The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-06-22
TWO AGAINST LOVE
by Frances Hanna

glad &c have you, GraElp.
The circle closed ia again, shut
ting out Jocclyil. She hurried 10
the terrace to round up her guests
for supper, refraining from r1eH-
tioning the old mans presence 70
Geoff or Thorn. But when the
guests, talking and Laughing, FLED
into the house, Nola saw Gramp
and called a delighted greeting,
Jocelyn noted his relief and pleas
ure a. :ceing Noia, who iraIlle-
diately perehed on the arm OF his
chair and affactionateiy rumpled
his hair and te5sed him about mar
rying an Irish barmaid.
For the next hour, busy with her
guests, JoceIyn did not permit her.
self to think of anything but her
duty as hostess. Size reminded
Thorn, when he frowned an objec-
ton to Gramp, that this party was
for Nola and If Nola wanted the
old man it was their duty to be
tactful. H
However, old Talbot Mack, with
the assistance of willing cupbear-
ers, soon became comically intoxi-
Gated. Struggling to his feet he
danced for them, awkwardly shut
fling his worn house slippers.
Then he sang ballads in his high.
cracked voice: ballads both dolor-
Gus and lifting. The more he per-
formed the more he was urged on,
until great drops of perSpiration
came ont on his forehead and
rolled down the deep creases Of
his face.
Thorn fidgeted with annoyance.
G Of f fretted the evaporation.
Jocelyn thought. They're making
a fool Of limits awful"
With abrupt decision she went
through the lower hall to the conn
municating door which led into the
Macks' domain. Turning the lock,
she went through and marched up
the broad stairway, her eyes fash
ing with indignation.
Not knowing which room was
Tally's, she stopped in the center
OF the upper hallway and softly
called his name. A few seconds
later a door opposite opened and
pair OF sleepy eyes blinked at
her.
known Quantity
TALLY" she implored, 'please
4 come down and get your
grandfather. He-they're making
sport of him., Tits cruel. Please
come and take him away and keep
him out Of"
"Your parlor!" Tally finished.
(which reminds me. did promise
you we would stay out of your
parlor, didn't II"
eYes = but that isn't why !
came"
"Isn't it? | don't see why you
bother to pretend an interest in
Cramps welfare when the truth IS
you're ashamed Of him.
Joeelyn bit her lip. VERY well.
If that is your opinion wen let il
go, Just get him out and keep him
She fed down the stairs feeling
fearful at his, unjust accusation;
for it lpqS unjust, she assured her.
self. Tally and his family had done
nothing but annoy and humiliate
her since. the day Of their arrival.
Tally had thwarted her every
move. He was horrid and mean
and egotisticaH He had kissed her
only in order to humiliate her. He
had no doubt laughed many times
over the way she had capitulated
that night at the club dance. Well,
he could just laugh out of the other
side of his mouth, for he was MOTH
ing to her but a necessary nui-
sance that had to be borne until
the day she married Godfrey. -.
Tally, putting in an appearance
ten minutes later, was dressed in
well-fitting white flannel trousers
and spotless white shirt. His black
hair was dampened and combed.
He went over to his grandfather,
returning pleasantly the greetings
which welcomed him, and gently
put his arm about the old man.
Come on, Gramp," he coaxed.
"it'S past your bedtime"
Don't wanta go!"
Nola tweaked the old mans ear
affectionately and took his other
arm. thine little boys were in
bed" she scolded. "And If you're
good I'll take you for a long ride
tomorrow. Word of honorl"
He winked solemnly, lettering
on shaky legs as they lifted him
from his chair. Gan right, Molly.
Can't say mo- to q pretty gall
v,ax,op ont,1I -
Supported between Tally and
Nola he stumbled away. nodding
drowsily.
Now, their chief entertainer
gone, the guests milled around the
laden dining table, recalling to
each other hilarious bits Of
Cramps recitals. Jocelyn sighed.
Tomorrow these bits would be
strewn all over town.
Bob jiggled her elbow. Don't
look so vexed, Lyn. Everything Is
under control. Everyone Is having
a swell timel"
Geoff caught her and carried her
off for a dance. Intent on match
ing her steps to his, she relaxed
against his solidity, thankful for
his substance and familiarity.
Maybe Geoff was not exciting nor
pulse-stirring, but at least he was
kn0tun quantity.
The first warning OF more up
heaval came from the terrace.
Sandy, supposedly asleep in the
rear depths Of the house, began
barking with frightened frenzy. A
shrill childish voice ordered him
to Shut upl" Then small appari-
ton clothed in long cotton night
gown, holding q suliirTning white
cat under its arm, appeared In the
doorway.
GeoH halted. Good heavensl
What now