Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-20

a work in the sunshine of the
4 "A deep porch, Shirley fell into
conversation with the old
Peterses.
I've known Stan since we were kid
dies" Shirley said, by way of introduce
ing the subject.
$50 I understood" said the old lady.
deep, sudden sigh, I'VE were to have
been married. You knew that?"
Some one was telling you that at
the funeral, Settle" said the old doctor
But my husband was dying. and he
wished to be reconciled," Shirley went
on 1T was a terrible position for me,
terrible. But it seemed to me that there
was only one thing to do; let him die
in peace"
Nobody will ever know what 1t cost
me-" Shirley said. ct meant giving up
Stan. And he has always been the
most wonderful person in the world to
me-"
Hes pretty wonderful feller!" said
the doctor after short silence.
Hes man that woman-like that
can easily get hold Of" Shirley said
lightly, feeling her way. Because he
believes in all women!"
Neither of the old people spoke; the
doctor fixed shrewd bright look upon
her, the old lady coughed distressedly.
Haven't you noticed that Miss Yorke
is simply infatuated with him? Why,
thought that was a recognized thing!"
Shirley said in innocent bright surprise.
She seems a real sweet girl" faltered
Cousin Settle.
I'VE all thought sol" Shirley agreed
quickly. Even poor Mrs. Cutting
thought sol"
Wasn't Cousin Hattie real fond of
her?" the old lady demanded.
Almost to the end" Shirley ex-
planned. And then she saw-well, what
you all see. It separated me and Stan
Couldn't couldn't stand that!
know men are not like women, but right
here, in his aunt's old home, it seemed
SO terrible!''
There's nothing wrong between 'emi"
said Cousin Settle valiantly. She looked
at her husband reproachfully, for help.
but the doctor, after a long look at
Shirley, had pursed his lips and was
looking down at the porch floor.
Shirley realized perfectly that to him
her little ruse was as a pane of glass,
but she would not abandon the charge
at this first rebuff. The old wife was
uneasy, it was plain, and 1t was to Mrs.
Peters that she directed her next re-
mark.
lone feels that it is not-quite fair
of Stan," she said, "either to her or to
us. / spoke to him about it last Fall,
and Immediately he wrote you. But
even that doesn't seem quite fair. Your
being here, mean"
Doctor and knew he admired her.
At least, we suspected it," said Mrs.
Peters uncomfortable Didn't we, doc
tor?" she asked, trying to draw her
husband into the conversation.
Il respect the girl for mindin' her
own business" the doctor drawled.
And don't know but what we nights
you're very generous. doctor" Shir-
ley told him with a laugh, land I think
perhaps you're right; it's entirely their
own affair. But you and Mrs. Peters
are such lovely, old-fashioned people,
church members and all that, that I
felt
"You don't believe" Mrs Peters
said anXiouSly to her husband as Shir-
ley paused All her fears were aroused.
If Stan Crittenden, her own Cousin
Hattie's husbands sisters child, had
asked Leander and herself down here
to cover up any such carvings on, then
at least Sarah Peters need be a party
to it no longer!
Now look here, Settle" the doctor
said soothingly.
Don't think that I believe anything
is really wrong, myself" Shirley said
quickly and earnestly. 81 don't! But
a great many of STAINS friends do, I'M
fortunately. I see them, you know,
and that's what made me wonder just
what you and DR.. Peters felt about it
and how long you were going to stay,
and all that! No, it's STAINS business
she added lndulgently, land it doesn't
concern us bft-does it?"
We'll, in way it Doesn't" Mrs.
Peters agreed, with little shocked and
angry laugh. But in another way-my
gracious" she reflected vexedly. II
declare sometimes think doctor and
are couple of babies!" she broke out
1T wouldn't occur to us In a thousand
years ever to think of such a thing!
I've always known that man with lots
of money"
Il wouldn't get myself all worked up
over it, Settle" the doctor said. I'VE
know Marg'ret, and she's one of the
incest, sweetest girls ever saw-she's
something Ike our Dolly don't know
as I'd worry myself
Yes, 1 know, DOCTOR" rs wife said
pathetically, family impatient But
.sn't that the worst sort? You and I
don't know anything about her except
just what Hattie knew
And that's enough" the old an in