The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-03-23

"You--youre sweet, Hugh" Celia's
eyes were like rain-drenched violets.
The silver harp strings were quivering.
jamie looked at Hugh with a world
Of tenderness in her eyes. But Hugh
was looking at Celia with the freight
shining across her hair.
There was family conference that
evening. Aunt Lucy was present and
Uncle Frank, Aunt Rhoda, Uncle Brad
ford and Great-aunt Rose. Great
uncle Charlie was not invited. But
Great-uncle Charlie came, too. They
were all very much distressed. The
ladies wept and the gentlemen cleared
their threats.
Hugh has offered to arrange for
the expenses" Mother said anxiously.
'But 1t seems to me it's family mat
ter. l don't think John"
Uncle Bradford looked uneasy and
talked about the stock market. Aunt
Rose regretted that, after all, her in
come was inadequate. Aunt Lucy
looked at Uncle Frank.
LET me take care of 1t, Helen" he
said. Already he was reaching for
checkbook and pen.
"Thats very kind of you, Frank"
ats nothing, nothing" He patted
Mothers shoulder. "Glad to help AL
ways glad to help" Uncle Franks
rudy features were wreathed in sat
isfaction. For, twenty-five years ago,
his money had been source of discom-
fort, now 1t was proving Its worth.
"Well, here's to mules and the Civil
warl" Uncle Charlie raised an inyis-
ible glass.
you mustn't, Uncle Charlie"
simple gratitude, my dear" The
old mans waggish smile was softened
and subdued. II might have been
obliged to sell my last three bottles
of sherry wine"
So the arrangements were made.
Father was to be taken to New York
as soon as he was strong enough to en-
dure the trip.
He had been told. jamie knew as
soon as she saw him when she went
to the hospital with Hugh on New
Years eve. His face was whittier than
it had been. There was a look Of pa
thence in his eyes which was very hard
to bear. But he smiled at them and
ran his fingers through Kiltie's coat.
"Pm going away" he said.
"Yes, Father" Tears spilled down
over JAMES, cheeks. Hugh turned and
Sforod ont tho vvindaru
Father smiled with that look of I'M
bearable patience.
LEGS aren't important" he said.
"Father!' A heart-broken little cry.
"There's good chance, Doctor Bal
lard" Hugh's knuckles showed white
through the tan.
Legs aren't important" Father re-
peated. II can use JAMES and
Stoney's and"
"And mine," Hugh offered brokenly.
II wish could give them to you"
They'd run the rest Of me ragged"
It was like Father to make 1t easy for
them. Legs aren't Important Never
| to walk again
ut isn't so bad" Father smiled at
them both. "If we can wake them up,
all well and good" He touched his
useless legs. "If we can't-well,
won't have to run for trains or buy
new shoes Or"
"Pll stay here as long as you need
me-" Hugh's hand was clasped in
| Fathers.
THANK you, my boy. 1 never ques-
toned that"
"rll stay" Hugh repeated huskily.
"I'll do the best l can"
"Do you think we should, Aunt
Lucy?" JAMIE was talking at the tele-
| phone in the hall.
"What is it?" Celia asked, pausing
on the stairs.
jamie covered the mouthpiece with
| her hand.
"Muriel has some guests from Wash
ington. Aunt Lucy wants US to come
out for the evening. It isn't really a
party. Tom win be there and Dolly
Bruce and the Washington people and
Carter Shelby"
jamie saw Celia's expression change.
Her hand on the banister trembled
and was still.
II don't see why we shouldn't" she
said casually.
h0