The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1936-05-13

what would become Of me if you
failed me-"
He had her in both his arms,
gripped hard against him. He
looked down and spoke with his
lips against her cheek. You're
such a little thing. could crush
you so easily. I don't want to hurt
you. I don't want ever to do the
littlest thing to make you un-
happy. Nell-don't ever let mel"
She saw his eyes glisten. There
were tears far back in his eyes.
She gave a soft laugh and stand.
ing on her toes, offered him her
sweet young mouth: kiss me and
love me always, Ricky, dear. You
couldn't hurt me. You wouldn't {.
Only if you left me. Don't ever
do that. I couldn't 60 on, Rick.
] Wouldn't"
Dearest, it's you. you only-al'
ways-for mel"
A ferry-boat was waiting at the
slip. He said suddenly: Neil, look
at that boat. It's going across the
river. Let's take it. Let's elope
now before something happens to
cheat us forever!"
She was frightened by the harsh
tenSity Of his voice; by the white
ness of his lips and the beating Of
his heart which she now felt VIC.
lently against her own,
Say yes. Nell! love you.
want you. It's been too long,"
She chung to him in silence. She
said family: I'VE mustn't"
After a while he ran his hand
through his hair. He said bitter.
ly: Il make things hard for you.
I don't mean to. won't trouble
you again. Nell, I'm late. I've
got to hurry now. Goodbye.
dear!"
He kissed ner very gently. She
watched as he swung down the
slope and up the street; watched
until his figure was lost in the
gathering shadows. A sudden
chill entered her heart. She
thought vaguely: Hes gone, al
together gone!"
And as she walked the short
block to her home, she could have
wept wildly, feeling his kiss like a
last farewell on her lips.
Nell thought desperately: IT
should take him! We can be mar.
ried. Wen have something, any
way!" And she pictured herself
running after the impetuouS boy,
Selling his hand with a pleading:
"All right, Ricky. I'll 60 with you.
ASK anything you want, I'll
agreed"
But she turned toward the block
IN East End Avenue beyond
Elghty-eighth, where, on the top
floor Of an old three-story brown
stone, her family made its home.
II was a quiet block, a nice block.
The houses were all alike. They
were painted white. Some of the
windows were outlined in blue and
had gay boxes of flowers, which
were now blooming; some of the
doors had arches and dignity. It
was very respectable home.
But as Nell walked UP the four
outside steps, she carefully but
unconsciously drew a mask over
her dreams and her bright, secret
spirit. These she showed far down
behind a hidden shutter, keeping
them aloof and sacred from the
family'S attack. She felt always,
as she entered the house, a
kind Of bombardment-a beating
against her of many hostile
thoughts. emotions and hopes; the
terrible and devastating infringe
ment upon her mind and heart Of
greedy other lives.
Tonight, a strange, unusual air
OF tranquility pervaded the silent
house. She climbed the three
flights Of stairs, hoping no one
was at home. grateful for this
Ainterval.
Her sister Emily called to her
from the back porch. Emily was
ironing-an immense family wash.
Also. Emily had been looking out
the window. She had seen Nell
and Ricky enter the park and
Saunter down toward the river.
She had watched like a spy until
they emerged again. Though it
was then dusk. she had made out
their two figures engulfed by the
blue shadows. These two figures
she had seen drawing together in
long embrace, then drawing
apart, though yet holding to each
other.
Ito be cOntinued)
Copyright. 1885. by King Features
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