The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-03-31

Pnpnlng MS GIRL he WOulQ De
ages. This, caller? Surely there
was something familiar about that
broad back. and that eager, con-
else voice? She moved a step to
one side. She saw the intelligent
face Of a woman whose ,hrows
were heavy, and whose eyes were
bright. Her mind leaped back
years. To marble topped table on
grilling sumner afternoon, to
black dispatch case. an inspiring
story. She thought:
"Clare Horton! ! wonder if she'll
remember me-"
I A moment later the woman
started out of her box. She smiled
an impersonal apology at Petro-
nella, for having kept her waiting.
She recognized her an instant
later.
Don't tell mel know! Petro-
nella Malione-we met years ago.
Do you remember"
Eyes, and I've always wanted to
meet you again, Miss Horton. But
you were always in China. Or-else
I was abroad, myself"
well. now we're both in Vic
toria Staticn!" she cried, laughing.
Thank you for the money you
sent. / meant to write personally.
again"
your interview was a success,
wasn't it?" asked Petrol.
I'D Love To Talk To You
/ -
EVENTUALLY" Clare nodded.
II "And your brother! Where IS
Peter Malone just now?"
TN Spain, and missing fm ter
rfbly anxious. That is why Pm go--
ing to telephone for news 1t is the
first time anything like this has
happened since / stopped travel
ing with him. I'm staying in town,
till I know"
"Pm sorry, Petronella," her voice
had become gentle With Clare
Horton looking at her face, Petrol
knew it was useless to pretend she
was anything but miserable. eff
you could wait a moment, I'd love
to talk to you," she suggested.
Clare agreed. We'll have some tea
together.
"Oh, yes. feel If don't talk
to someone" she did not end her
sentence.
Then we didn't meet by chance.
after all these years"
Even while she telephoned Mar
tin Rowdon. and heard that there
was no more news, Petronella felt
Clare's calm, strong influence. Per-
haps, if she could talk to Clare,
life would not seem so dead wrong.
There might be some solution. II
she had the chance, she deter
mined to tell her about Tony.
Clare would understand, and re-
assure her. She would agree that
she had done the only thing she
could, in leaving Cairo. She would
tell her to do all she could to for
get Tony, il not with James, with
some one else, or with work. Be-
cause he could never give her Sc
curity or happiness.
Martin Rowdon told not to wor-
ry so much. The communication
were so bad, Peter might be as
safe as she was.
Where can ! get your Pm just
trying a new line now. may
know something more, within the
next half-hour. I'll call you back"
I'm having tea at Victoria Sta
ton. Pll phone you"
She could tell, from the hesi-
fancy in his voice. that he was
about to mention Tony. He was
curious to know whether she still
cared for him.
eff only ! could find out that
Lance was still in Madrid, I should
feel sure Peter was all right, and
that that report alluded to two
strangers"
st know" said Petronella. Saw.
ing goodby, she rang off quickly,
mo news yet. But there's hope"
she told Clare Horton,
They entered the tea-room and
found table. Clare smiled. as she
seated herself opposite Petronella.
I'm no longer working for the
White Russian Aid. That Is estab-
lished. It can get on without me.
But there is new work, crying out
to be done. I'm fighting my doctor,
to let me 60 to Spain" AS she
offered her a cigarette. Clare
watched. her reaction keenly.i
"Spainl"
my doctor tells me I'm until
for travel discomfort, bad food
and excitement. I've a sneakins
suspicion he's right. But it seems
to me absolutely necessary that
something should be done for
Spanish children, orphans, and
refugees. was going out to find
suitable place for a temporary
home TO- them. suppose you
wouldn't like to do it for me? IL
your news, when it comes, Is
good?" she asked.
Petronella started. IL don't
think | could, Clare"
you told me. once, you'd like
TO help my kind of work. You said
you were no use at anything par
ticular. Time has altered that"
Petronella flushed. at is the fin
est work in the world, Clare. Ever
since met you, I've often thought
of you; like q long suffering nurse.
doing your best for unhappy ma
tons, as il they were misguided
children"
eff you would, you have all the
necessary knowledge, and perhaps
some practical experience. You
speak Spanish. Your brother. and
. friend. whom Ibelieve you
know, Tony Lance, who Is also In
Madrid, would help you" Clare
was watching her face.
Petronella sat staring at her