Montgomery County sentinel., 1935-02-28

| you would be my wife"
| She hesitated before she answered
him. Guardian, that can never be r.
His astonishment, his pain, was gen.
uine. Across her mind f1oated the
memory Of a fairy tale once told her
by Mother Martha. Of a wolf who de-
sired to become human. Gordon Has
kell's eyes at that moment were oddly
like those Of wounded animal baffled
In Its attempt to step from its own
kingdom into another.
"You are very young, Berenice. Do
not be final."
II know that 1t could never be,
Guardian"
why not?" he gasped crisply.
What is wrong with me that you can
not love me?"
Love doesn't come at call. You've
been very good-devoted to our FAM
| lily"
He stepped back few PAGES. his
face ashy white, his hand clutching
with the old gesture of pain at his
heart.
"You have an attack! Shall l bring
you water?"
"Yes, hurryw
He was sitting by the fire when she
returned. After drinking the water
he Strengthened up again and NUT
tered, II must avoid emotion. Don't
let these young teachers make love
to you, Berenice. You have money,
they have nonel"
She flushed with anger! "How can
you imply such things, Guardian
They have been most kind to me-
anyone is kind, think, who stays in
this old academy"
"They are well paid"
"People Of their attachments would
be well paid anywhere. l repeat-it's
kind Of high sacrifice and devotion
to stay herel'
He looked furtiyely at her. "Why?"
Because of the wax figures, and
the old sad memories. Balder says the
last Christmas tree we ever had is In
the belfry room. 1t ought to be de-
stroyed."
"And l should like the key to the
room where the figures are"
mo. no, my dearl l know best"
Janet entered at that moment, and
Berenice welcomed her warmly. LET
us go up and see Mother Martha" she
proposed. I'm the east wing"
Janet hesitated. "Have your per-
mission, Mr.. HaskellT
Certainly" he answered. not look
Ing at her.
Berenice led the way down the cor
ridors-up a staircase, through one
totally deserted and shut-up floor to a
large room with fireplace under the
caves. 1t was hung with photographs
of the Bracebridge family, and on one
shelf was collection of children's
toys. Before the soft-coal fire sat
Mother Martha in her rocking chair,
her hands in her black silk gloves, her
bright shawl wound closely around her
STOPPING shoulders.
1--WE brought Janet to see your
''Sit you down. It's been a fine day
| -AAhG tAC uoJo WuCH tuCy were Hi
here i used to hear them runnin' and
callin' me. The brown mans locked
'em up now."
"Just the figures, Mother Martha"
"They're yours not less, Berenice.
You have your Sunday frock onw
Eyes, Mother Martha"
The old woman searched Janet's
face anxiously. "You are not taking
her away?"
"No-oh, no !"
Mother Martha rocked herself In her
chair. gazed at the glowing Goals. Up
in this high story the wind whistled
as If they were in tower. saint you
been up the ravine YETI"
Eyes. once"
"'Tis an awful place-a place OF
DEATH"
eyes. DEAR" Berenice said soothing
ly; "but don't think Of that new. Show
Janet all the things you knit SO beauti
fully"
When they were going away Mother
Martha called Janet back to her and
grasping her arm, drew her down con
fdentially. HE laughs at the stories
they tell about this old house-but it's
all gospel truth. I seen 'em-walk
Ing"