The Holly chieftain., 1922-11-30
vl-condnued.


Lulu had played 1t now as she must
have played 1t then.
Half after nine and Di had NOT re-
turned. But melody thought Of Di.
Cornish rose to 60.
"What's themr Mrs. Bett de-
manded.
"Dwights letters, mamma. You
mustn't touch them !" Lulu's voice was
sharp.
"Sayi" Cornish, at the door, dropped
his voice. IF there was anything 1
could do at any time, you'd let me
know. wouldn't your"
That past tense, those subjunctives,
unconsciously called upon her to feel
no intrusion.
"0h. thank you" she said. "You
don't know how good 1t is to feel
"Of course 1t is," said Cornish
heartily.
They stood for a moment on the
porch. The night was one Of low
clamor from the grass, tiny voices, In
Aisting.
"of course" said Lulu, "of course
you won't-you wouldn't"
"Say anythingT' he OWNED. "Not
for dollars. Not" he repeated, '.for
dollars
"But knew you wouldn't she told
him.
He took her hand Goodnight" I"
he said. 1--WE had an awful nice time
singing and listening to you talk
well, Of course-I mean," he cried.
''the supper was Just fine. And so
was the music"
"Oh, no." she said.
Mrs Bett came into the hall,
"Lulie." she said, II guess you
didn't nOtice-this ones from Ninian, !"
Mother
II opened it-why, Of course did.
It's from Ninian."
Mrs. Bett held out the opened en-
velope, the unfolded letter, and yel-
lowed newspaper clipping.
"See," said the old woman, Says,
'Corie Waters, music hall singer
married last night to Ninian Dea-
con- Say, Lulie, that must be
her. :"
Lulu threw out her hands.
'Therel" she cried triumphantly.
NHe was married to her. Just like
he saidI"
The Plows were at breakfast next
morning when Lulu came In casually
at the side door. Yes, she said, she
had had breakfast. She merely want
ed to see them about something. Then
she said nothing. but sat looking with
troubled frown at Jenny. Jenny's
hair was about her neck, like the
hair Of little girl, south window
poured light upon her, the fruit and
honey upon the table seemed her only
possible food.
"You look troubled, Lulu" Mrs.
Plow said. "Is 1t about getting work.
"No," said Lulu, mo. I've been
places. I guess the bakery is going
to let me make cake"
Il knew 1t would come to you," Mrs.
Plow said. and Lulu thought that this
was strange way to speak, when she
herself had gone after the cakes. But
she kept on looking about the room.
1t was 30 bright and quiet. As she
came in, Mr.. Plow had been reading
from a book. Dwight never read
from book at table.
Il wish" said Lulu, as she looked
at them. But she did not know what
she wished. Certainly 1t was for no
moral excellence. for she perceived
none.
"What Is 1t, Lulur' Mr.. Plow asked.
and he was bright and quiet too, Lulu
thought.
"Well." said Lulu, "It's not much.
but / wanted Jenny to tell me about
last night"
Last night7"
"Yes. Would you" Hesitation
was her only way Of apology. "Where
did you got? She turned to Jenny,
Jenny looked up in her clear and
ardent fashion: 1--WE went across the
river and carried supper and then we
came home"
What time did you get homer"
"Oh, 1t was still light. Long before
eight. 1t was"
Lulu hesitated and flushed, asked
eAo" scn8 "a uhu oOuDy uhu btHyeQ
there at Jenny's; whereupon she
heard that Di had to be home early on
account Of Mr.. Cornish, so that she
and Bobby had not stayed at all. To
which Lulu said an "of course" but
first she stared at Jenny and SO i'm
paired the strength Of her assent. AL
most at once she rose to 60.
Nothing else7" said Mrs. Plow,
catching that look Of hers.
Lulu wanted to say: "My husband
was married befons, just as he said he
was" But she said nothing more, and
went home. There she put 1t to Di
and, with her terrible bluntness, re-
viewed to Dl the testimony.
you were not with Jenny after
eight o'clock. Where were your"
Lulu spoke formally and her rehears-