Evening star., 1935-10-31
INSTALLMENT XIX.

got pretty scenery to look at"
Sugar flushed painfully and pushed
back her plate.
lin sorry" she got up hurriedly
Il must go up and see If Skeeter is all
right"
Eurasia wagged her old black head
dolefully.
Pore lii kitten. She jes bout scared
out her wits
But why?" jim Carter frowned.
What has happened?'
Eurasia lowered her voice.
Its dat Miz jamie Lee. She don't
low de po' chile do nothin'. She CANT
go no place but de back yahd. and she
jes pinin' her lii haht out Effen she
set foot eny room in de house but de
nussery or de kitchen, Miz Jane Lee
says she got to git goin' so fas' her
walkin' Wit de baby 'ceptin' in de back
yahd."
The old cook slammed pots and pans
viciously to relieve her feelings. Jim
Carter ate his belated evening meal in
grim silence.
Back in the nursery Sugar>sat down
by the window and stared morosely
She had come to the point where she
couldn't even accept Carts kind little
attentions without fear of losing her
job. If Mrs. LIE Masters had come and
found him eating in the kitchen with
~ hn would no
What must he think Of her for acting
so unfriendly?
1t was just a few minutes later
when Cart appeared at the nursery
door. Sugar started when she saw him
"How's my nephew. the little punk?"
He walked over to Skeeter's crib.
Better every day"
He looks like a different kid You
ought to start a kindergarten. nursie :"
I'D love to-" Sugar smiled nerv-
ously, hoping he would go.
Curt bowed gallantly and held out
his arm.
Fair lady, would you have the next
dance with me? There's an orchestra
on the radio now that can't be missed
I've got it tuned in. in the library"
Sugars heart sank. She shook her
curls hurriedly.
lin sorry. just can't. You
must excuse me-"
Jim Carter took her arm.
"Oh, but you can" he said mildly.
Because it so happens that I'm little
bigger than you. If you don't come
quietly and peacefully I'll carry you"
Please" Sugar looked frightened.
Don't ask me to. II promised Mrs,
lie Masters I wouldn't go into any of
the other rooms. And I Just can't"
Carts jaw hardened.
This is my old family home. It's
more mine than it is Jane Lees. If
I invite you to the library that's none
Of her business. Besides, there isn't
q soul in the house but you and
Eurasia and myself. They've all gone
to big party at Patchen's. You must
come. I'm going to make you"
Sugar got up slowly. She was sure
her legs were turning to water.
IF you're going to use brute force"
she smiled crookedly. Il suppose I
can't say no."
The library was the coolest room in
the house. 1t opened on vine covered
porch. Here it was that Curt led the
trembling girl and took her in his
arms. A heavenly moon shone through
he trees and bathed the veranda in
silver.
Its beautiful tonight" Sugar
caught her breath. I'm glad I came"
Il thought you could use little
recreation" Jim Carter grinned down
1t her. But the pleasure is all mine.
It's funny we can dance so well to-
yether when you're such a half pint
though was going to have to pick
you up and carry you around"
Sugar felt contentment stealing over
ler like delightful drug.
II can just about stand under your
arm. We look like giant and q
oigmy," she smiled.
The music softened and voice sang
n a rich. vibrant baritone: Tell Me
That You Love Me"
They danced in silence till the music
stopped. Then Cart led her to the
porch swing.
Lets sit and drink in little moon
light and roses. And you tell me
what all has been happening since
went away"
Sugar sighed.
HrTha Sfor,, broLa on ,;rtty A,d
% promise almost anything to get to
stay here with Skeeter. If it hadn't
oeen for him I guess I'd have run
away. I can't imagine where to,
though"
Cart lit cigarette. In the flare
from his match the girl could see
he sympathy in his bronzed face.
he wore white sport shirt opened
1t the throat and it was fascinatingly
becoming. Sugar was sure again
hat he was the handsomest male she
lad ever seen.
rown: 1T looks as though you're in
spot. Patient waiting and watching
is the best advice can give
'ou. I'll sneak every chance I get to
'isit with you awhile. Will that help
! little?"
Before Sugar realized it the tears
we're slipping quietly down her cheeks.
But I'll just get you in trouble,
co." she choked miserably. Like I
lid Zanie Lou. had to promise never
o be seen with her again. She comes
o my room when Mrs. lie Masters is
ut. But I'm always scared to death
hat she'll catch her"
In the moonlight Jim Carter saw the
ears, and when her lip trembled
he reached out and gathered
er into his arms.
Don't be unhappy" he held her |
lose II don't like to see you that |
'ay."
The sympathy was more than Sugar |
ould endure. She buried her face In !.