The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1932-01-29

Vile with Mr.. and Mrs. Willard, it
was plain. right at the start of the dis
cussion, that he didn't want her to,
and not because he needed her at the
Office, either. She couldn't go to the
Office, anyway. just then, because she
was laid up with cold and dad had
temporary girl in her place.
"That cold is likely to hang on to
Edith for weeks with the kind Of
weather we have around here this
time of year." Mr.. willard had said
suddenly one night. "Why don't you
loan her to us for the trip? Wen
show her a good time for two weeks
and bring her back blooming"
Mother, after a quick glance at dad,
had been noncommittal about It; didn't
see how it would be possible to get
her ready on such short notice; her
clothes would need lot Of going over.
But this, the girl felt, wasn't the real
issue. She went to bed as soon as the
Willards left, aware that something
would have to be talked out between
her parents, in connection with the
trip, that she couldn't hear.
Dad told. her next morning at break,
fast that she could go, but there was
a look in his face that made her feel
like saying she didn't want to.
She didn't say it, and he didn't act,
after that, as though he wished she
had. He saw her off on the train with
the injunction to have the best kind Of
good time, and he and Mr.. Willard
joked with each other until the train
moved the last Of her misgivings.
Only it didn't, somehow. She was
left feeling sort of queer about it.
She had perfectly lovely time; got
over her cold; played golf; danced;
had her first experience riding horse
back and found it awfully exciting;
and reveled in luxurious bed and
big bathroom all her own, and in never
getting up for breakfast until she felt
like it.
Letters from mother were the worst
she got one every two or three days;
always affectionate, rejoicing in the
wonderful time her. daughter was hav-
ing, but economical of home news.
There wasn't anything to write about,
really. She and dad were both well;
business was going on just about as
usual; Mr.. German hadn't come in
yet, but there were still hopes that he
would-on some basis, at any rate.
There wasn't anything she said that
made the girls throat ache with SYM
pathy. It was what she didn't say.
All told, when the two weeks were
over, she found herself in passionate
hurry to get home
Their train got in in the middle Of
the morning, and 1t surprised her to
find dad waiting for her on the plat
form. He impressed her as looking
rather pale, but this was probably be-
cause all the people she had been see
ing lately were so brown. He told her
emphatically when she asked how
he was that he'd never felt better in
his life.
He seemed to be watching the Will
lards, who had got little ahead, to
make sure they didn't get away. That
was funny, because, of course, they'd
wait. 1t struck her as they drove away,
leaving the two men behind, that it
had really been to see Mr.. Willard,
rather than herself, that dad had met
the train.
There was no doubt, though, for
whom mother was waiting. She must
have been watching for the car, for
she opened the front door the minute.
they stopped, and came flying out to
meet them. There was, something
thrilling in the way she swooped down
the steps. Edith was always forget
ting low pretty she was.
They Rugged each other on the side
walk, stood with their. arms around
each other, thanking Mrs. Willard
while the chauffeur was carrying in
the bags and when they got safely in
side they embraced again. The girl
felt her eyes getting yet but she didn't
care.
Then went together, rather aimless-
~, 1nlo Ine sililHS roolu' anu ~" lHerc
fell momentary stiffness. There was
nothing in particular to do, yet it
seemed silly to sit down in couple
of chairs, like callers. Mother must
have felt it, too, for her voice, when
she spoke, the next minute, had sort
of company sound.
you're looking beautifully WELL"
she said mo need asking If you had
a good time"
'T'm feeling great" Edith said. "And
/ had a gorgeous time. Mother, do
we have to wait, and-lead up to
things? want to know how it's going
at the Office; what's been happening
to dad"