The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-08-11

41lO1 e.
Peter came on up the brown.
stone steps, refusing to show his
irritation at his cousins jocular
greeting.
After all, when hadn't Gerald
irritated him? From the days Of
their childhood he had always
been able to bait him, with his
knocking audacious trick of max
ing outrageous remarks. Remarks
that held just enough truth to De
embarrassing and put the other
fellow in the wrong.
It seemed he could bait him
still, Peter reflected, with ironic
amusement at himself. But, at
least, he'd learned not to show It,.
He waited until he should reach
the top step before answering. 1t
would be a mistake to start a con.
versation with Gerald looking
down on him physically, as we'll as
from the height of his immeasur-
able egotism.
Gerald, who had already pressed
the button beside the massive
bronze grill at the door, watched
him with narrowed, speculative
eyes.
Who tipped you off the old girl
had had a turn for the worse?" he
asked as Peter reached his side.
GENUINE CONCERN
II didn't know she had" Peters
voice held genuine concern. Sci
ma met a friend of mothers who
told her that Aunt Lydia seemed
pretty frail. It's been some time
since I've seen her, So"
80, Selma said you'd better
snap into it," Gerald Knocked.
Trust Selma not to miss a trick!
never knew her to miss but one"
His slow glance at Peters
pressed but none too new, suit
and his Shined, but none too new.
shoes, brought dull red into his
cousins lean, tanned face.
Petes natural humility. trait
Gerald had always played on,
curbed his angry retort. Had Sci
mas missed a trick in marrying
him. instead of Gerald? Anyone
would say so, seeing the two OF
them now; Gerald, so beautifully
tailored. blonde and suave, his blue
eyes alight with patronizing SUI
periority: himself so-yes, seedy
was the word.
Life hadn't been any too easy
these last five years. The depres:
sion had hit them hard. Behind
that fine gay craftsmanship OF
hers. did Selma, too, think she'd
missed a trick?
Memory of her face that morn
ing as she'd kissed him good-oy
made Peter straighten with a
blessed return of self-confidence.
No. Selma didn't feel she'd missed
a trick not marrying Gerald. She
was one Of the few people who
saw through him.
Even the jibe about padding the
pay roll ceased to rankle. Peter
could hear Selma's soft, lifting
voice; After all, darling, it doesn't
pay to be too proud. We've never
asked her for money. but you can't
afford to let your inheritance Slip
You and Gerald are her only close
relatives. She's a funny, crotchety
old soul, and Gerald might be able
to play up your neglect and do
you out of your share. Besides, I
think she really likes to see you,
even if she does snap your head
off, and pretends she doesn't"
AMUSED SCRUTINY
The amused scrutiny of Gerald's
calculating look sent chill of
foreboding through Peters mu-
sings. Suppose it was too late?
Suppose, already Gerald had
The ponderous swinging of the
front door cut though his thoughts.
Old Stevens face, an impressive
mask as it rested on Gerald.
lighted up with pleasure at the
sight Of Peter.
He smiled, in spite Of his
shocked sense of propriety, at haV-
ing Peter grip his hand.
How are you, Mr.. Peter? It's
been a long time"
I'm ashamed that it's been so
long. Stevens" Peter said. "How's
Aunt Lydia?"
"I'll go right up. Stevens" Ger
aid brushed impaitently past
them. He paused, one hand on
the banister. Il suppose she's
in her room?"
you'd better wait in here, M.
Gerald" Stevens led the way to
the drawing room. Miss Lydia"
his old face worked-"I'm not
sure"
"Superannuated old dodo!" Ger
aid muttered to Peter. as Stevens
left them. He always has to go
through his PAGES" He crossed
to one Of the windows and snapped
up the shade. MY God, what a
mausolemn! Thank Heaven,
won't be seeing it much longer!
It's high time the old girl kicked
off,"
High time you had a little more
respect, strikes me-" Peter said,
with a long level look.
His cousin met it with a sudden
flare Of anger. You. with your
SNUG, holier-than-thou respect!
Have you been dancing attendance
on the old girl for the last five
years? You have not. Well, I
have, and I've had enough of it,"
IT haven't been carefree
bachelor" Peter defended himself
But at that. haven't been here
as often as wish I had. I've al
WAYS been fond of Aunt I udia for