The Coolidge examiner., 1937-06-03

Sell. 4OIl1lly says JSIIy dStS do
though he gives the girls treat
just by living and 1 think, for once,
Tommy had a sensible idea. Don't
you think so, Jim?"
Il think you'd better go take off
those clothes before you ruin them
and upset the wedding"
II guess I'd better" Susan
slipped off the bench. Are you
going to stay here this EVENING""
she asked, lingering on the porch.
NO" JIM replied. I'm going
back to the riding academy after
supper"
why don't you?" she asked coax
ingly. ''It's going to be pretty lone
some tonight. Daddy's away and
Miss Parker is going to card party
in the village and Cecily will be
at the Pattons' and it's Nora's day
off and think Tommy has date
because he gave Rose a quarter to
press his pants. There won't be
anybody here with me except
Rose" she finished with a con-
sciously wistful glance at Jim.
Jerry will be here" Jim re-
| minded her.
"Oh, him!" She made a face.
please. why don't you, Jim?"
The wistful expression was ap-
pealing. Jim considered taking her
to the movies and discarded the
idea.
You'd better get to bed early
tonight" he said. you'll want to
look as fresh as daisy for the
wedding tomorrow"
Thoughts of the exciting day
ahead consoled her for the pros
pect of a lonely evening. Susan
went off contentedly.
Jim completed the address, re-
inforced the parcel with wrappings
| of twine. At intervals he glanced,
through vines, toward the fountain.
Jeremy's attitude was despondent,
a tableau arranged for Cecily's
eyes, perhaps. Jim smiled a little
grimly. IF you're contemplating
suicide. my lad" he said under his
breath, that pool won't do. You'd
only bump your nose."
He felt surprisingly cheerful He
whistled as he walked around the
house, taking the package to his
car. Cecily came out on the side
veranda, dressed for the party, in
something thin and dark that foated
as she walked. a short evening
| jacket of brilliant brocade buttoned
snugly at her waist.
Hello" she said, walking across
the grass.
Her color was high and her eyes
were bright. Her chin. above the
collar of the brocade coat, wore
determined expression. That's the
girl! he thought, silently applaud
ing. Into battle all flags flying!
You look very lovely, darling. Have
a good time" he said aloud.
| II mean to-" She paused beside
Jim for a moment but her eyes
glanced beyond him into the garden
where Jeremy dropped beside the
fountain. IF you hear my escort
arriving, have me PACED in the gar
den."
Right" Jim smiled. Happy
landings. Cecily"
F. Jim's eyes followed her until she
had passed through the opening in
the low hedge that bordered the
garden. Then he resolutely turned
away. There were some things a
. gentleman did not do and one of
them was openly watch the scene
now taking place beside the foun-
tain. He left his car parked in the
drive and walked hurriedly to the
cottage.
Jim was in high spirits at sup
per. He laughed and made the Mac
Phersons laugh. He ate with a
hearty appetite and asked for Sec
ond helpings.
well l must say" Mrs. Mac
PherSon observed, ''it's pleasant to
have you act like yourself again" /"
Haven't I been?" Jim asked in
nocently.
you've been acting like a sick
calf, moaning and not eating enough
to keep a sparrow alive and mop
ing off by yourself"
'BesSie!" Jim grimaced. "You
have an unfortunate gift for descrip-
tion."
Hasn't he, Andy?" Mrs. Mac
Pherson appealed to her husband.
We've thought you might have
had something on your mind" Mac
Pherson said, looking at Jim.
1--WE had the job on my mind, +"
Jim said, mot to mention my own
incompetence and lack of expert
ence."
Jim felt two pairs of eyes watch
ing him.
That's ALL" he said.
Il can't see any sense in your
living off there by yourself" Mrs.
Macpherson worried, putting an
end to the moment Of sentiment
You'll come down with a spell OF
something, eating Heaven knows
what out of boxes and cans"
I'm swell cook" Jim boasted
Amazing how hght-hearted he felt