Evening star., 1932-01-10

She buried her face in his shoulder. That's
Just It'll We won't be able to get any place"
Not if you go on like this" he agreed.
CHE clung to him. Cullen, what can I do?"
> Forget you fear and just tell him. I'll
bet he's slick chap"
"Of course he ISL She lifted a worried,
tear-stained face. That's another thing. I
hate to think of hurting him. 1t isn't as
though didn't love him ="
He peered down at her. Il was under the
impression you loved me-"
Cullen! You know what 7 mean. I've
loved Seth since I was little thing"
We'll, don't mind the father and daughter
idea" reflected Cullen, "if we don't have too
much of it,
She twined an arm around his neck "I guess
you know whom I love-" Then she looked up
with anxious eyes. "It will come out all right,
won't it. Cullen? Tell me it will"
"Of course it will, beloved"
She rested long time in his arms loud
'honk!' sounded close above them-a thick
cloud of wild geese flying almost in formation,
long pointed wings pumping up and down, soft
feathery necks outstretched. With one accord
and with shrill mewing cries that pierced the
wind, the sea-guls scared up from their little
island The wind caught them, tossing them
about mercilessiy. They f1uttered but few
more steadily the higher they rose and had
planed away before the girl stirred in the
mans arms.
i've got to be getting home"
so soon?" His eyes pleaded.
IT'S always so soon, isn't it?" She smiled up
at him. Whether we've had three minutes or
three hours
He sighed. This secrecy this waiting busi-
ness is aging me-" Then he shook his head,
clearing his eyes of a straight lock of hair.
She wondered why he did it for invariably the
lock slipped back, undisturbed till the next toss.
"I1l take that wood" he offered, picking
it up with beautifully nodded hands, hands
meant to hold paint brush rather than rougn,
splintered firewood
flash of something akin to panic crossed
the girls face. Some other time Cullenl"
What help will it be to have me take it
some other time?" His eyes twinkled
She still strove to head him off. Your
painting. aren't you afraid the wind will carry
it away? If it once lands, face down. It's
ruined.
He clutched the firewood. You'll be having
me believe I came out to paint If I'm not
careful. know why you're hedging. You still
believe Seth will shoot me sight"
IT do. That's why keep you out Of sight"
she rejoined. But after all she had an hours
leeway before Seths arrival, so picking up the
tweed hat and crunching sand and pebbles
underfoot, she set off at his side down the
narrow strip of beach with long, sure strides.
Only the weatherbeaten shingle roof of the
house was visible through the dark grove OF
trees He slipped his free arm through hers.
She lost her pensive, reflective look. Her eyes
darted alert, alive to his. She Rugged the
arm slipped through hers.
The stretch before them lessened. The sides
of the house showed through the evergreens,
streaked sides needing another coat Of white
wash. They reached the battered door in
silence but with undercurrent rushing
along turbulently within them
| lis eyes caressed her. He looked down where
! ! her curls had blown over his suede should
der. I'm mad about you and you love
and that's the end of it."
The girl laughed uncertainty.
Just what do you mean by that chuckle?"
IT mean you're right, but I'm frightened,
Cullen
He brushed her lips lightly. Every time
you're frightened I'll kiss you"
But, Cullen I'm frightened all the time"
so much the bet" then he saw her eyes
were dancing. The driftwood fell at his feet
with thud as he caught her to him.
Mara, if any one else gets you it will be
tenderly. Have you decided?" he asked.
About posing?"
You're sure you want me top
1--WE asked you for several days." he
minded her
But, Cullen, I've never posed" His hand
lifted protestingly, but she continued. It have
no clothes"
That's my job" he informed her, all en-
thusiasm. The heavy black oilskins the black
bandana! 1t will be exquisite, famous!'
Her jersey dropped to the ground. They
reached for it together, hands interlocking.
Sweetheart, you'll do it?" he asked.
Yes" she said quietly.
His voice was vibrant. "I'n be here tomor-
row morning and every day if you feel up to