Evening star., 1936-02-02
CHAPTER XIV. =
CHARLOTTE'S FURY.


e* ~ to keep the doors locked
~ while you are packing. Call
\ Judge Kellogg if you have
any trouble. Good-by. my dear"
She bent and kissed the little maid
who had crumpled into chair. and
picking up the two bags. walked out OF
the room without backward glance.
Buttons. from the hall. saw her ap-
pear on the balcony, and hastened to
relieve her of the bags, then together
they went down to the servants quar-
ters where Anne repeated her little
ceremony, the others protesting at
accepting anything from her.
And now. if you'll bring my car
around. Carl" she said to the ruddy-
checked chauffeur. I'll be on my
way"
A few moments later she heard the
purr of the motor. With the servants
clustered about her she started for the
door.
Just where do you think you're
going, young lady?" came sharp
voice from the inner door. and Char
lotte Farnsworth appeared. Sneak
ing out the back way. were you? What
have you got in those bags?"
Anne turned and gave the woman
a straightforward glance which. had
she known it. contained all the ele-
ments of the look John Neuman had
given Rob Crocker.
you don't leave this house until
/ search those bags" declared Mrs.
FarnSworth. positively.
Anne looked at her bags, at the
servants. waiting only a word from
her. and then at Mrs Farnsworth.
"Oh. Aunt Charlotte" she began in
evaporation.
Don't you Aunt Charlotte me-"
snapped the woman, I'm not your
aunt
Anne's clear laugh rang out, much
to her own surprise. II knew I'd find
something to be grateful for" she re-
piled.
"You feel that way about us. do
you, Anne?" came in quiet tones from
the door.
Anne looked back and saw Lee
Farnsworth standing there. DO you
blame me?" she asked
"I'll take care of this affair, Lee
Farnsworth," interposed his wife
II think you've taken care of
enough" he answered YEARLY and,
coming forward he placed an arm
around Anne. Are we driving you
away. girl?" he asked
I'D rather go than cause trouble,
Uncle Lee" she answered. I'm going
to friends. I'll be all right"
There was a message from Rob
was to give you"
II know. I overheard it. That's all
right, toe
He looked at her anxlously, then
picked up the bags and preceded her
towards the door.
Wait" Anne said, I'D like you
to look through those bags for your
own protection. Uncle Lee"
There is no reason for any one to
look through them" he replied. and
moved on, Anne following. Charlotte
was stricken immobile at the sudden
revolt Of her husband.
Lee stood by the car until Anne had
settled behind the wheel. L don't
know what Luke had in mind" he
ventured. uneasily. but I know he
never intended you to suffer this way
I'll do my best for you Anne. girl
Good-by."
He leaned forward and kissed her
and Anne. vino had faced each cruel
issue Of the day with bravery. felt
her eyes flood with tears at this futile
gesture of tenderness. She called a
determinedly cheerful good-by to the
servants and drove away.
Once away from the home grounds
she parked the car and looked back
on the big house. half hidden by
shrubbery. the lights Pickering from
each familiar window. From her own
rooms came f1ood of light and occa-
sionally the shadow of Yvonne hur-
ried past a window.
Blindly she reached for the igni-
ton key. turned it; blindly her foot |
reached for the starter and the other |
pressed in the clutch.
To get away quickly, as long as she
must CO. She looked back onoe. All /
three windows. the conservatory I
Luke's ard Lucinda's were dark To
get away! She sent the car rushing
down the steep grade. whirling about |
the sharp curves, then blinded by |
singing tears, slowed the motor Care
fully she threaded traffic to the ar
terial highway. Could one leave men,
ories behind, memories which whirled