The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-04-20
CHAPTER VII


of-the-valley from the bowl on the
piano and, standing before the mir
ror between the front windows In the
living room, fastened them to the
shoulder of her dress. Her fingers
moved so clumsily that the pin pricked
her thumb. She gave an exclamation
Of Impotence at the pin and at her
self. 1t was absurd that she should
feel little frightened because Hugh
had sent Stoney to the station to
meet her instead Of going himself. It
was ridiculous that her hands should
be unsteady because Hugh at supper,
had seemed detached, because JAMIE
had look at her accusingly and Uncle
Charlie, who had invited himself, had
grinned through the meal like dread
full old Billikin.
She told herself that they couldn't
possibly know she had seen Carter
Shelby in Washington. Yet the feel
ing Of fright persisted. Not even her
own lovely reflection framed in the
curlicued gilt of the mirror could re-
assure her entirely. She switched of
the ceiling lights leaving only the am
Der glow Of the davenport lamp. Quarter
of nine. Hugh would soon be through In
the Office. He could come to her. 1t
was absurd to be frightened.
She seated herself on the davenport
in the circle of amber light. Across
the room, in the shadowy mirror, she
saw her reflection, her pale yellow
dress against the dull upholstery, the
flowers on her shoulder, the light
glinting across her hair. This was
how Hugh should see her. She folded
her hands in her lap and waited with
mounting Impotence for him to come.
The telephone in the hall rang shril-
ly. She heard Mrs Quillen coming to
answer it, her heavy step, the rustic
of her best black silk. To Mrs. Quill
len, answering the telephone was an
adventure. Celia thought that she
spent her time somewhere near the
hall waiting for it to ring.
Hello -. :" doomed Mrs. CULLEN.
''No, the doctor, poor man, is in a sany-
tarium Celia knew that she was
likely to give details. She did-a dozen
times day Eyes, it's his house."
A pause and then snort of indigna-
ton. "Well, why didn't you say SO,
Tom? I'll have the fiat of me hand
to- It's for you, Miss Celia" she
shouted into the living room. tits
that rogue of Tom McAllister playin'
his tricks on me-"
If only Mrs. CULLEN would learn to
bring message quietly instead Of
shouting like an auctioneer. That, Celia,
supposed, was too much to expect. She
walked out into the hall, smoothing
away the faint lines which had drawn
her brows into something less than
an angelic expression. Seating herself
on the Chesterfield, she took the tele-
phone from Mrs. CULLEN. Mrs. CULLEN
fingered expectantly. The toe Of
Celia's slipper tapped against the
floor. Mrs. CULLEN vanished in swish
ing of rusty black silk.
"Hello, Tom :"
$50 you're home again." came the
familiar voice at the other end Of the
line. Il saw you in Washington last
night"
'Did you?" Celia's hand crept up to
her throat. Then 1t was Toms profile
she had gllmpsed In a passing taxi
when she was saying good-by to Car
ter in front of that shabby hotel
Aunt Lucy wasn't at home" she con-
tinued hurriedly. II stayed overnight
at the house with Maggie"
"Why did you go?" Tom asked.
''Pve been feeling miserable" The
silver harp strings were plalntive.
Had Tom told jamie or Hugh? She
had to know. "Have you seen any of
my family today?"
"Your secret is safe with me. pretty
girl"
Pretty grill Tom was rather a
dear. ''Thank you for the flowers"
she said. And because she was Celia
she couldn't help adding, I'm wearing
some of them now."
Consolation" he said.
Consolation She didn't quite like
the sound Of that. Did Tom suspect
that she had gone to Washington to
see Carter Shelby? There were times
when she didn't like Tom at all.
did you know that Muriel and Car
ter are engaged?" she asked putting a
great deal Of happy enthusiasm into
her voice.
'sYes -. And have some news"
*Are you engaged. too7" It was
strange that the thought of Tom be-
ing engaged made her feel little for
lorn.
"No." He laughed. .Tm going to
California"
"When7"
SIN couple Of weeks. Some busi-
ness for Mr.. Grove. That's why !
was In Washington yesterday"
"Shall you be away long?"
"About three weeks" came the an
swer over the wire.
Il hope you viii have very nice