The Coolidge examiner., 1936-10-02
CHAPTER Ix-Continued

Bryn'S world and Bryn's life, mod
ern sophisticated pageant in which
she had no part; and because 1t
made her see how drab and dull
and uninteresting her own life of
cucumber frames and brook trout
and made-over clothes must be to
him.
And all his talk about knitting,
and winter evenings by the hearth,
and the kittens he would get for
her all his interest in that
simple sort of thing was pretended
for her sake. Bryn was a gentle
man, and he lived up to his bar
gains to the last pencil stroke. Not
by word or suggestion would he let
her discover how bored and dull he
was going to find the rest of his
year here on the mountain, nor with
what difficulty he was going to earn
the money she would pay him.
Deborah slept very little that
night. Life, that only yesterday
had seemed so beautiful and serene,
was becoming complicated and un-
happy. There didn't seem to be any
thing ahead but more difficulties
and a lonely unhappy time. Because
Bryn would go back to Pillar when
the year was up, and when he did,
there wouldn't be anybody at all.
Nobody could ever be like Bryn,
even if he were only pretending
But there would have been a way
10 make him stop pretending, Debo-
rah knew, because if he went on
like this, even though the look in
his eyes was only the tenderness
one feels for child, or a lost puppy,
she wasn't going to be able to bear
it when at the end of the year he
drove out of the big gates to leave
her forever.
The morning was cold and grey,
although the rain had stopped at
dawn. Deborah had them lay a fire
in the small sitting room down.
stairs, so that Grandmother might
not feel a chill. There, when break
fast was over, Pillar and Madeline
and Sally and Grandmother and
herself were sitting. The three men
we're outside.
Pillar in beautiful dress of some
very fine WO0llen material in dark
crimson color, sat beside the door
way with her feet out on a low
stool and a long cigarette holder
between her fingers. She could see
up into the orchard, too, and Debo-
rah noticed that her eyes went to
Bryn frequently, although she gave
no sign. Grandmother was in low
chair beside the fire, listening to
Pillar with the same fascinated in
terest she had shown last night,
watching her. taking in every per-
feet detail of her grooming.
Il hope you don't mind my COM
ing here unlimited like this, Mrs.
Larned," she was saying in her low
voice. Il found myself completely
deserted and lonely and couldn't
stand it any longer"
My dear, you are more than well
come Grandmother said warmly.
Any friends Of Bryn's are our
friends, too, and our home is al
ways open TO them. And am de-
lighted to hear you discussing de-
tails of modern society. l am sure
your talk will be a liberal educa-
tion for Deborah, and help her to
establish herself more easily when
she goes out into Bryn's world
with him."
Pillars black eyes rested mOmen-
tarily on Deborah. They were quite
eXpressionless. There will be no
difficulties for Deborah" she said
tenderly. She is so adorable that
she won't need to make the slight
est effort. Everyone will fall in
love with her at first sight"
Just as Bryn did," Sally added,
and looked tleetingly at Pillar.
lust as Bryn did," Pillar repeat
ed, but her mouth tightened a little,
Deborah saw, at the corners.
How long are you planning to
stay, Pilar?" Madeline said evenly.
Are you going home for the yacht
raceS!"
Il really hadn't considered it. /
wasn't sure I'd be invited to stay,
you see"
Grandmother gave a little sigh.
Il am so thankful that when Debo-
rah does emerge into society She
will have dear Bryn to take care of
her. He understands so well what
her life has been, and he is so
thoughtful and loving. 1t takes a
great load off my mind to have
him So"
"Bryn has always been dear"
Pillar agreed at once. Il don't know
what | should ever have done with
out Bryn," she went on. For years,
now, he has been my staunchest
comrade. No matter in what diff
ticulty / found myself, there was
always Bryn, and he brought me
all his troubles and joys as we'll. 1t
delights my heart to know that he
10 happy"
Deborah did not move. Grand