Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-07-28

ing his.
On one side Of the shelf-iike mountain
close-paclsed, straight-rising redwoods
on the other the ground fell away 80
precipitously to the tiny thread Of creek
below that they looked down upon the
water. through the top branches of the
trees
Years ago. when he had first entrusted
her with the car, Peter had been some
what. concerned for Alix,s safety. but
Ss sns Sf ss o ns sd
self-confidence that prompted her to give
the inner right of way to every lumber
ing express van or surrey that she met,
and risk the more dangerous passing
you say I'm good to you, Pete" she
surprised him by saying suddenly. y
hope I am. For you've been very good
to iO me me my dear lear There's only s one shins
And that, you can't, unfortunately. get
for me-"
He had flushed darkly. and he spoke
with little effort.
"I'd like to try"
minutes. and for an instant Of panic he
thought he saw her lip tremble. But
when she turned to him, 1t was with
her usual smile.
you-and--and Martin---and Cherry, as
happy as am !" she said, quickly. And
n second later the mood was gofe as
she turned the car In at the home gate
There was eherry :rss esteFs s'hs heart gave
a leap at the sight OF her Just q wom-
ans slender figure. half obscured by
blowing lines Of fresh. dry linen. Just
her gown fell back, and blue eyes under
bright, loose. corn -colored hair. but Peter
| could see nothing else lin all the world.
Martins somewhere about" Cherry
ped the car within conversational range.
II was passing these. and I thought I'd
help the boy get his clothes in"
| Here, let me do that" Peter exclaim-
the car 80 that she might later start OH
the grade, disappeared, and the two were
alone with their arms full Of the stiff
and fragrant cleanness of the linen In
the .I sweetness of the afternoon.
stsmmered Cherry, hardly conscious Of
What thn I. she a was saying. and put them in
Peter did not hear the words. But
he heard the wonderful voice he saw
the red sweetness of the mouth. saw
the quick glances of the ayerted ewes.
the white neck with it's film OF gold
hair blowing across It.
ne murmured something inarticulate
IN reply, trying to control the great
wave OF happiness and emotion that rose
over him. They were together again,
aIter wnat highland what a day =
& ana that was all that mattered. They
SPOKE confusedly, In brief monosyllables
and were silent. their hands touching on
and briefly.
~. Gan 6! p,Sn you walk walk, up M to the cabin with
to speak to YOU Everything's all ar
ranged for tomorrow. I've got tickets
and reservations. Your suitcase is
checked CHECK IN the, oakland ferry waiting,
yourself. Now. in case o Of % MISSING 81 the ss
boat again--which isn't conceivabie, but
we must be ready for anything III
shall sh,an,gg 60 straight to the club You must
ifl,r' te,fepnone me there. Just go Off tonight
and Keep your wits. about you"
,.Ien me our plans again." Cherry
,o, It's perfectly simple" he said, giving
her anxious face concerned glance
You are going to the divers. / nc
IN, In the morning, presumably for the
sTi,U rErter breakfast but really to get your
Soat shai snd my by tSsrs Gwn and sst to n,
You get there we'll before 1l--you won,
: see me. But go straight on board. ant
; ;sa. ASK for Mrs. Joyce's cabin. Wait for M
"But--but suppose you don't come p
1. I'll be there before you. It is bette,
Tor us not to meet upstairs. But to b,
} sure, III telephone you at Minna OIL
Vers at about o'clock tomorrow morn
way and that everything Is all right
: Have you your heavy coat?"
) Il will have" she answered. 'I'v,
not got much in the suitcase" she add
: You shall buy more in New orlean
on Tuesday" he promised her "I'v,
, made no plans beyond that"
l "A hat?" Cherry asked, with uplifted
; silky lashes giving a childish look to he
blue eyes.
! Peter. tightening his fingers on hers
gave great; Joyous laugh Of utter sur
prise and alteration as, leaning towarc
her. he caught her bashful murmur.
, You need that?" he whispered.
/ Well-most," she answered, seri
"Do you realize" he asked, that 20,
, are the most delicious child that eve
lived?"
mo, I don't know that" she said
dropping her head. suddenly self-con
scious.
DO you realize that by this time to
, morrow we shall be out at sea-" he add
ed. leaning on the rail-watching' tn
Pacific race by.and belonging to eacl
The picture flooded her face Will
!, !, happy color It's tomorrow at last |!
Slowly toward the house. " Il 1T Thought eI
i would never be. It's only few hour
How will you feel when It's today? :?
"oh, Peter. shall be glad when IT,
: all over, and when the letters are writ
e ten. and we've been together for year.
she answered, fervently. II know
4 will be all as we have planned, but
but IL 1t were over"
: They had reached the side door nov
and were mounting the three steps to
r gether.
BE patient until tomorrow" he whis
t pered.
e oh" she she ,s.!ros, said. softly '1 shan
Leaning across her to push back tn
4 light screen door. he found himself fac
to face with Alix. In tho dark entry
: her: had not heard her move. Pete
e cursed his carelessness he could not re
member. in the utter confusion of tn
e moment, just what he and Cherry ha,
7 ture, t they had betrayed themselves. on
chance In 100 that she had not heard
!. Yet, II she was acting, she was actin
e superbly. Cherry had turned scarlet an
sternstion, but Aiix did not seem to Sc
= It. She addressed Peter, but when h
found himself physically unable I
answer, she continued the conversatio
a stumbling effort to appear natural
e There you are Are we going I
ee have. any tennis? It's after 2 o'cloc
now" -, .,u,u
t ing her out Of the house and slippin
x his big watch back into his pocke
" They all gathered in one OF the re
3 claimed garden paths. assuming dee
q interest In the time.
IT had no idea 1t was so late" Pete
l. II knew It was getting on" Cherr
'e added, utterly at random.
a go In and tell the boy we won't o
10 back until tomorrow" Martin suBgeste
70 to his wife. "Unless you told him. Alix?
r. he added, turning toward her.