The Dolores star., 1922-02-17


to be a mass Of bushes. The truth
is, like kids, and don't like hus-
bands"
You don't know anything about
husbandsl" Cherry laughed.
II know lots of men I'd like to go
OF with for few months" Alix pur-
sued. But then I'd like to come home
againl don't see why that isn't per-
fectly reasonable"
swell. it's not!" Cherry declared
almost Grossly. "That isn't mar
riage. You belong where your hus-
band Is, and you-you are always glad
to be with him"
But suppose you get tired OF him,
like job or a clearinghouse. or any
Of your other friends?" Allx persisted
idly.
well. you aren't supposed tol"
Cherry said. feebly. Alix let her have
the last word: It was only due to her
superior experience, she thought
GROSSLY. But half an hour later. lying
wakeful, and thinking that she would
miss dear old Cherry tomorrow. she
fancled she heard something like a
sob from Cherry's bed. and her whole
heart softened with sympathy for her
sister.
They came downstairs together the
next day in mldafternoon. both hated
and wrapped for the trip. for Peter
was to take Cherry as far as Sausalito
In the car. and Martin by fortunate
chance was to meet them there at the
ferryboat for San Francisco. Mill
Valley was not more than an hours
ride from the ferry. AlIx was to drive
down and return with Peter. Cherry
said good-by to her father on the
porch; she seemed more of puzzled
child than ever
I've had wonderful visit, Dad"
she began bravely. Suddenly the tears
came. She buried her face against
her fathers shnbbr old office coat and
his arms went about her. AliN
laughed awkwardly. and Peter shut
his teeth. Anne, who had very prop
erly come over to say good-by to her
cousin, got In the back seat Of the
car and Aix took the seat beside
her.
Cherry saw in Peters expression
something that she did not forget for
many, many months-never quite for
got. His eyes were fixed upon her
with something so yearning, SO loving.
so troubled In their gaze that thrill
went through Cherry from head to
foot. He instantly averted his look.
turned to the car, fumbled with the
gears; they were Off.
Cherry, tied trinity into a hat that
was all big daisies, was silent for a
while. But when Alix and Anne COM
menced an interested conversation in
the back seat, she suddenly said re-
gretfully:
"Oh. l hate to go away this time
I mind 1t more even than the first
time!"
Peter. edging smoothly about a wide
blue puddle. nodded sympathetically.
but did not answer.
Il envy Alix-" Cherry said In idle
mischief. She knew that the subject
was not a safe one, but was irresist-
IDLY impelled to pursue 1t.
"Alfx?" said Peter, after silence
long enough to make her feel ashamed
of herself
Yes. Her young man lives in Mill
Valley, right near home" elucidated
Cherry.
"Am Alix's young MANI" he asked,
amused.
well. aren't your
II don't know. I've never been any
ones young man," said Peter.
"Whoever the woman who treated
you meanly Isl hate her" Cherry
began again. "Uness," she added,
unless she was very young, and you
never told herv'
He did not answer, and they spun
along in utter silence. But when they
were nearing Sausalito, Cherry said
almost timidly:
Il think perhaps 1t would make
her happy-and proud. to know that
you admired her, Peter. I don't know
who she is, of course but almost any
woman would feel that. l shall often
think of that talk we had a week ago.
and-think of you, too. Nn-next time
you fall in love / hope you will be
luckier!"
Silence But he gave her his quick,
friendly smile. Cherry dared not
speak again.
Last stop-all out!" Alix ex-
claimed. "You get tickets, Peter.
Hurray. there's Martini"
Unexpectedly Martins big figure
came toward them from the ferry
gate. Some ore from the mine had to
| be assayed in San Francisco, and he
had volunteered to make the trip 30
| that he might meet his wife and bring
| her back with him to Red Creek.
| Time hanging on his hands in the
| city, he had crossed the bay for the
| pleasure of the return trip with Cher
ry. He met them. beamingly. There
was a little confusion Of greeting and
| EOod-bys. Alx and Peter watched