The Coolidge examiner., 1934-07-27

touch her hand. Its just that I
am 70 blame. II drives me- crazy.
can't forget f. cant get Il out OF
my head 2"
lie left the dining room abruptly.
They did not see him again all day.
when Hugh came 10 at supper
time. jamie was waiting FOR him on
the Chesterfield IN the hall She
glanced up at him anxlously as she
helped him pull OF bis driving
gloves and his heavy coat His face
was weary but peaceful lie looked
- though he had fought n hght and
reached a hnal decision.
supper is ready" jamie said.
That's good. I'm starved"
"You didn't come home for lunch"
Il was busy. / didn't have time"
He walked with bis arm around
her out into the dining room. Celia
already was seated. She wore the
slim little black crepe frock. Her
face vas pale. There were shadows
under her eyes
Celia glanced up with smile for
Hugh.
4 didn't know when you'd be In"
she said.
That's all right" He pulled out
Janle's chair. settled himself in Fa-
TIERS place at the head OF the table.
jamie wondered why Hugh's face.
so tortured when be strode away
from the breakfast table. should
now have that look OF peace.
Il have written TO Doctor Bal.
lard" he said when dessert had
been served. Il told him | would
stay here as long as be needs me-
Janie's heart leaped Into her
throat what did II meant what
would Celia thinkl Whatever would
happen now
you mean-eyen after June7-
Celia asked family.
"As long as can be Of use 10
him" There was note OF finality
In Hugh's steady voice.
NO" IL vas sharp instructive
cry. Celia was caught or guard
NO. Hugh You can't do that
There's no need"
Hugh looked a, Celia. He looked
away.
4 wan, TO-" he said simply
III
jamie lay on the hearth In front
Of the living room nre. propped up
sidewise on her elbow. her cheek
In the palm OF her hand. Celia wan.
dered res,iessly around the room.
ITS sieeting." she said. The sill
yer harp strings tangled
Hugh ought 10 be back pretty
soon" jamie said drowslly.
Hugh Is simply morbid be
lleye he enjoys being a martyr. lie
has no right TO sacrifice himself
10 sacrifice" She paused alb
ruptiy.
JAMIE knew she was thinking OF
herself Celia hated the square.
4 think he's splendid" she said
warmly.
"Of course be s." Celia dropped
into the armchair beside the fire. Il
feel so miserable" she said. "rve
cried myself sick about Father"
Celia stared AZ the flames. jamie
stroked Kllue's rough coat. The
quiet OF the room was broken only
by the sleet against the windows.
the swapping OF the logs. the dull
ticking OF the onyx clock on the
mAntel.
'Tye been thinking" jamie pres
emily said. that we could FIX over
the parlor into a room for Fa-
ther."
The parlor." Celia repeated ABB
sently.
II would be hard for him 10 get
up and down stairs" jamie swal-
lowed and continued I'VE could
make II into cheerful room and
have a door cut through into the
Office. and Stoney could sleep in
there on a cot" Janie's face bright
ened with enthusiasm. Il have the
Christmas money Aunt Lucy gave
me, and 50 have you. We could do
IL for a surprise. Father could see
people In the Office and wheel him
self out into the dining room for
meals and"
jamie! How can you7" Celia In
terrupted.
How can | what?"
Talk about IL so casually"
Celia's face was as white as
blanched almond; her hands were
clasped tightly over her heart.
How can you think OF turning the
parlor into a sick room? People
don't have beds in the parlor except
on Juniper street"
But Father won't be exactly
sick" jamie tried TO explain. And
he'll still be Father. We could make
1t look Ike a sitting room except
for the bed and"
Hush" Celia said sharply.
JAMIE glanced up. her eyes wide
with surprise. Celia reconsidered.
The white fury in her face softened
perceptibly.
Il can't bear IL - she said broken