The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-04-27

There was a rush and a scramble
towards the door. They gathered In
the open doorway. People were as
sembling from all parts Of the Square.
you'd think 1t was Lindbergh I"
Tom exclaimed.
TITS great day In the Square,"
Hugh said quietly.
II wish they'd hurryi" Celia was
dancing up and down.
jamie said nothing at all. She just
chung tightly to Hugh's arm, a lump
in her throat, happy tears on her
lashes. Father was coming homel
Uncle Bradford's car turned into the
Square. 1t seemed an eternity before
1t stopped in front Of the old brick
house. There was Stoney on the front
seat with Uncle Brad. There was Aunt
Rhoda. There was Mother in a new
blue hat, smiling and waving her hand.
There between them was Father, thin
and pale but smiling, too, and waving
his hand at them.
Stoney opened the door of the car.
Aunt Rhoda stepped out. Mother fol-
lowed, Mother not quite 80 plump but
pretty still and wearing a new blue
coat Stoney would have to lift Fa-
Their, Of course. jamie felt that she
couldn't bear it to see Stoney carry
Father up the steps. She hid her face
against Hugh's arm. The arm was
shaking a little. She knew that Hugh
was minding it dreadfully, too. She
pressed her eyes tightly against the
tweed Of his sleeve.
praise Gawdl" That was Rachel's
camp-meeting voice. It indicated that
something Of great Importance had
happened. Mrs. CULLEN was booming.
Celia was crying. Tom was exclaim-
ing.
Look, jamie DEAR" Hugh whispered
in choked-up sort Of voice.
jamie lifted her eyes from his arm.
They widened with surprise. A wave
Of happiness rushed over her which
almost bore her away. Father was
walkingI Using a cane, leaning on
Stoney's arm, Father was walking
towards them, mounting the steps of
the old brick house.
II
There was a great deal Of confusion
at dinner. Mother sat behind the
coffee urn and smiled TREMENDOUSLY.
Father, in his familiar place, ate
little, slipped Uncle Charles sherry,
embraced them all in the genial
warmth Of his smile. Stoney stood be-
hind his chair and could not be per-
suaded to move. Mrs. CULLEN how
cred in the doorway. jamie left her
place beside Hugh half a dozen times
to perch on the arm Of Fathers chair
and rest her cheek against his.
''I'm SO happy" was all that she could
say. It was quite enough. She made
song Of 1t. Gay little laughing notes
sprinkled themselves through the air.
Father smiled at Hugh.
"You won't have to make the sacri.
fee, my boy" he said kindly. "You
can go whenever you like"
II shall stay as long as you need
me-" Hugh answered In choked sort
Va NOACSs Anu WAou SV
He looked at jamie. Every one
looked at JAMIE. She felt that her
cheeks were. flushing, that her eyes
were shining like stars.
jamie is SO young" Mother OBJ
jected.
"Time will take care of that" Fa-
Their patted her hand. "Plans, Hugh?"
mo definite ones" Hugh still
looked at jamie. "We'll 60 abroad for
year or two"
Wei That meant jamie and Hugh.
She knew 1t was true but 1t seemed
like beautiful dream.
"We'l talk about 1t later" Father
said. Surprised, weren't you? Uncle
Charlie knew"
"But 1 didn't tell" The old man
chuckled. He glanced at Celia. jamie
glanced at Celia. Her lashes shad-
owed her eyes. What was she think
ing? Was she happy? Her hand, lift
ing a goblet, trembled. Drops of wa
ter spilled down on the cloth. Mother
looked at her anxiously.
TO an CONTINUED