The Coolidge examiner., 1935-01-04

4
John (young John. I mean) and
Mary Taylor and Juanita. | told
him II would look Ike a straw ride.
bu, he said. who caresT I'll have
10 admit that for a feiler who's
sweet on a girl that's goln' two
thousand miles away where he'll
likely nerer lay eyes on her again.
Matthew Adams looked pretty well
resigned And not more'n three
days ago he resembled a man just
coming from the cemetery after
buryin' his last relation. He's TO
drive the car with bis father and
mother and Miss Columbine and
you. Nancy. l declare. II ! wasn't
quite so neShy Id squeeze in be-
tween on the front seat and 20.
too"
why not 20 down on the truck7-
suggested Miss Columbine.
Among all them trunks ana
young folks and milk cansY' re-
iorted the good woman. "N0.
thank you. Miss Columblne. have
my pride. and there's house clean
In 20 DO even n you are going home
with Eve Adam FOR over Sunday.
must say Il was real consldcrate OF
Eve TO ask you. for this house7l
seem about as cheerful as the tomb
tlll we get used 10 f. Well" tshs
sighed mourufully). "the last break.
fast II ready. and you'd better eat
II you've any appetltes. which !
haven't myself. A cup OF coffee and
four doughuuts was all could get
down this morRln. I've took the
liberty OF Inviting Victor Tubbs 20
dinner. Miss Columblne. I need
food. and goodness knows I couldn't
eat bite n was 10 be here alone.
The truck was gone at last. leay.
lng Aurora hattered and rosy at
Jacks farewell kiss.
Il must have one last look NJ the
view from my tower Nancy de
clared. but once in the familiar
room she tip-toed to a carefully
closed close; and drew forth some.
thing she had hidden.
"wlll you send Matt up 10 get my
suitcase. AuroraT' she called with
charming innocence from the head
OF the steep stairs. Those stupid
boys have overlooked H."
The last ride down the historic
pass was over. The station came
In view. with an impatient "delega-
ton" as Jack called Il. on the plat.
form. All too soon a gigantic on
Eine roared past the waiting
crowd. and slowly stopped: while.
dared and breathleSs. Nance found
herself mounting steps into the
pullman. n dusky porter armed with
luggage leading her on. and Jack
behind. stopping TO call something
20 somebody.
Section eight This way. lady
From her window Nance looked
our upon sort of composite pie
ture Of that friendly gathering.
Then. as the wheels turned. she
caught the glimpse her eyes were
seeking: Cousin ColumbIne In her
scarlet MILDLY. with Matt close BY.
bareheaded as she had seen him
nrst-hls hand slipped through the
lady's arm protectingiy.
Dear Matti Shed forgotten 10
tell him 10 look out for Cousin Col.
umbIne. but be knew. Something
tightening IN Nancy's throat. The
landscape blurred. Then Jack vas
saying:
Thank heaven that's over. /
never felt 500 conspicuous in my
nfe. Did you kiss every member OF
the Adam famIly7 I dunno but |
did! I'm sure kissed Juanlta
Tubbs-by mistake. OF course. And
! believe I must have kissed Cousin
Columbine three times Isn't she
the dRndlest old sport. Nance? Kept
stln upper LIP right TO the last min.
ute. but I miss my guess II she
didn't want 10 bawl. Made me feel
bad just 10 look al her. But some
one win understand and cheer her
UP. Sis. or course somebody will 20
Jack was right As the wheels
moved faster and Miss Columblne's
steady lip began 10 tremble. a firm
young hand drew her away. back
from the crowd that still stared.
stupidity, II seemed. at the depart
ing train.
Listen" said Matthew. Ill
listen. Miss ColumbIne. It's not
quite so awful as II seems. having
her 20. promised not TO tell even
Mother till-tilI Nancy got home
and could tell hers: but she left
note for you in-in case you seemed
too lonely: and anyway. I'll prob
ably explode IL ] don't tell some
one. 500 you see. -
This was the old. shy Matthew.
hesitating as II there were no
words with which 10 say this
thing; but as she glanced up. puz-
zled. Columbine Nelson surprised
light upon his face that startled
her.
what are you trying to tell me.
Matthew Adamf" she demanded
brusquely. stop stumbling over
your words like that. I'm not a