The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-06-14
CHAPTER x

Kitty Cameron lifted her eyes
from a magazine as Gay spoke to
her at the door of her dressing
room.
"Hello!" she said. "Have you
just returned? Where's John?"
"Here." Gay drew him forward.
eyes, we've just returned"
Hello, Johnl Come in. There's
a photograph of the Gabrielle in
Town and Country Gay. Todd has
sold it to Tony Merrill"
"Has her" Gay kissed her moth
er. "Whew, it's hot in here. May I
raise a Window"
'Let me-" John lifted a sash be-
hind taffeta curtains, letting a
stream of air into the softly Lit, fra
grant room. Lights doomed through
the dusk. A few stars shone. At
an angle he saw freighter moving
slowly on the dark surface of the
river below, trailing a brighter wash
Of churning foam.
"Br-r-r!" Kitty Cameron sat up
and leaned forward to reach the fur
coverlet folded at the foot of the
chaise-longue. "You come in here
glowing like mountain climbers and
proceed to freeze me out"
"You invited u.s." Gay dropped
into a chair beside the chaise-
Tongue. You're dollhouse BIOS
som, Kitty. Where's Robert?"
playing hand-ball at the club. I"
Gays mother lay back against cush-
ions, under the fur coverlet. Hes
distressed about his waist-line. Sit
down, John, but not in that chair.
This is the only one Robert really
trusts" She gestured. Peach-colored
chiffon in a fan of tiny pleats fell
back from her rounded arm. Her
long, very deep blue eyes moved
from John to Gay. "You must have
enjoyed the country. / expected
you yesterday. What have you done
to make yourself look so blowsy,
Gay? Your face is as red as a to-
mato."
Couldn't you have said as red as
a Christmas rose? You have no POI
etry in your soul. She looks as
though she would have, doesn't she,
John? Look at her. Peach-blossoms
and spun-glass and as practical as
a garden rake"
"Rake?" her mother queried,
laughing. 81 don't demand great
deal of filial respect but aren't you
carrying matters a little too far?"
"Much too far" John said. His
laughter mingled with the feminine
laughter Ginning in the dainty lux
urious room. He relaxed in the
chair, which looked fragile but was
comfortable, and Lit a cigarette.
'Thank heaven, there's a little
chivalry left in the world" Kitty
Cameron's sparkling glance rested
upon John for moment, then turned
to Gay. "But you haven't answered
my question. AS parent I demand
to know what you've been up to.
Johns ears are purple"
1--WE drove in with the top down,
or rather John drove, and we
couldn't find ear-tabs or a tippet."
Kitty Cameron shuddered. Have
MT you any sense?"
cit was marvellous, except that
John has a mania for speed which
I've never suspected. ! was certain
we'd spend his last night here in a
magistrates office"
'Are you leaving tomorrow"
Tonight, Mrs. Cameron.
Must you, John?" Gays eyes
c1ouded. The brightness dirnmed out
of her face.
"Must, Gay. I've overstayed my
leave of absence by one day al
ready"
''The late sleeper, them"
eyes," he said, and was silent.
ooh, that's really too bad" Kitty
Cameron's expression was dis
tressed. II expected you to stay
over the weekend, at least. If I'd
had any idea"
''What have you been up to, Moth
err" Gay asked. you've no idea
how guilty you look"
''It's Robert" She sighed, then
smiled. 81 learned long ago that
surprises are usually not appreciat-
ed"
HAS Robert planned surprise
for us?"
HE has made arrangements to
take us for dinner and dancing at
the Heron Club"
'sThat was dear of him." Gay
said slowly, "but-"
81 told him he should consult you.
Well, don't think of it again. Rob-
ert will be disappointed and what
he'll say to the others-But that's
his predicament."
''The others? Is it a party?"
'Ten, I believe. Tory Wales
and her fiance and Peter and Con-
ME Belmont and"
Gays eyes met Johns in dismay.
1--WE should have stayed in the
country" she said.
Robert wanted to do something
for you, Gay" Kitty Caneron's tone
held faint rebuke.
II appreciate that. But Johns