The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1935-11-21

FLIP of contempt, were still-and
perhaps always would be, in spite
of their advantages of money and
travel-just pair of noisy and
slightly vulgar cubs. But OF course
their father owned most OF the
town of Maynard, and the family
mansion theer was the pride of the
district. Harry and Evelyn cheerily
preferred this ''little place on the
lake" and even intwinter frequent
ly>gaye weekend parties here.
Corine sat in a deep chair in the
Swallowed corner of the sprawling
room, and as she gave a sidelong
glance at the amused profile of Ger
aid Lucas, who stood beside her in
an indolent, provocative attitude,
smoking a cigarette, it seemed to
her that Harry's friends were at lit
tie pathetic, even rustic. Corinne
was coolly excited by the realiza-
ton that never before in her life
had she met anyone so polished, so
cynically debonair as Gerald Lucas.
She felt, with merely the least
thrill of danger, their mutual un-
derstanding.
A rubicund young grain broker
from the city came from across the
room with an enormous silver cock
tail shaker in his hands.
Zone more little drink on the
house-for the prettiest little girl
in the party!" he announced.
Corinne laughed caressing lit
tie laugh, down in her throat,
which she had learned long ago
was very effective shook her head
and stood up.
Thanks, no." she demurred. "Tm
much too warm already. I think I'll
stroll out for a little air"
She had not turned, even little
way, toward as she spoke, but a
few minutes afterward, when she
sauntered slowly among the moon
Lit trees above the shore, she was
not surprised that he met her there.
She had known that he would fol-
low her.
They stood together for a little
while, in a piquant conspiracy of
silence, and looked out upon the
shining lake.
81 must be very stupid" Gerald
said, in a puzzled voice. "Otherwise,
I should be able to figure out just
how you come to be living on a
farm"
Corinne laughed and felt her
heart quicken. cts very simple"
she said. II fell in love with a
farmer-and married him."
did your" Gerald looked at her
as though in surprise.
They laughed in unison. Every
thing seemed delightfully."- absurd.
Gerald picked up her hand and
bent her little finger inward toward
the palm. But Immediately, almost
absently, he let it go.
"Have a cigarette?" he suggested,
and offered her his onyx and gold
case.
Thanks" He held the match for
her. Corinne, seeing his shapely,
well-kept fingers, though suddenly
of Roddy's hands, large and power
full and bronzed. All at once she felt
uncomfortable and vaguely asham-
ed.
shall we go back in?" she sug-
gested lightly.
eff you wish," Gerald agreed.
81 think shall ask Harry to
drive me home" she said as they
mounted the steps to the porch.
"My own opinion, if I were asked
for it," Gerald said casually, "is that
Harry has had too much to drink to
drive anyone home safely"
x
1t was long past midnight when
Silver, preparing for bed, heard a
car enter the driveway. She heard
a voice that was sharply familiar to
her, although it was low and pleas
antly modulated. She glanced from
4 e~l-4 -
chromium trimmings of Gerald
Lucas car shone Enthusiastically.
''This is downright spying!" Sill
yer said to herself, and buried her
face in her pillows.
But a sudden fright took posses
sion of her. Corinne-and Gerald
Lucas! Such a thing could never be.
1t simply could not!