Evening star., 1937-05-09
Moy 3, 1897

Der what was personal and past. But her
inertia was puzzling. She did not even want
to see Aunt Hennie, who years ago had really
been more like sister to her than sister-in-
law.
"She will be hurt to DEATH" Ethel pro-
tested. Mother, she will never, never for
give you."
Mother thought that Hennie need never
know produced absurd arguments against
visit from that keen-eyed, strong voiced rela-
tive. When she finally did give in, Aunt
Hennie came right down in her car to carry
her off for the day.
well, what in the world have you been up
to!' she demanded, after a good look into
Mrs Mallory's face.
II Just blew in to see my girls, Mother
insisted, eyebrows defensive, mouth at a
rueful slant.
The day seemed long without her. and
>" lunch was dull business The girls tried to
get some work done, but all day they were
listening for her to come back. The week had
gone at frightening speed. When she finally
came, Aunt Hennie was with her, her voice
booming out.
Il consider it great risk at your age, she
was declaring, and then, seeing the girls she
kissed Mother with angry emphasis and re-
fused to come jn Ethel saw gleam of tears
as she hurried away
What was she scolding about?" she de-
manded.
Mother laughed and frowned. 'Oh, Hennie
cannot accept the fact that flying is as safe as
motoring" she said impatiently. She has
scolded by the hour l had horrid time!
All day | wished was back with you girls.
Ethel spoke on impulse: Come back and
live with US, Mother!' Her own words sur
prsed her, but they were genuine, and later
she was passionately thankful for them. why
not?"
"You might just as WE'LL" Frances said
grufly. They both meant it. That lonely day
had taught them something.
Their mothers eyes were bright with tears,
but she answered lightly: "Ah, you dears!
couldn't do that but am glad came
The air was vibrant with unexplained emo
ton, and Frances turned irritable.
why 60 back so soon? Is this party so
frightfully important"
They we're to remember afterward a touched
glimmer of mischief. She only Said, Il am
afraid it is. One gets committed, you know
and turned the subject.
The last day. Mrs. Mallory was as cheerful
and casual as ever, but strain of hidden
emotion underlay all that they said and did
They had parted from her often enough
before, for she had been given to sudden jour
neys, but they had never felt like this. Once
Ethel thought that she caught glimpse of
things unsaid, look as though Mother were
trying to tell them something, but Frances
kept the talk downright and practical and
even rather loud, as though to drown out any
suggestion that goodby might be momen-
tous The drive to the flying field was actual
misery.
What is this party?" Frances burst out
as silence threatened in the taxi. She always
spoke of parties as though she referred to mud
pies. Are you giving it? Or WHAT"
The three rode side by side, so the girls did
not see the fash of amusement that lighted
Mothers face for split second.
"Oh, yes, am giving it, she said. Il wish
might have you both there for it. You couldn't
just get on the plane and Gomez" That was
new idea, spoken wistfully.
They assuredly could not. A weeks neglect
:lol