The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-09-01
Chapter 16
MORE ABOUT DON


NIEREDITH was becoming real
Az fly with every mile; ASHORE a
life she had lived in a dream. She
was taking off ASHORE like gar
ment. and putting on Meredith in
stead. Confronted by the lights of
the mills she couldn't remember so
wildly Mikes twisted face. or even
Denis's dark. eager eyes.
The porter gathered up her bags
and she followed him eagerly, too
soon. She stood in the Vestibule for
almost a miIa. as If she had never
travelled before, and then charged
down the steps before he could help
her.
Three shapes were hurrying down
the platform towards her: a tall
angular one that Hoped. a tall slim
one that strobe, smaller bundle that
battered. She opened her arms and
ran.
"Milly! Oh, gosh. I'm so glad. 80"
Millys face was SOFT and cold, and
her old fur coat smelled family Of
moth balls. Carol squeezed her con-
vulsively and turned to Jill. who felt
SO 1.-THE and strong and young. Then
Pat, whose arms enveloped her com
pletely. while he said: well, kid -"
in a rough. pleased voice.
Pat picked up her bags and they
walked towards the car. talking in
the brbken. meaningless sentences
OF people who have not yet become
re-accustomed to each other.
The house. as they turned In the
driveway. seemed to hold out its
arms to them. 1t was unbearably
lovely after Mrs. O'Connor's, Carol
thought: it had acquired gracious
ness and serenity in so few years.
. NHILLY eyed her critically. You're
1fl a little thinner. aren't you?"
Probably. The first month or so
Is always strenuous. After that you
can relax" She looked at Milly. you
look grand. sugar"
MiIly's face was flushed and her
eyes were shining. "Oh. I'm getting
fat. darn it! Middle-aged spread. Did
you have support"
Ibid II In solitary state. II was
marvellous after months of feeding
with the public. ate for almost an
hour"
but wouldn't you like glass Of
milk and some cake? want to fat
ten you up while you're here"
Milly's affection needed some tangi.
BILE outlet.
I'D love It. Let's all eat cake"
They trooped into the kitchen
and draped themselves on stools
and over the table. Milly hustled
happily.
"Nut cake!' Carol said. an bet
you made it for the prodigal."
Pat grinned. We've had the calf
on ice for a week. But this" his
voice was ludicrously domestic,
isn't as good as usually make. ]
think 1t was the eggs"
Their earlier constraint was gone.
They settled down to the business
of re-knitting the close fabric of
their relationship.
At eleven o'clock Milly assumed
a firm expression. Its time for bed.
Carol must get plenty of rest while
she's here. You're in your own
room. Carol"
They went upstairs. still laughing
at nothing. Carol shifted her room
like a dog. catching the scent of
strange powder and perfume that
fingered like the ghost Of Edith
Andrews. This room too seemed
momentarily unfamiliar, especially
with someone else's smell in 1t. She
opened her bag and began taking
out her own belongings to lay the
ghost.
While she was brushing her hair
Pat appeared. and sprawled his
length across her bed. She smiled
fondly at him. and felt the catch at
her heart that so often came with
the sight OF him.
well. Patrick-what about it?"
He lay with his hands locked be-
hind his head and watched her.
Nothing. What about it yourself?"
Il don't know"
SIS it working?"
Not particularly. But then l
hardly expected it to. There've been
one or two bright spots. :" She
told him about Denis and Mike, and
he listened keenly.
DAT looked thoughtful. Some
L times you use your brain too
much. Not In this case. | imagine.