bean pot, alasl no long
err In service, and tugged IL 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 a
drab velours hanging. Suddenly the
slim, erect figure crumpled up like q
soft gray kitten and pumped onto
the springy couch. crying heartbroken-
". There was a mighty good reason
for the tears, for Hester was known
as a spunky young person. who held
her head very high whichever way the
wind happened to blow. Today she
felt deeply Inundated, crushed I'm 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-
ored young man. AT times, as the
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
scar. a tiny one, which showed scarce
\ ly any, unless irritated by IN 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 fo-
liage. He had filled 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
started toward her with arms out
stretched Testers dilating gray eyes
had already answered the love call I'm
his when to her utter confusion and
humiliation she saw hrs 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 un-
said.
1t was the horrid little scar, of
course, which had raised It's infiamed
head and separated her from Jed. per-
haps forever Why did she have to
have that unfortunate fall In her baby
hOod?t Tic was running her life.
A fresh burst OF tears and Testers
face duclxed into convenient pillow.
Jed was going West tonight con 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, a f1ashy acquaintance.
called her on the telephone, inviting
her out for a spin. After innumerable
refusals the weary-hearted girl at last
/ lent an ear TO the persistent one ''Is
It left-hand drive. Jamier' Hester
coolly asked
mot for mine. little Miss Choose-it,"
retorted this young sport as II go.
girlie3"
"Tll come" laughed Hester II would
do her good, perhaps numb the eter-
nal ache In her heart.
1t was glorious Sunday and Hester
made q desperate effort TO enjoy it.
| Laughing and chattering like a maybe
| 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 I'm the same category
| She stole glance at the cock-sure
| profile. At her second searching look
jamie whirled the big car into a quiet
country lane. shut of the gas. stepped
on the brake and flung his arms about
her. Hester. love you. Will you
marry mer 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 inflamed
"freckles" and diamond horseshoe.
81 get va" cooIIy announced Jamie
releasing her. He jabbed at the self
starter button.
i If only IL had been jedi Jamie, seat
4 ed on her right, hadn't noticed the
scar. Hester smothered a groan. She
loved Jed and Jed only.
As Hester was pluckily endeavorins
TO believe that she wanted TO pound
brass" the rest OF her life, Jed came
back.
II want you. Hester" he cried.
Indeed" commented she TO tn,
world in general. But her heart ham
mered divine messages.
I've needed yod for so long. dear
he explained. "but sis's little fellow
who was crippled for two years need
ed my superhuous cash. He's o. X