Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1938-01-14
CHAPTER 6

his shoulders loose against the back OF
the seat. She held Edith tightly as
she could and talked to her, stroking
the soft soft-clipped head pressed a
rainst her breast. The edge of her
dress was wet with tears and wet a
gain.
She noted with relief that people
had not yet left the Casa Vivienda.
"Take him to the Club" she told Saez
and went in with Edith. "Get undress-
ed, DEAR" she said.
Don't go! Ruth, Ruth"
There were steps on the porch, and
the screen door went open. She faced
about. "Quiet,' she begged, 'Edith's
just gotten to Sleep"
Mrs. Fletcher held her shawl about
hes, struck speeches..
Edith wasn't WE'LL" said Ruth,
Eve"
Mrs. Fletcher came slowly up to her.
Get out of my housed" she said, even
and low.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Fletcher. Good
night"
Don't say good night to mel" 1t
was an awesomely controlled hysteria.
"I won't have it. won't Get out of my
housed"
Ruth turned and walked through the
patio. And tomorrow, she thought
when Grove and Salvador get back.
To Mr.. Nortz's thinking, Mrs.
Micks was very happy woman. I'm
doubtedly she loved both Lancey and
Ruth deeply, and she regarded them in
precisely the same way. They were
children you might say.
81 can't think of what became of
Lam" she said whit quiet unconcern.
81 do hope he didn't have to go any
where tonight"
Ruth went out with Edith Fletcher
about ten O'clock" said Mr.. Nortz.
"The Lord knows where they'd CO."
agreed Mrs. Micks easily.
81 heard one say there was trouble
down at Santa Catalina again." he of
fered vaguely.
"Lan's so funny" decided Mrs.
Micks.
Mr.. Nortz was silent.
whats wrong, Maurice? You
seem so down."
No, he couldn't tell her. But he
envied Lancey Micks who could scowl
and swear out his troubles to be met
by such maternal calm.
They came up through the back and
there was Ruth.
$50 there you are!" said Mrs. Mi.cks
well, where have you been?"
"Saez took us driving"
"I don't think Mrs. Bautizo liked
your going away. 1t wasn't very polite
especially after missing dinner"
Ruth said nothing.
"Well," sighed Mrs. Micks, II can't
help it. You're just like your father.
I'm going to bed"
Mr.. Nortz stood irresolute. He sup
posed Ruth was simply waiting for
him to go. She said surprisingly, care
you tired, Maurice?"
"No, not at ALL" he claimed.
where did you go tonight 2" he
asked.
you'll hear all about it tomorrow,
why, what happened?"
Something pretty nasty"
Something about Ramona" he de-
manded.
Ruth smiled slightly. ooh, no, moth
ing like that"
az knew there was nothing in that"
declared Mr.. Nortz.
"Who said there was?"
people talking"
do they think he's having an affair
with me?"
al guess So"
"Do you think 500"
Mr.. Nortz looked at her a moment.
81 love you," he said.
ooh God, Maurice, don't"
mo wonder Mrs. Fletcher hates
me-" shrugged Ruth helplessly. "Why
do you want to do it, Maurice? Are
you sorry for me because of things
people say?"
81 loved you long before any one
said anything" he answered literally
81 didn't speak about it before be-
cause wasn't sure you weren't going
to marry Ramon or something. Maybe
you ought to. He could give you every
thing. Pearls and things. Give you q
setting. Beautiful women need things
ought to have them. That is, if you
loved him. Love comes first even so
And 1 don't think you do. And then
there were one or two personal mat
ters of difficulties of my own. didn't