Evening star., 1934-08-26


a small sofa. Il never intend to let yOu
CO." he declared, taking her in his arms.
ST don't remember that you have kissed me
for years. You are always too busy"
Judy blushed. 81 am sorry if you didn't like
It," she stammered
"On the contrary, did like it." Mrs. Calhoun
confessed, and an unaccustomed smile curved
her thin lips.
Dinner was an ordeal for Judy as she feared
every moment that by some thoughtleSs re-
mark or action she might betray Vera and her
secret. Uncle Henry and Granny chatted, but
Stephen was rather silent, for he had had q
severe JOLT He was an average young man Of
modern times; he had a fair knowledge OF
women of all classes, but he had never met q
girl like his cousin Vera. There was about her
certain naivete, lack of sophistication, that
surprised, even while it delighted him. When
she looked at him across the table with her
glowing turquoise eyes, he found his heart rae
ing madiy, while his arms fairly ached to hold
her close once more. He told himself that he
believed he was madly in love at first sight and
he remembered ruefuly, that the girl was his
first cousin.
conee into small priceless cups and Judy had
just heaved sight Of relief that dinner was
over when Uncle Henry turned to her. l-st
"It seems to me that recall that you used
TO play very nicely as a little girl, Vera. Won't
you play something now?"
She plays exactly like the modern youth OF
today" Mrs. Calhoun declared severely. "She
might have been a very good musician had she
cared to. But play Vera. I am going to bed
shortly. anyhow"
Judy was in a dilemma. She couldn't play
modern music-in fact, the only things she knew
were few old-fashioned melodies that she
used to play for her father and that she occa-
sionally strummed for Mrs. Grady on the old
tinny piano in the boarding house
Good gracious, Vera, don't wait to be
coaxed" the old lady snapped, so Judy having
no choice IN the matter, sat down at the piano
and struck few preliminary chords The fire.
light fingered caressingly her and turned
her soft hair into q halo of gold she played
"Annie Laurie" which was Mrs. Gradyis first
choice and then Sweet and Low" which had
been her fathers favorite. Stephen leaned on
the piano and his dark eyes scarcely left her
face.
Those old songs take me back many years."
Mrs. Calhoun said. II never dreamed that YOU
even knew them. Vera" For . moment her
sharp black eyes looked directly at Judy. Then
she said: IF you will give me your arm upstairs.
Henry, shall say goodnight"
Stephen Immediately drew Judy over 10 q
small sofa.
Fancy me coming clear to the United States
to flnd you," he laughed. "And now that have
found you, never intend to let you 60. You
are not by any chance in love with any one else.
are you, little Vera?" az
mo-" Judy whispered quite truthfully. EF
Good! I'm going to be here q week. That
gives you time to learn to love me. I'm already
mad over you, you know. never dreamed there
could be any one quite like you Do you think
you could care for me- sweet?"
q" Judy gasped. "It wouldn't do any
good to learn. Have you forgotten that we are
first cousins?"
much about it in England. though where royalty
so often marries first cousins. It Is too bad
the relationship exists, but 1t cannot be helped"
He turned her face up TO his and kissed her
lips until her breath came In little gasps.
"Now," he said. "can you still say that 1t makes