Evening star., 1931-06-22
A2DD TIE LUCKY LAweENeEs VI
Nv y No'-++" "0'''' GST1aoykN
R KATHLEEN NORRIS

shame 1t simply wouldn't do, to bring
this unasked, too young, too beautiful
little sister; it would create awkward
nesses unthinkable-it would complicate
an already complicated situation.
"Oh, no, couldn't-Ive got a date
with the crowd tonight" Ariel protested
quickly.
For an instant the matter hung fire,
and Gail did not know whether or not,
in that instant, Ariel sent her Q glance
of wild hope. Immediately the younger
girl settled the matter and was run
ming back into the house shouting,
Have good time"
Despite her sisters protests Gail felt
like q murderer as Vans car shot away
across the long bare road, away from
dusty dull Clippersville into the beauty
and shade and GOODNESS of Far Niente.
The thought of that quick hopeful
glance of Ariel's-that glance that
might never even have been sent or
been thought of haunted her.
Vans mother proved to be thin dark
smart woman in beautiful transparent
gown Of orange and black. She greeted
her son with a fretful Ivan, suppose
you know your fathers furious at you
and making life simply wretched for
me?" and gave to Gail only an alb
Stracted frown.
II think ycu were in school with my
mother, Editha Petrie, in San Fran
cisco?" Gail said trying to seem at
ease.
Il was in school with nobodys
mother and I won't be incriminated,
and I am praying the Lord to grant me
long and prosperous 31l" Mrs.
MurchiSon said to the company at large
rather than to Gail.
She'll never forgive you that as long
as you live, Call" Van exclaimed in the
laughter that followed. Gill laughed,
too but she felt hot and uncomfortable.
In all it was an uncomfortable visit;
the least happy she had ever had at
Far Niente, even including the first,
with its nervousness and shyneSs. Mrs.
Murchison's presence seemed to accent
uats Calls feeling of not belonging to
the group; Mary Spence had gone to
Canada on her long trip back to Welles-
ley: Lucia Tevis was shortly to join
her A new girl was at the ranch, an
intimate Of Lenore Phipps; the two
appeared to have much to say to each
other confidentially. For the rest there
were three men Gail had never seen
before; they were absorbed in the topic
of the golf tournament at Del Monte,
and for little while on Saturday after
noon Gail was excited by the possibility
Vi iii OOWIl 10 RO1lDcIGy 10
try days preliminary playing.
But in the end it was decided that
the three men and Van should leave
before breakfast and go there alone.
That is, would" Van said, "if
didn't feel it would leave Gail in the
lurch!'
Wen take care of GAIL" Mrs. Chipp
said.
I'VE were going up to lunch with
Ethel and play bridge" Mrs. Murchi-
son reminded her in a light droning
voice not intended for Calls ear.
"Oh, well, that's all right" said Mrs.
Wen just leave her here to amuse
herself and the boys will be back for
dinner, and Wen all go home Monday
afternoon"
Gail had to protest; her library Job
would stand no more trihing She
must be back Sunday afternoon posi-
lively.
There ensued one Of the blank
pauses that SO upset their autocratic
plans. Well, then-well, then
Mason was going back, Of course.
with fruit and vegetables. For the
second time Gail leaped at the oppor-
tunity to go home with Mason.
But, my dear, he's going frightfully
early" said Mrs. Chipp. Hes going
at perfectly unearthly hour. Eight,
think, because it gets so frightfully
hot"
Fights nothing to mel" Gail said,
laughing nervously. She wanted to go
home! She wanted to put it out of
these persons power to hurt her any
more. Wont these golfers be break
fasting early?" she asked.
It was arranged. The bridge players
plunged back gladly into the mysteries
of vulnerability and redoubling. The
young men played tennis, and Gail
watched.
Later. going to the cabin to dress.
she heard Mrs. Chipp good-naturedly
reproaching somebody for something.
The voices came from behind a screen
of shrubs and tall flowers where the
hammockS were.
1T was dreadful mean It was un-
mistakable-I mean it was enough to
make him furious" said Mrs. Chipp'S
amused Indifferent voice.
Another womanS voice spoke quickly
in answer, laughingly and indifferently,
too, but with more vigor. Mrs. Murchi-
sons voice.
Gail could not hear the first dozen
words. But the last trailed through her
consciousness as she escaped, scarlet
checked out of hearing
-. with Clippersville grill"
The tone, the emphasis of the voice
interpreted the whole to her perfectly.
Vans father would be furious with him,