New Britain herald., 1926-07-12

stopped in front Cf the house.
 Cassie got out and came up the walk. She paused for a second as Ishe saw Tony and Merry.
 Why, it's Mir. Gaines!" she said in a surprised tone, "how do you do?"
 She shook his hand in a friendly sort of way, before she. passed on into th9 house.
 But ten minutes afterward when Merry went upstairs to bed, Cassie was " iting for her, and her face was like a thunder-cloud.
 Whats the big idea. anyway" she asked, following Merry into her bedroom.
 'I don't know what you mean, ' Merry answered her mildly, as she sat down on the edge of the bed 10 undress herself.
 "Why l mean this affair between you and Gaines. That's what l mean" Cassie seemed 10 jerk the words out of her mouth. "Why Idoes he come here to see you. all the time?'
 Merry's blue green eyes widened. This is the first time he's come to call" she said quietly. She was far too happy to quarrel tonight with anyone. q suppose he came because he wanted to come"
 Well, l wish he wouldn't" snapped Cassie, her face haggard above her black dress. Tt doesn't do me any good to have you mixed up with Morley Kaufman's friends. It cheapens me"
 "Cheapens you?" Merry cut her off short. "VTh. what are you talk iing about. Cassie Locke: How in the world could I cheapen you?'
 Because you're cheap yourself" Cassie's face wGs ugly with anger, and her words stung. Don't you suppose know that any fellow who ( mes along can kiss you? Don't you suppose I've seen you land Derrick Jones hugging each !othcr for dear life right out there on the front porch, dozen times? And now you're starting the same thing with thir Gaines. I tell you I won't have 1t. l won't have it."
 Her voice rose high and strident lin the nighttime stiffness Of the house. Jimmy turned restlessly in iher bed. and murmured something about hiring a hall, for pity's sake!"
 Then the bedroom door was flung open, and Mons stood there, look ing from one daughter 10 the oth- CT. with tear-swollen eyes.
 Haven't we had enough unhap- piness in this house the last week, without you adding to it?' she asked them. What is it you're making all ( is nose about, quar- Irelling in the middle Of the night? It's enough to wake the dead! Cassie's nostrils dilated defiantly.
 "Weu. it's high time somebody talked to Merry" she cried. "There she was in plain sight. kissing that Gaines man. when Morley and ] drove up to tho house. Kissing him, land she hardly knows him. What do you suppose Morley Kaufman thinks of me, with a sister like that?"
 What Morley Kaufman might think or might not think about her was the most important thing in the whole wide w--ld to Cassie.
 Merry laughed a low. lazy laugh. Well, if you're really wor- fied about what Morley Kaufman thinks, Cassie" she drawled, "you might tell him that I'm going to marry his friend, Tony Gaines
 There was al electric stiffness in the little room for a second.
 Then Cassie sneered. Now, tell another one. Merry" she said, her lips narrowed in an unbelieving smile.
 "What she says is perfectly true i Cassie" Nom broke in. "The young man came here tonight to see me. Now. no more of this talk ing back and forth. You go into your room."
 Cassie went. But on the thresh- hold she turned, still with that hor- rid smile disfiguring her face.
 Gaines may marry you, Merry, ishe sneored. but if I were you wouldn't hold my breath until he does,'
 When the door had shut behind lher. Mons sat d~yn on the edge of the bed beside Merry and looked at her anxiously.
 .'I don't like the idea Of young chap making love to you the way Cassie says he does" she said solemn... After all we know noth- ling about him."
 q do. l know everything about him." Merry answered promptly. Mons shook her head and a little quicker came between her black eyebrows.
 "You know nothing except whht he tells you, and he tells you only what he wants you to know" she contradicted. And besides, you never can tell where a little love making may lead. It's a dangerous thing to start"
 Merry smiled secretly. "I just wish she knew how much betting I've done in my time," she laughed to herself.
 Mons. I'm no Dumb Dora" she said aloud to her mother. "I know my way around. l can look after myself. Don't yo" worry about me for a second"
 "Yes, but how can I help worry ing?" Mons asked, getting up to go. There's no one but me to look after you now, Merry. I've got to be father and mother, both, to you girls from now oa." One uncomfortable sob escaped her as she went out of the room. and left Merry alone with her dreams.
 It W not until the very last day of June thai Merry found a way of breaking the news 10 Mom that she ha "flunked" her tests at busi- nesa school.
 She vas wondering how to do ii