Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-06-12
BIRTH Coast PSqpk-By Annie Rogers Knowlton

at hand when Jenny emerged at the long flight
of steps that led from the hall to the street.
But he was only in time to see the full light Of
the entrance lamp gleam in the waves of
Jenny's black hair. IS she was handed into
Beckett's waiting Ford by its delighted owner.
His lips protruding in an unamiable pout, Luke
was forced to trudge alone down Broad street,
and out Ocean avenue, to his residence. BY all
rights, Jenny should be there ahead of him. But
ray of lamplght streaked across the harbor,
lying peaceful under the full moon.
He entered the house abruptly. Her long
wooden cap brushed against his shoulder as he
hung up his hat Disgustedy he shook his fin
gers free from their involuntary clasp of its
folds.
CRIMIEY, how she had made over the whole
~ place. The wholesome feel of her was
everywhere. His back to the lamp, Luke gazed
out on the shining harbor, nor heard Jenny's
noiseless turn Of the knob. And when her brisk
step caused him to face about her mouth fell
open at the expression of his features, suddenly
turned youthful.
Luke what ?" she began doubt
fully.
"Beckett?" he rasped Where's he gomez"
Back to the dance reckon, lookin' for an
other partner" The blood had leaped to her
cheeks at Lukes manifest concern, and his face
reflected the glow.
"Ymean you've give him the go by? Oh,
Jen :" Clumsy he stretched out one sturdy
arm, as though she must understand its I'M
spoken invitation.
Me? Oh Luke, you big stupid" but her
voice, warm and vibrant, turned the words to
a caress. couldn't you sense it want me Bee
kett was Wantin'? Or anyhow, only as an ex-
cuse to get at Lucy? He"
AN you been lettin me be fooled to the
limit. :" But for once his buster forsook
him, in wave of genuine Thanksgiving. Again
he could only stretch out mutely entreating arms.
But Jenny ignored their invitation a nerv-
BUSINESS such she had never thought to be
guilty of starting little quivers around her eyes,
her lips
Amt you askn' no more questions Luke?
How come Lucy could have all the-the fxin'S
tonight?"
Amt carin' so longs you can tell me. square,
it amt set you back none" he declared with
unexpected unconcern.
Il got to tell you Luke, you might be
blamin' it on somebody else. just knew you'd
BE- plumb unhappy if Lucy want dressed like
she oughter be-when you really understood.
An somehow couldn't bear to have her think
in you was that-that@" She let the SEM
tence hang fire. then continued.
4 let on twas you doin' it all. I didn't lie
to her, Luke, neither. Twas your money paid
for every blessed thing she had. The money
you'd hid in the teapot. I just happened to
ketch sight of it one day-an'-oh Luke say
you're sorry did it. Say it's what you
wanted"
Wanted" he almost shouted They amt
but one thing I want SO much-no-twicet as
much" he concluded with sudden conviction.
What is it, Luke-what is it?" she breathed
TREMENDOUSLY.
TO have you spend all my money Just like
you want to-that is-the most of it," he add
ed. with swift caution
Jenny laughed outright
Same old Luke" she said but it was not in
criticism.
Same as I was 19 years ago. Jen amt
never really changed, fur's you're concerned.
just seemed to. =" His voice trailed OF.
Il know, Luke, know
An you're willin' Jep? KNOWN all, sof~
More willin' because know Luke better'n
most"
Lucy and Beckett, opening the door Of the
kitchen at O'Clock in the morning, could
scarcely credit their senses at discovering Luke
and Jenny side by side on the old couch, utterly
oblivious of the passing of the hours, their
faces touched with the same light Lucy and
Beckett saw reflected in each others
(Copyrisht, 1882