The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-12-28

Prudence looked up with start.
when did you steal in, Macky?"
II didn't steal in. l don't like that
word STEAL Miss Prue" The shade
of the lamp ratified as Jane Mack re-
moved it.
my mistake. Bring the light to the
bench, will you" She held up the
collar.
"This is the best thing I've done yet.
myself, am 1? 1t is collar for jeans
kitten. See the little Micky Mouses?"
Jane Mack shifted. "You do so
much for other people, Miss Prue, it's
a shame you should have-have lost
that emerald and the diamonds"
"Forget it. This Is Christmas. l
have a feeling that those stones will
come back some day. suspect"
"Who, Miss Prue?'
"Macky! Has the mere memory of
that hold-up man turned you white?
Hurry up and make us both a cup of
tea. Everything ready for dinner to-
morrow
"Yes, Miss Prue. I've had my tea.
Saw procession in the cup. Can't
tell whether it's going to be wedding
or a party or funeral"
Hours later, Prudence, squeezed into
the back seat beside Mrs. 81 In the
Puffer car, looked up at High Lodges.
This Is the party in your cup,
Macky." she said gaily.
The windows were alight with can
dies. Evergreens gay with colored
bulbs bordered the drive. An all
white Christmas tree, dripping with
silver tinsels glittering with artificial
snow, glimmering with white bulbs,
doomed on the lawn In food of light.
| The atmosphere throbbed with gayety
and good cheer and Christmas spirit.
Prudence regarded herself In the
long mirror in the dressing room. For
the first time since she had left the
city and festivities behind her, she
was wearing an evening gown. The
color was Christmasy. Should she
have worn a frock so backless to a
party like this? Why not? 1t was her
| best, and the best was none too good
for this festivity.
Her brother Joined her in the hall.
"Pve been looking for you, Prue. Sorry
not to wait and come with you, but
Gerard wanted me here early"
Hes always wanting you, David.
I don't know where we would have
tucked you into the Puffer car had you
waited. Isn't that music heavenly !!
| I've never seen more glorious Christ
mas tree Looking pretty snappy,
aren't your? she approved gaily, to
camouflage the surge of thanksgiving
which shook her as she looked at him,
| apparently so strong, so well. "You
| are not terribly hard to look at your
self. Miss Mack is doing her bit for
the honor of the family. She is stiff
with black glitter, and she is smiling.
Shall we go DOWN."
From the stairs Prudence saw Jean
and Rodney Gerard greeting the ar
| irving guests. Rodney looked up. The
| color mounted to his forehead as his
eyes met Prue's. Her heart grew
wings He must have forgiven her,
| he must want to be friends again, or
he wouldn't look at her like that. He
| crossed the hall and met her as she
| reached the lowest step.
"K. X. and began to think you had
passed up our party" He dropped
the hand he had seized Help make
people feel at home, will your he
asked stiffly. you'll find Jim in the
next room," he flung over his shoulder
| as he turned away.
| His voice had the effect Of shower
of ice water. Anger burned away
| the chill. Was he afraid that she
might expect him to devote himself to
| her IL he showed even decent civility?
He needn't worry. With chin up she
entered the room in which dancers
were swinging and humming to the
| rhythm of the music.
| "Come out to the sun porch, Prue.
| want to talk to you"
The grimness of Armstrong; voice
generated prickles in her veins. Had
he found out what she had told Rod
ney? Was he furiously angry? Per-
haps he would sue her for saying that
she was engaged to him. That was a
| cheerful thought for this merry Christ
mastide.
TO BE CONTINUED.