New Britain herald., 1927-01-14
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fprd L.Nkb Ernest lynn

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 "As you were told by Nellie Dow ming. Jim's escape from death was by a very narrow margin. The frac- ture, however, was not as dangerous as at first supposed, although he was unconscious from 1t for five days"
 Five days. Think of it!" breathed Rusty.
 Some hope" the letter continued. Twas held out to us at first that if he regained consciousness his brain might clear up again. This hope was shattered the moment he opened his eyes. So far as could see, there was not the slightest change either way.
 He is far from strong yet, but the doctor says he will be in shape to be taken home in another week. But I must tell you now. my dears, what the specialists say. that there isn't chance in thousand that Jim will ever be any better mentally than he is now. His physical health pi iObbDIy VIII li"tllt'l is'J IIC "Aii take on weight and get strong. But his mind-oh, well, it is Gods will and as Prof says, we have much to be thankful for at that. Had Jim died l don't think I could have liv- ed. In fact, know I shouldn't.
 And now, dear girls, I must tell you something else. You have men, toned frequently in your letters Mr. Clayton's and your wishes that We Prof, Jim and I accompany you to Europe.
 T am afraid that 1t will not be possible. Jim must have rest and quiet-particular quiet - and be kept free of the things that might excite him, for, as you have been told, he is very susceptible to emo- tion. And it is that I would caution you against.
 Both of you, of course, want to see Jim and want that you should. But in view of certain things that l needn't go into l think it would be best if you just met him and then left at once. For. oh my girls, I just can't bear great deal more and the thought of what might have been is terrible. You must go on with your plans just as though Jim had died. We caDhot go with you. l shall, of course, De expecting to find you, with Dalton, awaiting us at the old home. Please don't meet us at the train. Let the meeting take place at the old house.>
 Ever your affectionate Mollie."
 There was a postscript to the effect that she would write to give the time of their arrival
 John Clayton put the letter down and looked around him. And he saw very strange thing. One Of the girls-Betty = had been listening with downcast expression. Now she burst into tears and began to run her hands wildly through her hair.
 There she cried incoherently, there, Martha Dalton, is your TO- nance for you. And he'll never get well-he'll never get well! Oh, my God! And we had hoped and pray ed. Do you think I'll go to Europe without him? Do you think Mollie has a right to keep him all to her. self? Go on with our plans as if John had died, Oh."
 CHAPTER XII
 "Betty!" exclaimed John Clayton, running to the girls side. Betty. control yourself"
 But the hysterical Betty, sobbing violently, slumped into a chair and buried her face in her hands.
 Martha Dalton knelt down beside her and put her arms around her. A significant look had been ex- I, changed between Martha and John Clayton. Rusty watched her sister with troubled face.
 Clayton was thinking: "The strain has been too much. One of them had to give way and betray their secret. l was right"
 Now, Betty" Martha Dalton was saying soothingly to the sobbing girl, please don't take it to heart so We're all disappointed and heart broken to learn that Jim isn't going to get well as we'd expected. But you mustn't hold it against Mollie l for wanting Jim to get thorough rest. It isn't selfishness on her part: you know that; Mollie Ewell never 1 did selfish thing in her life.
 Tt was just that Jim couldn't stand any excitement in his condi- ton and Mollie didn't want any plans upset because of his inability 10 figure in them. l think it was the