The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-01-25

could help him You see. he was
broke-so was his spirit, almost.
He needed twenty-five dollars to
enter an architectural competition
didn't know where he'd get it.
And while we were at church. he
saw the bracelet. But last night he
gave it back to me-"
Noel turned toward him, stopped
walking a moment. She gave him
a serious look. THAT must always
be secret between US, Allan. Your
mother must never know"
"Of counsel"
They continued their walk,
aware that the confidence they
shared drew them closer together.
You're a grand person. Noel:
but I've said that before" Sudden
Tly Adams admiration was impor-
tant to Noel. more important than
the attitude of most people she had
met in her lifetime.
Mother says you re staying with
US few days. I'm so glad"
Noel sighed. She'd like to stay
here with the peace and serenity
for long time. But she explained,
1T would be wonderful, Allan. But
I've got to get back to New York.
I'll never forget these heavenly
days" Her voice sounded choky.
"You talk as though something
had ended. You'd make mother sad
if she heard you."
Noel treasured him and Allan
followed her words with prom
Uses OF his own. Theirs was a
friendship for all time. He said it
simply, coavincing!y.
Sailing a Ec:e=Gc'.i1
II FEEL as though we'd known
each other for years" Allan
went ON. "You Gait realize what it
means to me-talklng with YOU,
walking like this. You give. me a
sense of beautiful pernanence I
can't describe IT. n
Because her arm in his trembled,
Noel paused in her steps. Allan
was watching her closely. She was.
at once. afraid of that. scrutiny
fearful of her own tremulous re-
action that speedcd the beat of her
heart.
She moved forward. away from
Allan. her eyes on the sky that
broke down on the cleared path
And she would have fallen over a
snow topped obstacle except that
Allan IN two strides was al her
side. staying the fall Ills arm was
around her as he held her erect,
his head bent down. eyes laughing.
AS quickly his mann er was seri-
Gus and while they stood there so
closely. he kissed her
Trembling. Noel pulled away
from him. She knew she had an
swered his kiss. Before he could
speak her words rushed out:
Now we've sealed our friend
ship"
Eyes," Allan admitted as.though
reluctantly. "Our = friendship is
sealed"
When they returned to the big
house, Mrs. Barton and Mr.. Whit
taker were ready to leave and AL
Ian asked her to ride with them to
the Station.l,1 ~ q = = pa
Thank you, but l,think I'll stay
here with your mother" She re-
piled. her eyes averted for she was
still remembering his casual kiss
and what it had done to her emo
tionS.ai tG2g aTF9a t'aS IS -
Together int the living room
with the others gone Ms, WAR
chand se;1: dI.a -
Jimmy and his mother areiout
with the dogs! He's a darling child.
I've promised him pup from. the
next litter" 5
Then she explained that Mrs.
Johnson insisted she must goeon
to her parents. and arrangements
had been made for them TO con.
tinue their dramatically interrupt
ed journey in day or two.
.'This has all been a wonderful
experience for me-" she. added.
Meeting these people for whom
the way has not been smooth. And
there's something we can do for
each one of them to make things
easier" a.
Noel knew her mind was already
working on plans. She wasn't the
sort of person who would forget
her promises.
you're an angel!" Noel meant
what she said. u,
That's what we're here for-to
help, when we can. And il was a
much nicer, Christmas than we
would have had otherwise" SAe
took NoePs hand in her own II
wish ] could tell you how happy il
makes me--just knowing you"
Late in the AFTERNOON while
Jimmy was sleeping and his moth
err was in her room. the three had
tea in the living-room. Annie came
in quietly and said to Allan in q
low voice:
"Mrs. Schuyler is on the tele-
phone, Mr.. Allan"
Noel saw his flush, but he got
up with jump and went out to the
den. She saw, too, tn look of pain
on Mrs. Marchand's face.
When he came back. Allan said
to his mother:
do you mind, darling, If run
into town for a few hours? I'll be
back later tonight"
Mrs. Marchand hesitated. Some
how, for Noel, all the JOY Of the
day went out with Adams nom
committal question.
"If you must, OF course ! won't
mind. Noel will be company for
me-" But her voice almost broke.
Noel felt she almost hated
Elaine Schuyler
fcopyriaht. 1888. Angela Lordegl