The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-02
CHAPTER LXI

telling me there was no sin the love I had for him, none in his for me. I had not seen him since. Really I did not think much of him. 1 had no | time or strength
 Aunt Cynthia had shown me her beautiful silver vase with much pride. Manville also commented upon her very good game.
 Ut was fortunate I gave you my place." I remarked pleasantly.
 ManvilIe glared angrily at me and aunt snapped:
 Tt was fortunate for those at the table, think"
 had not the slightest intention of self for having spoken as I did, yet I had meant nothing but a pleasantly. It was so hard to remember that l never was to have an opinion of my own, that I should keep still always, or simply agree with them-whether I did or not. I often wondered how Manville could like me at all, woman who was nothing but senseless echo.
 must always remember to say yes to everything or be silent.
 Aunt Cynthia had not ceased to be- moan the death of Commodore, nor her efforts to find out where he got the food, or whatever it was that had evi- dently poisoned him.
 I had proposed an autopsy. but in spite of the timidity with which had done so, a perfect torrent of wrath followed the suggestion.
 Have my beautiful Commodore hacked to pieces by some brutal doc tor! I should think you would be ashamed, Susan, to propose such a thing
 Tt would satisfy you as to what had killed him, perhaps"
 II never shall know-although have very strong suspicious" She looked at me as if she would like to accuse me. But was so glad that the cat was dead I cared nothing for her looks. I was rather fond of Fluff, her dog, he was such a tiny, lovable crea- ture. But after the death of the cat she had not allowed him out of her room. When she left the house she locked the door and took the key.
 Insulting, l call it! Martha sniffed one day. ''She expects me to do every thing for her, then locks me out, all because her old cat died. Good rid dance to it, I say. never got over | being scared of the old black thing" 1 Regardless of every thing 1 tried to make things more pleasant for us all, but with little success. Then one day Manville called aunt up on the tele- phone and said for her to come to the office. She was gone for some time I, of course, asked no questions and she volunteered no information.
 That night I mentioned aunt's going away in some manner. Manville and I were alone. He replied:
 Tt is uncertain now when she will go. She had an offer for her house to- day. and I advised her to accept it."
 That would mean" stopped. em- barrassed, expecting a lecture.
 That it would be impossible for you to visit her as I had planned. But it is very good offer and aunt would be foolish not to accept it.
 I asked no questions. I was so happy to think Anna and I would not be obliged to spend the summer with Aunt Cyntha that 1 did not care very much what happened.
 ran over to June's and told her the good news. Perhaps I can go home to mother for a few weeks at the same time you visit your mother"
 "That would be jolly. We could travel together and I would help you with Anna. Alfred isn't going with me, but will come out for a week when am ready to return" So we planned It was foolish for me to do so when knew that was allowed no liberty of either thought or action. But we were young, June and 1, and I could not be always unhappy, nor always control my desires.
 As the days passed aunt and Man vile seemed to have much to talk about. Once or twice heard him sort of urging her. I thought it was concerning the sale of her house. so paid no attention. Then one day she went down to the office again. When she9eame back she looked very self