Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1938-09-26
CHAPTER 26
HELEN WELSHlMER

JUDY i WOOLO AOI How Va
tered the dining room, after hear
ing the remark which Ronald Bir-
rell had made to Abbey Roland,
and Abbev's answer, but another
guest. also an early riser, came
along and addressed her in cheer
FIJI voice which carried to the Two
at the table. Q
"Good morning, Miss Rogers!
Some snow storm, isn't it
Judy had not known that the
wind was blowing white sheets OF
snow around the house. Now she
glanced out of the window and
nodded.
Her mind tried to focus on snow,
breakfast, light chatter. She must
not think now of Ronald telling
Abbev she would be sorry all her
life if she did not break" some
thing. OF course, he must refer
to Abbey's engagement to the
count.
Ronald and Abbey greeted Judy
and the guests with strained, po-
lite faces. Their breakfast was
nearly done.
Judy tried to drink some orange
Juice, gave up, and took q cup OF
hot, black coffee.
Ronald was saying to Abbey, IN
a low voice:
.sThink it over and call me when
YOU decide, won't you? Better not
do anything until you consult me-"
Abbey nodded. Judy turned her
head away coldly. When she SAID
goodby to Ronald, her voice was
frosty. She knew he did not mo-
i tice. He had a favor of his own
to ask.
"Judy, Abbey is worried. I don't
think she should be annoyed with
details for the party. Can you
take them from her, do you
think 2"
The party to which Ronald re-
ferred was a Christmas Eve ex-
travaganza which was scheduled
for the next night. A sum of
money was being spent which
would have endowed a small col
lege, or built row of houses in a
model town, it seemed to Judy.
None of her friends ever had in
dulged in such an orgy of elab-
crate spending, and she loathed
her part in it.
The guest list was long and
names appeared on it which were
written neatly in the Social Reg
lister. Even Craig and Mary had
been invited. Probably because
Mary knew the count, Judy
guessed. That was the reason
Marjorie was included, too, she
surrnised.
"There is nothing for Abbey to
do. Everything is being attended
to-" Judy answered as quietly as
any DISTINGUISHED secretary might
have done. IT. So
Good, II knew she could count
/ on you." HE Lowered his voice.
Judy, AbbAy's upset. Try to- un-
derstand, won't you ?"
I And so are you upset, Ronald,
Judy commented silently. Don't
try to hide It. I know. You. want
her. You-Want- her!
They were as far apart as the
two mythical poles-Abbeyz and
this tall young man with the
brave eyes, Sred hair, and stubborn
chin. He~>canne from the hills
where a man was free, where his
Drawn and his muscle marked him
He had fought his way to the top
not minding hardship, with ne
apology for his humble beginnings
And Abbey she was a hot house
flower, whose father had come
from some humble world, as Ron.
aid had done. But Abbey did not
talk of that. She had reached fol
glamor, prayed for a count. ,AnG
now $50.
Abbey sought Judy a little later
Her face was so white, her eye.
so circled that Judy relented
Maybe the girl did love Ronald
Maybe her heart had thrown of
it's silver and gold binding ribbon.
and she wanted to be honest. g
this girl were sincere in her love
thEE was different. The coun
coNtd be managed. Judy Iwishes
she might say that she underst6 6s
and offer to help. Help this
girl-win-Ronald! The though
made her "a little ill.
Abbey came to the point.
Zone of the maids is sick. Ap
pendicitis, I think. Anyway, w,