New Britain herald., 1927-01-25

AUNT GERTRUDE SAID wave of astonishment that deep- ened the color in her cheeks and parted her lips as she caught her | breath.
 Do you mean-Do you think she really means it?" she gasped "Oh! To. California! I can't really believe 1t? It seems too wonder full to be true"
 She got up and went into the house, feeling the need of doing something to relieve her excite. l ment.
 "California-Hollywood." she was thinking jerkily. ''Hollywood-mov- ing picture studios" It seemed like a direct answer to prayer. Its the chance of lifetime T Aunt Gertrude put 1t soberly into words at dinner half hour later, Ito have just one nice little girl like Jean to teach instead of a whole roomful. It will give ,ou some time to yourself. Of course, I shall miss you. but l wouldn't stand in the way of your going for anything"
 It was not until the cottage pud- ding had been eaten and the coffee drunk that Robbie asked the ques- tion that had been on the very tip of her tongue all through the hot heavy meal.
 Where is she going in Cali fornia?" she asked. ITO fan Diego?" She was actually afraid to ask If Mrs. Burrage were going to take Jean to Hollywood. She was afraid that perhaps she wasn't!
 But Aunt Gertrude did not know.
 She didn't stay what town she was going to-" she answered, and a gleam of suspicion came into her sharp eyes. T suppose you're hoping she's going to Hollywood. aren't you?"
 Robbie nodded.
 Well. I hope she isn't!" Aunt Gertrude retorted. T wouldn't want you to go if thought she was going to that crazy-fool place! You'd probably come back more movie-struck than you went out! Anyway. think she did say some- thing about San Diego"
 At that instant the telephone in the hall rang through the house. CHAPTER " Before the telephone had time to ring a second time, Robbie had the receiver off the hook. Hello" she said, and her voice was not very steady. May I speak to Miss Ransom = to little Miss Ransom ?" asked the woman's voice at the other end of the wire. People often called Bob. bic little Miss Ransom" to Gis. tinguish her from Aunt Gertrude.
 This is Roberta Ransom" Bob. bic answered. "and this is Mrs Burrage, isn't 1t? Aunt Gertrude was just talking to me about you!' She was 50 excited that her breatt came in fluttering gasps.
 "Oh, yes," Mrs. Burrage's low pleasant voice went on. Then .-6r know why I called you, don't you And was wondering if you could drop in at my house this afternoon for a little while. That is, if you think you'd like to go to Hollywood with Jean and me-"
 Hollywood! Boobies heart gave wild leap, and then seemed tc stand perfectly still. It seemed much too wonderful to be true!
 Hollywood. For a moment che did not hear what Mrs. Burrage was saying. But when she came back to earth she was asking ii Robbie could be at her house al three that afternoon. "Or course" Robbie replied l faintly, and after she had hung ur | the receiver she wasn't sure that she had even remembered to say "Goodby."
 She went back to the comfort. able sunny dining room where Aunt Gertrude was sipping another cup of coffee.
 ''Well?" she asked. her rather bulging gray eyes alight with cur | iousity, "was 1t Mrs. Burrage?" Robbie nodded.
 Pm going over to see her al three o'clock" she said happily Haloed by its bright hair, her face was radiant with joy. "Oh. Aunt Gertrude, isn't 1t simply too, toe wonderful! But I wonder if really ought to go. I'm afraid the house will be lonely for you, al day long,"
 "Nonsense!" Aunt Gertrude was brisk. T wouldn't stand In youl way for minute, I want you te go. I want you to get out in tho world and zee something besides this place. I don't want you to stay in rut all your life the way ] have!"