The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-09-18
Chapter Is
Preparations

Preparations
NCILY didn't want to think of
~ the problem of Philip. She
wanted to think of Locke.
She was going TO see him on
Sundayl
The room felt hot. stuffy to her.
She didn't want to make the eff
fort necessary to talk to them. She
didn't want to play bridge.
She wanted to be alone.
She had another problem. She
had accepted Locke's invitation to
a hike on Sunday. But now that
she had accepted it. she hadn't the
least idea of how she was going to
manage.
She couldn't very well say, by
the way, | have a date on Sunday
with nice young man. I'll be gone
most Of the afternoon and eve-
mig"
Oh. no, you can't do that when
you're supposed to be engaged to
another man who is a house guest.
You could. of course. tell a lie.
Say that you had to do something
for Laura But you couldn't do it if
you were Cecily Stuart You might
be able 10 tell one very white little
lie about being engaged to some
one you didn't know But that
didn't mean that you were habit
ual liar. ls->
Nevertheless, you meant to keep
that Sunday date. :t|
II only you could think OF a
way
''cecily. have you heard about
the dinner party?" Helene Fer
nandeZ broke in on Cecily's
thoughts.
mo, what dinner -party?"
Were all invited to Mrs. Brew
ster's who is giving it a week from
Thursday NJ anuel and | were
planning to return to New York
before then but Olivia insists that
we stay"
But | thought Mrs. Brewster
never gives parties"
Olivia said. "Only for state occa-
sions. Cecily. This will be one and
] think Helene ought to stay to see
il. Not even in Newport is sum-
mer dinner arranged with such
grandeur There will be at least
seven courses and the gold plate
service"
What is the occasion?"
"Sir Hubert and Lady Rathbone
are 10 be her house guests and she
is dining them on that occasion
We will be six from Darelea He
lene and Manuel. Philip and your
self. Armando" - Armahdo was
Oliyis's accompanist-"and my
self"
Helene sighed. Dress. | sup
poser"
yes. indeed AS formally as
yoar wardrobe permits"
will Philip still be here?" Ce-
ely inquired sweetly And point
eddy
''Of course. he will" Olivia said
al once
Philip. looking trighttully
pleased, rose at once and took one
of Oiivia's hands in his. Dear
lazy you know that want to stay
but feel that I've overstayed now
You've been so kind, find il hard
20 resist your invitation.
Don't talk nonsense. Philip. We
want YOU 10 stay with us as long
as you can. You're an ideal guest
I'd miss YOU If you were to leave
US And so would Cecily. Wouldn't
you. dear?"
Cecily smiled weakly.
Didn't che man have any de-
cency?- Didn't he have any work
10 do?
Going AWAY
CHE would have very much
- enjoyed handing him his hal
and saying goOdby forever
Then 7 shall surely return.
Philip was saying.
Are YOU going away AGAIN.
Cecily's question vas hopefully
put And not at all in the manner
TO be expected of lovelorn cir
whose fiance was about to leave
lief.
Eyes" Olivia answered for him
'he'si got to 60 to New York. Poor
darling. and it's so dreadfully no
there. Gloria writes that she I:
simply languishing at Southamp
ton
@When are you going?" CecilI
asked. trying to hide her eager
ness.
"Pm afraid I'll have to leave or
the morning train. my love. W.
got TO see my publishers Saturday
There's some question come III
about my new book.
Saturday? thought publishing
houses were closed on Saturday?
"My little goosel Publishers d.
not have Office hours when the,
have business to talk over will
authors"
mot important authors" Helen
contributed.
Cecily had her doubts abou
Philips importance but she wa
content 10 let il 60. Philip was 90
ing away. II was enough for he
that she was to be free over tn
weekend. There was no longe
any need for her 20 worry abou
managing to get away on Sunday
Saturday she scanned the heav
ems anxiously. 1t was cloudles
day and at night the stars cam
out please don't let it rain tc
morrow" she prayed that night
+Cecily. we're driving to kenne
bunkport for some golf today