Evening star., 1936-01-12

<SStbS gSf ofSS oS0 1oS
northward, were blue mirrors for the
sky. They lay at length on the summed
ledge, warm beneath them, and with
their heads pillowed on their hands
let their eyes drift here and there
across the wide sweep of beauty all
about. Frost a. day or two before had
laid a touch Of color along the hard
wood slopes.
In another month it will be grand"
said Elmer. II like to come up here in
the Fall"
Kay, lying beside him, looked at him
sidewise. Il never think of you as
taking walk Just to see the view," she
confessed, smiling.
He nodded. There are good many
ways you never think Of me, Kay" he
said gently. II used to dream some
times that you might some day"
She met his eyes steadily and he sat
up, leaning on one hand, looking down
at her Then he looked away and she
could see only his cheek, the side OF his
head, the firm line of his jaw. And he
said slowly, without turning back to
her:
Maybe I'm speaking out of turn.
I'm playing hunch, Kay! Are you
going to-stay married to Bob for good
and all?"
She did not answer at once, and he
insisted swiftly: Don't tell me unless
you want to! It's none Of my business
probably. don't mean to-hurt you"
His hair was ruffled by the wind.
81 don't mind telling you" she said
at last, gently. "I don't mind telling
you this much-Bob's in Reno getting
a divorce from me right now"
She saw the quick light in Elmer's
eyes, and he leaned close above her.
"Kay!" he cried huskily, "I knew 1t.
knew there was somethingl And,
Kay, you know I've always :" He
blurted, kay, when it's done, marry
mel"
She watched him for long time.
said, smiling family. Your ears got
so red whenever you talked to me.
But I'm not laughing at you now"
II wish you would" he pleaded.
Laugh at you?" she teased.
Marry me-" he insisted.
She shook her head. I'm still In
love with Bob" she said gravely.
He stared at her. "What?" he pro-
tested. Then why-why are you let
ting him :" And he cried, with a
sudden clumsy passion in his tones.
But, Kay. will you always be?
Couldn't you ever let me
"It doesn't seem as If I ever could
feel differently" she told him.
IT know, but you might not I
mean maybe after while"
Kay sat up, smoothly, facing him.
"Ive done one rotten thing already,
Elmer" she said honestly. "I married
Bob without loving him, but I won't
do that to you"
He started to speak, but then his
eyes left her face and looked past
her. She saw his color fade, and she
turned her head to Sc what it was
that had dismayed him.
Then she was still and trembling,
for she saw Bob. two or three rods be-
low them, striding up the last pitch
to the summit ledge.
Elmer was on his knees facing Kay,
facing Bob who came up the slope be-
hind them. Kay half turned, looked
over her shoulder at Bob. And Bob.
breathless and painting, slowed uncer-
tainly and came on not so swiftly and
stood three PAGES of, smiling down at
Kay.
"Hullo!" he said and wiped his
brow.
Elmer scrambled to his feet and
Kay rose. Her heart was choking her.
Hello, Bob" she said carefully, and
then, "This is Elmer Radford, Bob"
Bob shook hands with Elmer. 81
know" he agreed. "Kay's told me
lot about you" He wiped his brow.
"I'l have to apologize for following you
up here. Kay, your mother told me
where you were. might have waited
till you came home, but I've only q
little time :" He spoke lamely to
Elmer. How are you?" he asked.
Kay smiled. Hes very well, thank
you, Bob" she retorted. And so am
I. You look-a little tired. thought
you were out West fishing, on vaca-
ton"
"I had to come back for few
days"
Elmer said awkwardly: "Dr. Dakin,
we were just talking about you" He
looked at Kay and grinned. "You
two will want to-have q visit to-
gether," he decided. and he asked
Bob, you've got your carp"
"Oh, yes" Bob assured him. 81 left
it down by yours"
"Then you can fetch Kay back to
town. I'll go along"
He started to move away, but Bob
said doubtfully: Hold OIL didn't
mean to butt in on you. I just hap
pened to be in the neighborhood.
wanted to say hello to Kay. But you
don't need to run away"
That's all right" Elmer insisted.
His cheek was pale. IT know she's
glad to see you. I'll 60 along"
And he went with no further word.
He strobe down the sloping ledge and
across the descending pasture land to
the border of the wood. He looked
back and lifted his hand to them
where they stood watching him. And
then he disappeared among the cloak
ing spruces and was gone. They were
alone upon the summit of Carvel