New Britain herald., 1927-01-14

most unselfish thing in the world for Mollie to tell you to go ahead with your plans as if Jim-as if-well, it's hard to say and still harder to put in letter. But we mustn't feel cross toward Mollie, dear." Rusty moved over toward her sister. T felt just the same way as Betty did about 1t at first" she told John Clayton, "only I didn't give way as she did. Oh, Uncle John, just because we've been light-hearted you mustn't think we were as thoughtless as-as you apparently did that day you talked to us. It's been almost more than we could bear and we've been broken -hearted, first about Jim and then about Mol lie and Prof and now about Jim again. l can understand exactly how Betty feels. You mustn't think she's selfish, Uncle John."
 She knelt down beside her sister and patted her head. Betty looked up at her through swimming eyes and was silent.
 T understand" John Clayton said gravely. To himself he said: Every [ clever of Margaret to try to cover up the hole in their armor. But just the same Betty is the one who loves Jim and with whom Jim was in love when he went away. Poor kid"
 Betty had strengthened up in her chair. Forgive me for crying like that" she said to Martha Dalton and her uncle. T don't know why I did it. Something just seemed to give way and I couldn't help 1t. But oh, it does seem hard to be asked to go ahead and make our plans just as though Jim were dead. Isn't there anything that can be done, Uncle John, to make him we'll again" Clayton shook his head. T wish know. Believe me, dear, we'll have the finest doctors that money can get, but I wouldn't want to raise your hopes and then see them dashed. can tell you nothing. You know just as much about it as I do."
 Poor little girl" said Martha Dal- ton, putting her arm around Betty's shoulder. You must be brave now. You mustn't let Jim see you crying, you know. You must be cheerful for Jim."
 Betty bit her lip. "All-all right" she faltered. "I'll try"
 This seems to put the kibosh on our plans for going to Europe" said John Clayton presently, They had gone to the library to discuss plans. No comment followed his remark. He thought for a moment and then continued:
 Tt may not kill things entirely, though. You can't always be sure how these little matters are going to turn out Maybe we'll be able to change Molie's perspective yet, re- garding certain things, if we give her time. It is obvious that she cannot get over the feeling that you girls are different from the Rusty and Betty of other days. Well, we'll just have to show her, that's all. After things get strengthened out a bit and Jim gets good rest she might be able to see things differently"
 T wouldn't give snap for Eu- rope without them all along with us,' declared Rusty, her dark eyes gloomy, "and as for going away and leaving them here after all they've suffered-wcll, 1t isn't being done that's all."
 Spoken like dead game sport!" said John Clayton cheerily.
 Betty was looking through the tall window into the street. "A week." : she observed pensively, it'll be a . long time to wait"
 She looked at her sister specula- lively for moment, started to speak and then changed her mind. Then : she glanced sidewise at Martha Dal- ton who was watching her closely. She smiled a twisted little smile. : Do you suppose, dear" she in- quired, that Nellie Downing is as / pretty as Rusty?"
 John Clayton looked at her sharp ly and had to leave the room. In his private study he strode over to the window and locked both hands behind his back as he gazed at the garden outside.
 Poor kid," he said. "I never saw anything to beat her for gameness I'd give every nickel I own to sec them both happy again. I'd give my right leg, by the Lord!'
 Meanwhile, Betty was waiting fo, her answer from Nurse Dalton Rusty snickered and Martha stared Then, after moment, she chuckled
 My angel child" she exclaimed afectionately, "Ill say that Nellie Downing or any other Nellie can'1 hold candle to Rusty Nor witt Betty either. But don't forget, pre cious, that pretty is as pretty does you know. So when Jim gets home you just sit pretty for him. Ther you'll look plenty pretty for both O. you"
 Betty smiled-a very heavy smile
 Have you reached any definit, conclusion about it yet, dear?" sh, asked.
 Nurse Dalton looked her younges charge over severely.
 "Tell me what Rusty Is thinkin, about she said in evasive answer and I'll let you have my piece o peach pie at dinner"
 Betty smiled sadly and rose iron her chair. That she said, mad her think of something else. Peacl pie! Martha Dalton must bull, half a dozen or so of them for Prof and Jim. I'll bet Jim hasn't for gotten the taste of peach pie"
 She put her arms around her sis terand clung to her for a moment
 %Forgive me, Daily, dear" sh said to Martha Dalton. "I'll try no