Evening star., 1933-11-01
INSTALLMENT XIV.

been necessary for Sue peremp-
torily to command Tommy to
climb in beside her. with Bea
insisting shrilly the bride and groom
would want to take the ride alone.
AS soon as they we're free of the
tangle of traffic about the pier Sue,
easier now that she had foiled the
scheming Bea, Snuggled Tommy to her
side
listen closely, big brother" she said,
her cheek against Tommy'S, because
what I say is going to be very impor-
tant. While I was gone on this trip,
Tommy, L she had started to say
Il married Jeffrey Randall" but the
words would not come. She could not
lie to Tommy If she did, his great
dark eyes would search out the false
hood and the knowledge that she had
cheated him would destroy his blind
faith in her. So she wound uD with, L
decided to become Mrs. Jeffrey Ran
dali"
You mean you're married, Sis?" She
could feel Tommy's thin young body
grow taut. But why didn't you let us
know"
Sue, glad for the second question. 1t
enabled her to evade a direct answer
to the first.
There was no time, dear. 1t all
happened, so unexpectedly. had no
idea you'd come in to meet the ship
and planned to break the news to you
gently" She felt the thin young body
draw away, ever so little. She was
making Tommy feel unwelcome, an in
truder But he wasn't. He was dar-
ling; ling Her ,tl darling She tghtsned hi; ee her
know how glad I was to see you stand
ing there waiting at the end of the
gangplank. And to think you earned
the money for the trip yourself. You're
q lamb
Now she had Tommy back again.
"Aw, it wasn't much. sis" Tommy
protested, "just extra work after school
and holidays"
Il know" Tears dimmed the bright
ness of Sues day. And now that
you're here, you must get acquainted
with jeff. AS explained to you before,
jeff Is our very best friend. You must
like him. Tommy"
Tommy wriggled Embarrassment Of
youth brought face to face with strange
seniority.
Sure I like him, sis, if you do" A
hand came out to meet the one that
Jeffrey extended. was solemnly and
to pact.
Thanks, old man." Jeffrey said. I'll
try to deserve your good willard
Sues. too"
For reason I can't explain at once"
Sue continued to Tommy. 1T is better
that Jeff'S relatives think you have
known jeff all the time and that you've
known about the wedding. too. Just
assume that you have known, and if
any of them ask questions. you either
don't answer or put them off. Wouldn't t
ask you to do it, Tommy, except that
it is for your good and for Jeff's. Do
you think you can manage"
ened with conscious Importance. All
they'll get from me they can put in
one tin ear"
said --The way he caught up with us
on the pier proves he is gentleman
and a diplomat"
If further evidence of Jeffrey Ran
dan's desirability as a brother were
needed by Tommy, Jeh's estimate of
him supplied it.
Sue, relaxing rubbed the boys cheek
with her own soft one.
Then Tommy will come with us. I'll
tomorrow perhaps. or the day after
Excellent" jeffrey agreed I've some
gadgets in my trophy room think he'll
like"
But. sis" - Tommy's eyes were
stricken-"arent you coming home?
Mothers expecting you. She thought
you'd come right on from the boat"
I'm afraid I can't. dear" regretfully.
"You see, it's been arranged for Jeff'S
relatives and friends to drop into his
house and greet us. I couldn't let
them down. Ill get hold of mother
and explain
Then think I'd better beat it
home Hard to be a grown man when
enc is just a boy and faces a big dis
appointment.
Mother isn't so well, and Herman
will be nagging her about you not turn
ing up"
Tommy. I can't let you go."' Sue
clinging desperately to her own.
"Aw, sure you can, sis Tommy be-
came the grown-up, soothing bruised
emotions. "I'll see you in day or so
when you come home and in the mean
time guess jeff can take care of YOU
You can bet every nickel you have,
Tommy, that III take care of Sue
Then l guess I'll go right to the
station and catch a train Sue you
phone mother. so things'll be kind of
set when I get there
oh. Tommy boy. I need you so.
Sue giving way again.
Say, sis,''-Tommy was puzzled
whats the matter with you? You act
kind of funny. Didn't jeff say he'd
stay on the job while I'm gomez"
of course" Sue sat up, Thisked the
tears from her eyes. I'm being a reg