Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-29

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reen loneliness; green!"
we'll go ride the hills for Capt Dover.
There are lot of hills, too, kid"
He rose and picked up his hat.
Cameron struggled into his sheepskln
and followed him toward the door.
There's one weak spot in your
theory" he said, pausing at the thought.
wouldn't $4,000 in bills choke up a
car If jammed into the gas tank and
would they be any good afterward?"
i've thought OF that myself" De-
fancy conceded, starting downstairs. IF
I had this months pay with me, I'd
try it and see"
Close beside the kitchen window to
catch the failing light Of the lat after
noon. Molly Soners beat eggs in yell
low bowl. She clutched the rim tight
with one hand. holding 1t down upon
the table, and breathed a short ener-
getic gasps while she piled the wire
meshed spoon. Her sister paused in her
apple-peeling to ask:
Don't you want me to do that for
you, honey?"
NO" the little girl answered. speak
ing loudly to conceal her failing conf
o;ence. Il can do 1t beautifully"
For a minute, there was no sound
but the uneven Sloshing of the egg
beater. Then Esther resumed her in
terrupted narrative.
so well have a turkey after all,
Molly. Chief Walker said he'd be glad
to bring 1t out with him
II guess It'll be a nicer one than If
Dad had got It," the child replied with
unadorned frankness.
Poor Dad" her elder sighed con-
scientiouSly. TITS too bad he should
be in hospital on Christmas day"
I'm bet" Molly pursued. that 1t
won't be as nice turkey. though, as
If you'd asked Trooper Cameron to
bring it--oh. dear!"
The egg-beater had slipped in her
weary hand and a squirt Of yellow drops
had flown across the table. Tears Of
egg yolk ran down the faded back of
Gavin'S History Of Oneida County.
There" Esther soothed, rising and
patting the table with her apron, never
mind. No harm done. / think I'll put
this book away. though, honey. The
kitchen isn't the place for it,
Halfway down the hall to the parlor
she exclaimed In fright and the volume
slipped from beneath her arm ana
banged upon the floor.
Ana" she said. "Oh, you startled
mel You shouldn't be up, Ana, I'm
sure. Please go back and lie down
until the doctor comes"
Premature dusk filled the hallway
and In it Ana Lyoff's face fioated
ghoStlike. her eyes enormous In heir
sunken sockets. one unbelievably thin
arm stretched out toward the newell
post for support. Her breath came
short and quick rs though she had
been running, but her voice was con-
trolled
II am quite all right" it said. PHASE
do not worry. Esther. know myself
better than a doctor can. I am little
weak, that Is ALL ! think should like
to sit down. though"
"Oh. yes" the girl responded hastily,
retrieving the fallen volume and lead
ing the way toward the parlor. Come
in here, and If you won't SO back to
bed lie down on the sofa anyway. I've
explained. isn't 1t lovely? she doesn't
know about It yet"
She spoke rapidly TO conceal her
alarm. Ana Lyoff's eyes. seen BY the
stronger light that streamed In through
the westward windows held queer
glitter of suppressed excitement and
above the high cheekhones we're two
hectic spots of color, incongruouS in
the leaden pallor of the surrounding
flesh. The hand that Esther took 10
urge her toward the couch was dry and
almost painfully hot.
Lie down." the girl begged. I'm
move the cushions and make you COM
Portable"
She laid the book upon the table and
bent over the woman, almost forcing
her to submit to having a coverlid
tucked in about her. There" she ex-
claimed at length, isn't that more
comfortable?"
The last watery CLEAN of the sunlight
faded from the wall and the room vas
filled with the chill beginnings of VIM
ter twilight
"You are very good to me. Fsther,"
Ana Lyoff said. and then gave harsh
little cough of a laugh so tomorrow
the bravery of the tree. "A merry
ChristmaSl"
There was a strideney In the voice
that again made Esther uneasy,
"I'll light the lamp" she said. 1T
will be dark in little time now. Then
you can be comfortable here while !
finish cooking"
she adjusted the wick, replaced the
chimney and turned to the couch with
Specious smile.
Il should like to see your stepfather."
Ana LyofF said In the tone OF one cont
manding. There b something ! wish
to discuss with him. quite alone, Ask
him 70 come In here, please,
Dad isn't home just now, Ana" the
younger woman Soothed, Please lie
quiet and rest. Later. perhaps. II the
doctor says YOU are strong enough
"Not homer" the woman asked. Not
homer Who is he to be away WREN |.
tho"
The blank affronted glare faded from
her eyes momentarily and she checked
herself and held out fragile hand
with a smile,
My head Is n little light still, Esther
Tvanova,s she said: but ! am all right
otherwise. You must pardon me, but
have been through much"
Yes, yes" the other replied hastily,