Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1924-07-11
AT THEIR
JOURNEYS
END

BY CLARISSA MACKIE

c'"""S*E'sS"EsSsS|S|s''' *'s'"'S's'S"s's1s'SsSSc
20. 1924. Mcclure Newspaper syndieate.)
"Oh, Fran, have you heard the newsf
haps." Adelia Robb paused, embar-
raised. She sincerely wished that her
friends would not break off their en-
gagements and create awkward situa-
lions.
"What news?" asked Francesca,
making room for Adelia on the win
dow seat.
"About Doctor Graye and that po-
slti0n in Porto Rico-I hear that he
has given up all thought of going
there, and will settle near home here
and practice medicine"
"Yes?" Francesca's voice held just
the right shade Of indifference to ex-
asperate her friend.
~ thought you would like to know"
remarked Adelia maliclously, $50 that
you could still accept that teaching po-
sitlon down there. It Is still open,
hear, and now that Dick Graye has
changed his plans, It won't be awk-
ward at all for you to carry out your
plans for teaching"
"How splendid of you to think of
that Adelia I will send message off
at once. am so bored-after every
thing-I did not feel like settling down
here in Miss Whistler's school, with
all those girls knowing about my
broken engagement and changed
plans"
II surely am glad If 1t suits you to
go-I wouldn't mind trailing Off with
you to that troplc isle, only-there's
John"
"Of course" sympathlzed Francesca
dreamily.
II must go-let me know when It
clothes to buy---lt's nice to be ready
nothing but the voyage to look forward
to-" ai
Adelia fioated away about her own
affairs. and Francesca went to her
desk. There was no hesitation about
what she was going to do. Events had
moved rapidly with her lately--the
plan for her marriage to Dick Graye
and their departure for Porto Rico
where he was to take charge Of small
hospital there; Francesca was to teach
school there-her Spanish made that
| possible-the first year. Then came
the rift that widened to breach, a
terrible misunderstanding OF simple ac-
lions. little Jealousy, and the engage
ment was ended She had hastily can
celled her acceptance of the teaching
position, and she had proudly with
drawn from any possible source OF in
formation regarding Doctor Graye's
plans. 1t had not occurred to her that
he, too, might not care to go to Porto
Rico alone-he would probably settle
down to regular practice, marry and
have a home.
"Oh, well, l may as well have my
dream of tropic islands come true"
sighed Francesca, as she wrote the
message that was to decide her des-
tiny. A week later she was sailing out
of New York bay, her eyes so dimmed
with tears that she could not see the
majestic figure Of the Statue Of Lib
erty. 1t was a little rough outside,
and Francesca, unused to the sea, re-
tired to her stater0om feeling very
miserable indeed. The next morning
she felt better, and wrapped In the
heavy topcoat that was part of her
trousseau, with a small hat pulled
closely over her face she tramped
valiantly around the deck, rejoicing
In the fresh sea air, and breathing In
new courage with every indrawn
breath Of delight. She knew few of
her fellow passengers. Made friends
with little old lady, who invited
her to eat at her own table. After the
arrangement was made, Francesca did
not feel so lonely-she felt as though
someone really wanted her.
II Francesca had only known, there
was someone else aboard that good
ship who was thinking about her con-
tinually-who muttered under his
breath one day when Francesca fitted
across his path. He could only see her
back, and she looked so like the girl
he had loved and lost. One couldn't
blame him If he did mutter under his
breath
What fate kept them apart In the
dining saloon don't know, but they
did not meet. One night when there
was heavy swell, and the lure Of the
moon was too great, Francesca crept
out and went for lonely walk around
the deck. A few others braved the mo-
tlon Of the boat Just to see the outlines
Of their island lifting In the distance.
There was the sound Of music and
dancing from below, but Francesca
cared little for that now--she wanted
to be alone with her dreams, broken
as they were. She was not accustomed
to the new motion Of the boat, and at
the first turn 1t threw her Off her feet.
pair Of strong arms caught her, and
for an instant they chung together.
Are you hurt2" he asked kindly
and something In the timbre Of his
voice clutched at Francesca's heart.
"No-oh, no, thank you" she whis-
pered. and somehow, low as It was, he
caught the words and sighed. 40 like
little Fran" he thought YEARLY as he
resumed his tramp. Better 20 below
1t will be better in the morning." he
advised, but francesca pursued her
walk, now thinking Of the man who
was so like Dick Graye, in his bigness,
the tone Of his voice, and the very
faint scent Of good cigars that chung
to the big overcoat.
Five minutes later Francesca was
again clutchlng the big overcoat AZ its
TOR SALE,
Baby chicks, Ferris (264-300
atrainl White Iadhorna parL'o Rarrad