Evening star., 1938-01-26

- danced about her. This Is
our favorite spot! Isn't it swell?'
Her eyes Travelled around the small
open space circled by a sturdy regi-
ment of whispering trees. 1t was very
secure and sheltered and had an air
Of expectancy, as though it had been
awaiting them for long time. There
was sunlight on the tips Of the trees.
making them into ring OF lighted
candles. and sunlight drifted down to
the ground. Mr. Boscombe stood very
still, saying nothing, but watching
her. She turned to him.
ITS lovely" she said. Lovely"
The remainder Of the afternoon
passed swiftly as they searched for
flrewood. built the fire, unloaded the
food and settled down to eating. Gen.
erous slabs of steak sizzled over the
flames. Buddie unwrapped awkward
bread and butter sandwiches and
eyed them appovingly.
Dad made these" he announced.
Wait until you have a nice hunk of
meat between 'em, and dill pickles.
Oh. boy!"
Chris could not look at Mr.. Bos-
combe. Instead she was picturing him
cutting bread with clumsy fingers,
and spreading the butter, frowning .
little as was his habit when he was
engrossed in the task before him. Her
eyes misted Unexpectedly.
II let Mrs Fergus have the day OF, /"
he was explaining Mrs. Fergus is
our housekeeper. you know. And I
forgot to have her fix us up before
she left" He seemed embarrassed.
Buddie's pride in his father and in
his fathers accomplishments was far
too strong to be vanquished by q
thick piece of bread. He paused in
his struggle to open the bottle OF
pickles, long enough to tickle the pa
ternal nose with blade Of grass.
Il love you lot, Pop" he said
nonchalantly and went on banging
the jars lid with a stone. Chris
flushed. Mr.. Boscombe became alb
sorbed in contemplation of the sky.
The lads innocent words had brought
back the scene in the ONCE Of many
months before, and 1t was an un-
comfortable moment. But it passed
quickly and by the time the repast was
finished and night had set in, things
had righted themselves once more.
THEY We're leaning back against q
gnarled old tree, Mr.. Boscombe
with his legs stretched out and one
arm around Buddie, who had curled
ur next to him and was sound asleep.
Chris had a wool Blanket about her
shoulders. This seemed an hour en-
chanted, watching the fire die away,
an hour meant for dreams and conf
dences. Ernest Boscombe of the Office
slipped away, and the man who loved
her sat in his place.
Il wouldn't be at all surprised to
see a fairy godmother come out from
behind that tiny tree over there" she
said softly, so as not to disturb Buddie
What would you wish for?" He
smiled. Fairy godmother- always
grant wishes, you know"
Her expression was unusually sober
Il think I'd wish for peace and love
and happiness. They seem 80 far
away sometimes"
He did not move to touch her. but
when he spoke her name she felt as
though kind and loving hand were
in hers, comforting and soothing
Christine, you've not been happy
since coming back. I've noticed 1t
often. What is it?"
Ordinarily Chris might have hesi-
tated before conflding her innermost
thoughts. but tonight, hypnotized by
the spell of the fire and the quiet, she
welcomed the opportunity. First there
was the trouble with Babe. She did
not like her going with vickie Stone.
Flattered by the attentions Of an older
man and by the things he could do
for her. Babes head was turned, and
Chris was powerless.
He took out well-worn pipe and
lit it. Confession Is reputed to do
wonders for the SOUL" he commented
dryly. Garry on. I don't believe
you've reached the end yet, have you?"
"N-no," she admitted with hesita-
ton. There's Phil"
| NDER half-closed lids his eyes
f1ickered but his face remained
lmmobile. Chris could not stop. The
relief in finding some one in whom to
conf1de had loosened her tongue.
Ever since I've come home our
dates are all fizzles, more or less. There