The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1936-12-18
CHAPTER VIII


down to dinner. She could not bear
to face her father. That mask OF
anger which she had seen upon his
countenance left her sick and shak-
en- with a fear she could not name.
She stayed in her room, sent word
that her head ached.
At dusk from very WEAKNESS she
slept, and dreamed and woke cold
and terrified; and thereafter she
lay wide-eyed in the darkness. After
a long time she heard her father
getting up and then he opened the
door into her room.
Entering, he said gently: Awake,
Nancy? Feel better now?"
His tones were soft and reassur-
ing.
eyes, Father" she murmured.
He sat down on the edge of her
bed and touched her hand. II came
to tell you I'm sorry, my DEAR" he
said, smiling, his tone humble.
Forgive me-"
She whispered piteously: "You
mustn't ever scare me, Father"
He repeated: "Im sorry. You're
all I've got now, Nancy!" And he
urged, pleading in his own defense:
"But since your mother died. my
nerves"
81 know" she confessed. II un-
derstand." There were sudden tears
in her eyes; she loved him and
pitied him. II do understand. And
Il didn't mean to-defy you. Fa-
Their. Only, Dan and II
He asked quizzically: "Are you
two youngsters really married."
She shook her head. "No. just
said that because I was desperate.
I was-fghting for everything |
want, Father. We're not, No." She
added quickly: "But we will be"
IT know" he assented. Gard /
know you would-do as I wish, If
you could. But l know that love
can be too strong for girl, for
woman" He added, watching her:
"For man, too"
eyes," she said gravely.
He laughed in an abashed fash
ion. "I'm in a confidential mood to-
night, Nancy. Don't-blame me, too
much; but you know, men even
men of my age have sometimes
thoughts, dreams, hopes they can't
control" And he asked slowly: "Do
you understand what Pn-confes-
sing, Nancy? What dreams I'm
telling your" E-ls i.l.
She whispered: eyes. I think
I've guessed before d.
"Do you blame me, terribly"
She pressed his hand. Poor
Father" she whispered.
He bent to kiss her brow. "But
of course" he said ruefully, "since
she and Jerrell--" He left the
sentence unfinished. $50 I've only
you, Nancy" And: "Sleep sweet"
he babe her. Good night"
Good night, Father!"
The door closed behind him, and
darkness wrapped her close. But
not terror now. His magic h d
worked its miracle. She was at
peace.
She slept till full dawn, and woke
refreshed; her father joined her
for swim and breakfast afterward.
The interminable morning somehow
sped. Dan and Mary Ann would
arrive on the noon train, and Nancy
insisted that Doctor Breeding come
with her to meet them. It was a
fifteen-minute run in the fast boat
to the landing by the station. ..
Nancy kissed Mary Ann, kissed Dan
only with her eyes; and ther they
went down to where the boat was
moored, Dan and her father carry
ing the bags, slowing them in the
after cockpit. Her father took the
wheel, Mary Ann beside him; and
Nancy and Dan sat just behind.
In moment they were in the open
lake; and Nancy leaned secretly to
Dan, to kiss him.
Her father said with a chuckle
over his shoulder: "You two
showed an admirable restraint, to
wait so long," His tone was amused
and kindly.
Dan was startled, and then he
laughed. "Nancy has told you about
us, then, sir?" m gsa
"Of course"
Nancy held tight to Dams arm;
and the young man said: 81 want to
talk to you about Nancy, while I'm
here"
Doctor Breeding chuckled. "This
brother Of yours has fine old.
fashioned courtesy in him." he told
Mary Ann. ''Not many young men
trouble to consult the girls father,
nowadays" 49,.
Mary Ann smiled happily. ''Dan
has been very well brought up"
she agreed. n-iAa ,--o.+Ai s3a s
se''I know 7 can't give her -" Dan
began, but Nancy pulled him back
to her side.
Nobody asked YOU" she said in