The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1938-01-22


guests. mir. Nelson and his daugh-
ter Vivian, Media"
Vivian wore pale pink satin
frock with no back. Her eyes were
very blue and set too close to-
gether. She greeted Media coolly.
Media didn't miss the fact that her
rose-leaf color deepened at sight
Of Reck
She hates me-" thought Media.
shes IN love with Reck."
After dinner Mr.. Reckless and
Mr.. Nelson went to the library to
talk business.
They'll discuss stocks and bonds
until midnight or after" Mrs.
Reckless said. Won't you play for
Us, Vivian?"
I'm be delighted" Vivian an
swered readily.
you turn the music for her,
Earl" Mrs. Reckless ord d
Sweetly.
Media found herself seated be-
side Mrs. Reckless on a davenport
at the far end of the room, while
Reck and Vivian were at the piano
at the other end. Oddly, Media had
a feeling that the whole evening
had boiled down to herself and
Mrs. Reckless and something that
had to be settled between them.
When do you and Earl plan TO
be married, my dear?" the woman
inquired and placed her hand on
Nelda's arm in light. fieeting
gesture.
We haven't set the date yet,"
Media answered and regarded Mrs.
Reckless gravely. Il haven't told
him vet-but-"
'sYes?"
I'D like to finish college first"
She felt that with her sheepskin
she'd be bringing more to the
Reckless family than just her mere
self. Too, she was pinning some
vague hope upon the possession Of
her diploma, as if it would be an
open sesame TO everything she'd
ever dreamed about.
II think you are showing very
good judgment" It seemed that a
mask on Mrs. Reckless face Slip
ped a little. 'Reck viii travel while
you're in school," Media gave a
start, and Mrs. Reckless fixed upon
her a kindly, encouraging smile.
Perhaps we can arrange it so that
you can meet him abroad some
place for the marriage"
Meet him abroad?" Media had
always thought Of weddings as
home and family affairs. +
How would you like TO be mar
ried IN Parish"
81 don't-know," Media faltered.
You dent know" Mrs. Reck-
less said, family ineredulous ac-
cent on the words.
I'm thinking OF my mother.
She" A a
Blaae OF Anger
THE music stopped at that mo-
4 ment, and Reck started toward
his mother and Media.
Please play the Blae Donabe.
Vivian Mrs. Reckless requested.
You don't appear to be listen
ing 10 the music" Reck accused
Il can talk and listen, too. Blue
Danube, VIVIAN Mrs. Reckless
said sweetly.
Media wondered il she imagined
there was a command under that
sweetness. At any rate, Vivian and
Reck both turned back to the
piano.
You were saying something
about your mother, Media" Mrs.
Reckless said as soon IS Vivian
started playing.
MY mother would want to see
me married"
Well have 70 make other ar
rangements then But time viii
take care OF that" The words came
smooth, convincing. yet Mrs. Reck-
less gave a faint sigh as If she had
accomplished something she had
set out to do.
But want you 70 60 to Europe
with mel" Reck exclaimed petu-
lantly on the way back 70 the
rancho when Media told him Of her
decision to return to college.
7 really feel ! should graduate.
Evidently you think more Of
that than you do Of me-"
I'm fonder Of you than any
body, she said. You've been the
one bright spot in my new life
but somehow graduation spells
heaven 10 me, Reck."
@0f al the eockeyed ideas!" he
stormed.
Her face grew set.
7 think your mother wants Il
that way. Reck.n
why are you always throwing
my mother in my facet" he de-
manded violently.
Her anger dashed against his. In
a fash they were quarreling hest
edly.
Il know your mother doesn't like
me-and never viii" she hlazed.
It's your environment she does
not ike. That's why ] want 70 Get
you ont OF It. But mol You-you
won't be dragged away from il.
Media was now thoroughly In
dienant, and her eyes flashed de-
family. @Of all the snooty -
Words choked IN her throat She
pulled OF her engagement ring
and handed i 10 Inn.
Thanks. he thrust the rina
into his pocket.
fcossrseAt 1857. AIiss Msrss Do6ssa
Mia. r...a~.. ~.w. 49,. 90