The Holly chieftain., 1922-03-09
CHAPTER XIII.

IL
Meanwhile Cherry, in the sick fiut-
ter of spirits that had become familiar
to her of late, kept her dentist ap-
pOintment, and at noon looked at a
flushed and lovely vision in the dem
lists mirror.
She went out into the blazing street !;
1t was one Of the hot nOontides Of the
year. At two O'Clock wild wind
would spring up and send papers and
dust flying. but Just now the heat was
dry and clear and still.
She was carrying n parasol and she
opened 1t now and walked slowly to-
ward Geary street She could not even
frame In her thoughts the utter blank
ness Of the feeling that swept over
her at missing an opportunity to see
Peter. She turned and went slowly
up past the big shop windows that re-
fiected the burning Plaza, and SO came
to the cool, great doorway of the Sc.
Francis. Inside was tempered light
and much aoiseless coming and going,
meeting and parting.
Cherry drifted into the big, deep
carpeted waiting room; there were
other women there, sunk into the big
leather chairs, watching the doors and
glancing at the clock. When a man
came hastily In the door, one woman
rose, there was significant smile, u
murmured greeting. before the two
vanished.
t. l,,v III Ohot Char,.xy Slvat atfpH
Peter certainly would not come in un-
til half-past twelve, perhaps not then.
Suddenly, with spring of her heart
against her ribs, she saw Peters dark
head with Its touches Of Iron gray.
Groomed and brushed scrupulously
as always, with the little limp, yet as
always dignifled and erect, he came to
stand before her, and she stood up,
and their hands met. Flushed and a
little confused, she followed him to
an inconspicuous table in a corner Of
the dining room. Then the dreamlike
unreality and beauty Of their hours
together began again.
''Did you expect me to meet your"
she smiled. For answer he looked at
her thoughtfully minute before his
own face lighted with bright smile.
II don't think thought Of your not
being there" he confessed. II was
simply moving all morning toward the
instant Of meeting" He watched her,
almost with anxiety, for moment,
then turned his attention to the bill
of fare. But Cherry was not hungry,
and she paid small attention to the
order, or to the food when 1t came.
Presently they were talking again,
In that hunger for self-analysis that
is a part of new love. They thrilled
at every word, Cherry raising her
eyes, shining with eagerness. to his,
or Peter watching the little down
dropped face in an agony of alteration.
An hour passed, two hours, after
awhile they were walking, still with
that strange sense Of oneness and of
solitude, and still as easily as II they
had been floating, to the ferry.
Alix met them in Mil Valley with
vivid accounts of the day; she had
been pondering the brief talk with
Anne, and was anxious to have Peters
view Of 1t. Peter was Of the opinion
that Anne's conduct indicated very
clearly that she and Justin realized
that their case was lost.
Then you're fixed for life. Cherry"
was Alix's first remark. "Oh. say!"
she added. In burst. Lets so down
to the old house tomorrow, will you?
Let's see what 1t needs, and how much
would have to be done to make 1t fit
to live in!"
Cherry flushed, staring steadily at
her sister. and Peter, too, was con-
fused, but AliX saw nothing. The
next day she carried her point. and
took them with her down to the old
house. Cherry was pale and fighting
tears, us they crossed the porch, and
fitted the key in the door. Inside the
house the air was close and stale,
odorous Of dry pine walls and Of un-
aired rooms. Peter flung up window.
the girls walked amlessly about,
through the familiar, yet shockingly
strange, chairs and tables that were all
coated thickly with dust.
ut needs everything!" Alix said.
after first quick tour of inspection,
cycling greater weather streak on
the raw plaster OF the dining-room
wall. ut needs air, cleaning. straight
ening, fiowers--G Gosh, how 1t does
need people!"
I'll can't bear it," Cherry said
softly, In q sick undertone.
Alix. who was rapidly recovering
her equilibrium, sprang upstairs with
out hearing her, but Cherry did not
follow. She went to the open front
doorway and stood there. leaning
against the sill, and gazing sadly out
at the shabby, tangled garden that
had sheltered all the safety and Joy
and innocence Of her little-girl days.
Peter" she said, as he came to
stand beside her, I'm SO unhappy"
Cherry, will you end it?" he asked
her, huskily.
She gave him startled look.
END Il 2" she faltercd.