The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-02-24


mean anything In almost every fell
lows life. They drink too much some
times, too. I'm sorry. but it's So. But
that doesn't mean they're hopeless
drunkards and-degenerates. There
hasn't been anything to drink. or any
of that kind of kisses for me in a long
time. You know that, and you know
why, too. And you ought to know
that it would mean more than any
thing in the world to me If 1 could kiss
you again"
Paul had learned good many val
liable lessons in the last months.
Mary learned one now. The boy was
humble, but he was not abject. If he
had a right to demand nothing else
from her, he deserved and demanded,
at least, fair play and respect.
"When you go to New York" she
began.
you'll let me kiss you good-by"
Fhis was not at all what Mary had
intended to say. She hesitated min
ute, and then, in spite of herself she
nodded. Then she leaned forward and
touched his cheek with her lips, SO
lightly that it seemed merely as If a
flower had brushed it.
"The telephone is ringing" she
said, over her shoulder and left him to
answer 1t as she fed.
II wonder If Mary and Paul are
really going to make up, after ALI"
Philip asked Blanche, a few days
later.
'Oh, hope not-even If he is my
brother! You wouldn't want her to
marry him now that she's got such a
splendid chance!''
splendid chance!"
"Yes. OF getting Mr.. Hamlin. Why
If she took Paul, even If he was good
enough for her. which of course he
isn't. she'd be buried in Hamstead all
the rest of her life!'
swell. shouldn't mind being buried
in Hamstead. with someone | loved"
Philip said. What do you say about
starting in to fix up the little law
Office for ourselves this spring after
am hAOW yOu NtllO WI
the idea when | first suggested 1t.
But I'd enjoy the work immensely.
and can probably get off for month
next summer"
"Oh, Philip. couldn't we go some
where else? There's plenty of time
for that! I'm crazy to see Bar Har-
Dor or Newport"
"All right, honey. just as you pre-
fer" he said quietly.
He left Hamstead with the growing
certainty that Paul and Mary were
really making up" Violet shared
this certainty and ran up several new
bills on the strength of it. Mary
came in and out of her house again,
as If nothing had ever happened. She
helped with the preparations for
Paul's departure for New York. with
energy and interest. Austin had de
cided to go by way of Boston and they
were therefore leaving on the morning
train instead of the midnight. And
when Paul came downstairs ready tn
start, he found Mary. and not Seth.
NdltlllS llG iilLlG Olu SiClSU, ~ Iuhe
him to the station.
She had, as Violet often remarked.
mo style to her." and this morning
she had even less than usual. 1t was
bitterly cold, and she had on an old
fur coat of her mothers, worn and
shabby and out-of-date, knitted hood
of red wool. and red wool mittens
But Paul thought he had never seen
her look half so lovely. She had
seemed, since Christmas, so much less
tired than for long time, so much
like his old playmate. his old sweet
heart.
Mary drove, and they rode along,
talking of trivial things, laughing
often, until they had almost reached
the village. Then Paul put his arm
around her and laid his hand over
hers.
You promised me-" he said softly.
Mary turned her face to his ex-
actly as she might have done ten years
before Paul had meant above every
thing else, that this embrace should
DG gentle, TeNefeHL eVen ana ne dld
not for one minute forget this. But
he had not reckoned on its proving
so utterly impossible to keep all traces
of the passion that was surginc
through him from his lips, and when
he felt the cold, soft cheek growing
suddenly warm beneath them. invol
UNFAIRLY he sought her mouth. In
stead of drawing away from him. as
he instantly feared she might do. she
returned his kiss. For one heavenly
moment they chung TO each other.
Then he bent over and kissed the
little red mittens holding the reins.
"You dear girl" he murmured. MY
own dear Mary" and suddenly seeing
tears in her eyes, he exclaimed. II
didn't hurt you. did |, darling? /
wouldn't have, for the world"
"No- Oh. MOI"
what is 1t then. sweetheart?"
"Hush! You mustn't call me that"
she whispered. 81 didn't realize. when
/ promised. that you wanted that kind
of kiss. thought it was Just for
for proof that we were friends again
for ALWAYS"