The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1936-12-11
CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER VII
Doctor Breeding decided that he
would go to the Lake for his vaca-
ton, just as he had planned. He
said to Nancy, II think your moth
er would want us to-" and he ex-
planned: 81 shall do some work. I've
papers to prepare. Miss Carlisle
can get the data together and bring
the material up to me-"
Nancy nodded, and he added:
"She's very capable girl, Nancy"
ooh yes" she agreed. "Yes,
Mary AIMS fine"
"I've never worked so well as
since / took her on" he said.
"She-" He spoke of details, till it
occurred to Nancy, incredibly, that
he protested overmuch. She said
at last, family disquieted by his re-
iterations:
"You don't need to praise Mary
Ann to me, Father"
He flushed, but then he laughed.
"Fine," he said. "I'm glad you
won't mind her being up there with
u.s."
''I'll ask Dan too" she said. $50
that I'll have some one to play
with while you and she are work
ing"
He hesitated. 81 don't know
whether. that's-wise, Nancy. So
soon after your mothers death"
She did not urge the point, as
Stunning that when the time came,
Doctor Breeding would be more
complaisant.
She was, during these days, and
despite the steady undercurrent OF
her aching grief, quietly happy and
content, with sense of security and
peace in the certainty that she and
Dan would never be parted. Her
interview with Terrell had been
easier than she feared. He heard
what she had to say without sur
prise.
81 guessed that long ago." he
said smilingly. "Young lovers are
transparent. I knew it, perhaps,
before you did," He said gravely:
IT think you know how much I
wish happiness for you."
eyes," she assenteo. II think
1 do"
He smiled. eff Dan were not be-
fore me-" he confessed, II might
have dreamed some absurd dreams
myself, despite my age"
give never thought of you as
DID," she told him gently.
The intervening days till their de-
parture for the Lake passed like
leaves on the wind. Nancy noticed
once or twice that her father read
with a frowning attention the finan-
cial pages of the newspapers. She
herself had no interest in such mat
tiers, but she spoke of it to him. Il
thought you seemed worried" she
remarked; but he answered irrita-
bly,:
"Tm not. Please allow me to at
tend to my own affairs"
Yet as matter Of fact, Doctor
Breeding, though he denied 1t to
Nancy, was worried, and with
cause. His reckless venturing had
involved him more deeply than he
could bear to contemplate; and in
the end, in a sort of desperation,
he went to Terrell, telephoning for
an appointment. IT want to discuss
some investments with you," he ex-
planned.
When he came to the others Of
fee, Terrell greeted him with a
smile. Surprised me to have you
phone" he confessed. 81 didn't
know you were interested in
stocks"
Doctor Breeding hesitated. 'Well,
I'm not, seriously" he declared.
''But did take flyer in Cottons, as
a result of some of our converse
tons. I notice they're not doing
well, and I'm wondering whether
to take my losses, or hang on"
He tried to laugh. Matter of fact,
went in pretty Deep"
Terrell said gravely: "The whole
market has been weak, and it's new
er wise to fight the market; so
we've let Cottons sag, waiting for
the turn" He tapped his desk with
the end of his pen. what is the
extent of your commitments, Ned?"
Breeding hesitated; but in the
end, with a sort of shame, he named
the actual figure. Jerrell's aston
ishment showed in his eyes.