The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-13
DaVEu NuffIs, net FuEtces
Chapter 26
A New Life


DERHAPS ! shouldn't have done
= it-this way. The thought was
racing through Noels mind in time
with the whirring wheels of the
train. carrying her away from New
York.
She was staring out the window
not seeing the scenes of a pleasant
June morning. For hours she'd
rushed hectically. packing heI
trunks. examining things she'd
need now into two travelling bags
The trunks were stored at the
hotel-she'd explained she was
called out of town for while.
And. by now, David would be
reading the fateful letterl
Shed worried about 1t for lone
time-lettinR him know this way
that she wasn't marrying him. lr
the middle of the night. shed
picked up the telephone. His num-
Der didn't answer. That was fate
deciding, or so she'd soothed hei
conscience And lust before she left
the hotel. she'd sent the note by
messenger :
'I'm going away, David" she
wrote. II won't blame you If you
hate me. But | can't 60 through
with our marriage. I've thought !
could Now | know it wouldn't
be fair to you. left the play last
night. when | made my decision
] don't know what | shall do-Ive
got to think things out for myself
and it may take some time.
'I'm sorry. David-so sorry
can't find the words. Perhaps
shall be punished somehow fol
what ! am doing to you. cam
help 1t. I'm a coward because
couldn't bear to see your face when
] told you this. Don't think toe
harshly of me-Noel."
Noel was thinking harshly OF
herself. however. She knew she
had done contemplate thing. Or
was it7 Would II have been better
to marry David with Allan in hel
heart? And let David find out
afterwards. She couldn't have done
that-she knew.
"Gatona!" the conductor called
out.
Noel picked up her bags ano
when the train stopped. alighted
at the small station. Once. long
ago. when she'd had two weeks
with summer stock Noel had
stayed here She remembered Mrs
Winters-her tranquil little home.
Now she was going back.
81 knew YOU at oncel" The quiet
gray haired old lady exclaimed
when she answered Nners ring on
the door The rusty old taxi was
chugging down the street. the only
sound that was heard.
I've come to stay for while
IL you'll have me-" Noel's eyes held
such an unhappy look. Mrs Win
ters' manner conveyed, Poor
child. somebody has hurt you; I'll
take care of you"
To Noel she said smiling bright
ly, OF course, YOU can stay here
I'm happy TO have YOU again."
The little white room with its
painted furniture and low ceiling
was familiar to Noel Ii seemed to
welcome her back. She sat for
longer than she intended by the
window her ewes fixed on the old
fashioned flower garden outside
Soon she knew vC''ld come all
the qualms NnW she fell onlv
blessed release Mrs. Winters
brought her some tea and sand
witches.
%Why don't you go out in the
swing? The air will do you good.
she suggested and left the tray or
. small table.
Noel slpped the hot tea, munched
onelof the sandwiches She got Out
hert old fiat shines and a last
years cbttdn dress. When she had
changed. she was too restless t.
sit anywhere She walked down
the lane. slowly.
'Shiftiess Folk
uELLO." From behind q fence
II came the thin childish greet
ing. Noel turned to see a freckled
face peering at her between the
picketS.
Hello. there" she answered
Whats your name?"
"Pn Josie" the young voice re-
piled. Whats yours7"
"Noel-Martin." Noel said slow
would you like to see our new
puppies?" her wee friend asked
proudly. Noel told her I'D love
to-" and was directed to the gate
while Josie waited impatiently.
They went 70 dilapated barn
. and examined the litter with awe
SquirminR rat-like little bodies
clustered around the mother
Maybe well give YOU one" Josie
suggested.
well have to ask your mother
first. won't WEI" Noel replied.
"Mama's sick in bed-she hasn''
seen the puppies yet" the chile
explained. At the moment from :
window in the upper floor. q weak
feminine voice called:
"Josiei"
'Who's with your mother?'
Noel asked suddenly.
Il Nobody" Josie replied In
! matter-of-fact voice. Pops gone
20 town"
= Noel was walking away wher