The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-03-18
Continued from Yesterday.


It was a blessing for both or
them-the slow convalescence. It
brought them close. They mad
never been so near. ChlcKle
combed her mothers hair, bathed
her, tied ribbons to the long
sleeves of her nightgOwns. AS
she did this she murmured odd,
gentle yearning things that
brought tears to the gentle eyes.
Then Chickie would laugh: HO,
weep for yourself, ole dear! You're
better! See-the frills--I make
you so very otherwise, mother
darling"
Jennie gave her looks that tore
the heart, they were so tulI OF
faith, so pierced with love. Once
she said: "Chickie, didn't know
you cared so much"
ooh mother-but now? Why,
did You really think liked being
away. I all but died being held
down there in those awful noun
tains. 1t was pretty terrible, Jen'
nie-and Jonathan yelling for me
to come, and no way to get here
quicker. 1t was, all right"
Jennie gathered these words
like precious jewels. She had
them in her thoughts. They were
radiant there.
One day-one of those young,
vibrant days that sometimes come
in February; come lifting Of an
early spring, Martha said: I'VE
must take her out for while. 1t
will IN hnNs NEynU16 nf cpnnd
Jimmy is coming we'll
take her for a little ride"
Chickie said: "Oh-yes-" The
blood flew wildly to her face. Il
won't go, Martha dear. I'll stay
home and have everything warm
when you get back"
Nonsense! You need a little
change yourself-Get on your
things now. I'll help Jennie"
Chickie went into her room,
seized with an overpowering wish
to fling herself on the bed-cry
and cry. It seemed to her that
she would die meeting Jimmy
laughing, talking-pretending-
Why couldn't they leave her
alone-let her be
She didn't want to go out:
didn't want to meet the old life
she had known when the days
were all so glad.
Then she heard the bell ring
a laugh in the hall-Jimmy's
eager: Get a move on therev'
Her face in the mirror was
'ashen. lines at her mouth. She
marked the pale lips with rouge.
But tears made tracks in the
powder. She had to wipe it off
and try again.
Jimmy carried her mother to
the car. They propped her up
with pillows. Jennie was excited
and smiled. Martha sat with her.
Chickie was in the front with
Jimmy.
She stumbled, getting in. He
caught her elbow, saying with a
hooking laugh: Shall l carry
you, too. sweetie? What's the
matter, my darling? You're white
as ghost"
She turned her head: Just
tired. I've been up lot"
Jimmy's face sobered. When
the car was going swiftly he
asked: "Chickie, is it only lack
Of sleep?"
What else would you have it.
Jimmy dear?"
II heard about that, Chickie. Is
that why you went away"
We'll. shouldn't l ask that,
Chickie?"
What do you mean? Yes
quick-ask it-what did you
hear"
We'll. heard Of his marriage"
"Oh. a long while ago"
''Yes-say. look here. Chicl1ie,
you're not going back up there TO
that fool farm stuff, are you?"
Motley don't want me To- ="
Il should say not! Chickie, how
abcct running this car? Mother
has the buck fever. You could
take the old ladies out of an after.
noon. Good for them-and FOR
you. Well
"Oh-maybe-" She drew down
low in the seat and turned her
face, but not quick enough.
Jimmy saw the tears. He reached
his hand over hers-pressed it.
She laughed: "Well-I thank
thee, dear old Jimmy-that tear
was for my lost looks. You no.
tice them all gone to smash?"
II did not! Chickie-you're not
grieving over that, are you?"
"Tish-I wished 1t sol"