The Washington times., 1937-03-27
CHAPTER XVII

The late August sunlight Shone
on the downs, on the sea, through
a succession of days that went
swiftly past from the day of Keith'S
arrival until the time of Gilbert'S S
return grew near.
In the sunshine, in the clear
light air, Felicia, Keith and Denise
spent their days together, as
though unwilling to leave one an
others sight. In the long eve
nings, when the moon rose and
Shone over the garden, over the
terrace where they sat until very
late, they talked together Of in.
consequential things-while kind
of bewilderment grew on the old
faces of Michael and Sara Rem
dale, watching them.
Through the Sunlit days, the
moonlit evenings, Felicia walked
proudly, her red-gold head high as
ever. She would not hurry him,
not now or ever. He must put an
end to this comedie a troiS, in his
own fashion. But if he chose not?
Asking herself that, she sometimes
shivered in the warm sunshine.
On his first evening with them,
they had some minutes alone in
the garden after dinner.
Keith said: Well, Felicia, will
you divorce Eustace and marry
me?"
The same question he had asked
in Virginia in the springtime. Had
his voice sounded more eager then?
She could not remember. All the
things that had happened since
intervened between her and re-
membrance.
Probably, Keith. Let's talk Of it
again, when we've got used to each
others company-after so long
without"
Then, surprisingly, Denise came
out into the garden-as if she were
looking for them! Yet surely she
must know that they wanted to be
alone.
She settled herself on a garden
bench, her shoulders cleaning
white above that black lace dress.
Felicia thought: She's grown very
seductive, Denise has"
Then she noticed Keith'S face.
So did he not smile at herself!
That was the first time she shiv-
cred a little, there in the warm
dark.
What shall we all do tomor-
row?" Denise asked. IT suppose you
can't walk we'll yet, Keith? It's a
pity. There are some gorgeous
walks across the downs"
Il manage fairly we'll; and I
want to do as much as possible to
strengthen my muscles. My arm
was slower recovering than my
leg"
Felicia started to speak, but
Denise spoke more quickly.
Did you bring painting things?
There's view I'm mad to have
you paint"
He chuckled. Father insisted I
bring canvaseS. My dear parent
has been most enormously encour-
aging about my art, ever since I
told him it was of no Importance.
It's a trifle perverse of him, but
he has some notion he must en-
courage my ego. It's a startling
change from his former attitude. "
He sounded as if he liked the
change.
How is your father, Keith?
like him SO much" said Felicia,
who knew Denise had never hap
pened to meet him.
We'll. He's in London. meant
to tell you we sailed together. He's
going to Paris, where he has
friends"
But you must bring him down
first" Felicia said.
Denise merely looked at her.
Yes, it was Denise'S house.
He says he's looking forward to
seeing you, Felicia. that we must
dine with him in two or three
weeks, when he gets back from
France"
His tone was reassuring then. So
she knew she would have no diff
ficultieS with Keith Sheldie the
elder. One obstacle past. Her heart
gave little jump.
Denise said, as if all that was of
not the least Importance: ITO
morrow I'll show you that view"
Keith said: I'D love to paint
you, Denise, in that black dress
"Oh, Keith. would you?" Denise
SCUM ded completely delighted
Would you begin soon?"
Tomorrow, if you like"
Felicia was suddenly tense. Why
Denise was being malicious. A
small pulse beat in her white
throat.
Ito be cOntinued)
Copyright by Ursula Parrott
Distributed by King Features, Inc.)
COMING, Thursday, April 1
.. "AIRMAIL BRIDE" a novel
of modern romance by Hazel