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

Celia waited impatiently in the
shadow of the lilac bushes beside the
gate at the end Of the garden. Tom
had said that he would come In half
an hour. 1t seemed an eternity since
she had crept quietly out into the
dark. If Tom shouldn't come >.
She was frightened, desperate. The
devil of doubt and his fifteen BROTH
ers marched in fiendish procession
through her mind.
Hugh was in love with JAMIE. Some
thing had happened this afternoon.
jamie had fallen downstairs. She wore,
at supper a bandage and a blissful
smile. Celia hadn't needed to be told
in words. JAMES, face was enough
and Hugh's expression as he pushed
in her chair at the table. JAMIE had
taken Hugh away from her. How
had it happened? How could he pre-
fer brown little jamie? Celia's nails
bit sharp creseents into the palm OF
her hand.
She had to get away. She couldn't
stay on in Mulberry Square with Fa-
Their a cripple and Mother economic
ing and people talking and Hugh In
love with JAMIE. Tom must take her
away. California! She had never
travelled. Only stupid trips with Great
aunt Rose. 1t might be pleasant. Tom
had always loved her. Would he take
her? He must.
She grew very fond Of Tom as she
waited for him in the shadow Of the
lilacs. He was, in his way, quite as
good-looking as Hugh. Every one pre-
dicted a brilliant future for Tom.
Senator McAllister, Governor McAllis-
ter. The Governors Lady. She would
advance Toms career, be perfect
hostess, entertain distinguished peo-
pie "He owes it all to his wife.
Lovely little thing"
There were voices in the garden.
Hugh and JAMIE walked towards her
under the arbor. Celia drew back
further into the shadow of the lilacs.
sim going with you," JAMIE said as
they passed very close to Celia.
do you feel like driving that far"
'I'm going with you everywhere
always" JAMES, voice was
singing.
Celia felt very lonely, crouching
there in the shelter of the bushes. It
hurt her to see them walk together
through the gate. Hugh's arm was
around JAMIE; her head, with it's white
bandage, rested against his shoulder.
jamie was secure. 1t was Celia who
was frightened, desperate. How had it
happened? Plain little jamie. Pretty
Celia. Everything In the world was
most decidedly wrong.
She heard the engine of the car they
called 'Horatius." She felt lonelier
than ever If you are pretty you
can take what you want from life i.
That theory hadn't worked out very
well. What was the matter with the
world?
Celia :"
Tom had kept his promise. Relief
.surged into her heart.
"Toml" She gave him both Of her
hands,
whats the idea of having me meet
you here?" He looked at her search
ingly in the glow Pickering in from
the corner light. II feel like Rachers
gentleman friend"
Something has happened" The
silver harp strings quivered.
"Are you consulting me profession
allyn" he asked in the teasing voice
which Celia could never quite UNDER
stand you're trembling, DEAR" The
teasing vanished. There was ten
derness In his voice. "Your hands
are cold"
''I'm miserable" she said brokenly.
'Tell me about it." 50
Celia drew long quivering breath.
Hugh is in love with JAMIE" She
lifted her face, dampened with dew,
wan and wistful She thought that she
must look very appealing.
II know that" Tom said quietly.
$50 must go away" Celia's hands
crept up to her heart. "Janie is my
dear little sister. Her happiness
means everything in the world to me-"
Cecilia, Cellar
She drew away from him. Her
head lifted proudly.
mo one understands" she said in
the patient voice of martyr. "There
Is no one who understands"
Il understand, my DEAR" There
was only tenderness in Toms pleasant
voice. He drew her close to him. "Of
course, understand"
His gentleness disarmed her.
Il am unhappy" she sobbed, know
ing that with him she could not pre-
tend. "Take me away with you. Please
take me away from it all.D
Would you 60 with me, Cellar"
"Yes." Her eyes were wide and
imploring. "You must take me.
can't stay here
He was silent for moment.