The Medina sentinel. [volume] (Medina, Ohio) 1888-1961, 1921-12-29
PAGE NINE

family of kids-go ahead, tell every
shop-girl In San Francisco all about
II, In the papers. and see how .much
sympathy you get!"
"Oh. you beastl' Cherry said, be-
tween her teeth. furious tears in her
eyes. The water swan In blur a.
blue before her as they rose to rs
downstairs at Sausalito.
Martin glanced at her with impa-
thence. Her tears never failed 10
anger him.
Don't cry, for Gods sakel" he said.
nervously glancing about for possible
onlookers. ''What do you want me to
do? For the Lords sake don't make
a scene until you and have chance
to talk this over quietly"
Cherry's thoughts were with Peter.
In her soul she felt as If his arm was
about her. as If she were pouring out
to him the whole troubled story, sure
that he would rescue and console her.
She had wiped her eyes, and some
what recovered calm, but she trustea
herself only to shrug her shoulder ~
she preceded Martin to the train.
There was no time for another word.
for Alix suddenly took possession of
them. She had had time to bring the
car all the six miles to Sausalit0, and
meant to drive them direct to the val
ley from there.
y She greeted Martin afYectionateiy.
although even while she did SO her
eyes went with quick. worried lock
to Cherry. They had been quartelinx,
Of course-it was too bad, Aiix
thought, but her own course was clear.
Until she could take her cue from
them, she must treat them both with
cheerful Inconsistencies of tho
storm.
They reached the valley and Martin
was magnanim0us about the delayed
lunch. Anything would do for him,
he said; he was taking couple Of
days holiday, and everything went.
kow was chopping wood after lunch.
and he sauntered out to the block with
suggestions; AIix, laying fire for the
evening. simply because she liked to
do that sort Of work, was favored witt,
directions. Finally Martin pushed her
aside. ~
"Here. let me do that" he said.
you'd have a fine fire here, at that
rate!"
Later he went down to the old house
with them, to spend there an hour
that was trying to both women. h
was almost in order now; Cherry hal
pleased her simple fancy in the mattar
of hangings and papering, and IT,
effect was fresh and good.
Girls going to rent thisT NartA
asked.
unless you and Cherry come Rve
here" Alix said boldly. He smiled
tolerantly.
"Why should WEI"
swell, why shouldn't your
"Loaf1ng, eh?"
mo, not l0afing. But you coul4,
transfer your work to San Franciscs,
couldn't you"
Martin smiled a deep, wise, long
enduring smile.
"Oh, you'd get me a job, supposer
he asked. Il love the way you women
try to run things" he added, but 1
guess I'll paddle my own canoe for
while longerv'
"There is no earthly reason why You
shouldn't live here,' Alix said pleas
antly.
"There is no earthly reason why we.
should!" Martin returned. He was
annoyed by a suspicion that Alix and
Cherry had arranged Between them to
make this plan the alternative to a
divorce. ITO tell you the honest truth,
| don't like Mill ValIeyw H.
Alix tasted despair. Small hope Of
preserving this particular relationship.
He was, as Cherry had said, ''impos-
sibIe."
swell, we must try to make you like
Mill Valley betterw she said with
resolute good-nature. "Of course, It
means a lot to Cherry and to me to be
near each other"
"That may be true, too," Martin
agreed. taking the front seat again
for the drive home.
Alix was surprised at Cherry's pas
sivity and silence, but Cherry was
wrapped in a sick and nervous dream,
unable either to interpret the present
or face the future with any courage.
Before luncheon he had followed fer
into her room and had put his arm
about her. But she had quietly shaken
him off, with the nervous murmur:
"Please-no, don't kiss rue, Martin r.
| Stung, Martin had Immediately
dropped his arm. had shrugged his
shoulders indifferently and laughed
scornfully. Now he remarked to Alix,
with some bravado:
"You girls still sleeping out?"
"Oh, always-we all dol" Alix had
answered readily. Peter has an en-
ira bunk on his porch; Cherry and !
have my porch. But you can be eut
or in, as yon choosel"
Martin ventured an answer that
made Cherry's eyes CLINT angrily and
brought a quick, embarrassed flush b
Alix's face. Alix did not enjoy q
certain type Of joking. and she did MOI