The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1940-01-27
YESTERDAY: sue IS deeply
shocked tChen Bob breaks the
TeCs to her that Allen has mar
Tied one of the secretaries In his
firm Without telling her.
Chapter Nine
Patsy


ders and gripped them close.
"If you let Allen down now
you'll never forgive yourself
Think how good he's been to you
all these years! Think how he must
dread this first meeting between
you and his wife-far more than
you are dreading it, sweet, believe
me! Anyway, it's got to be gone
through whether you like it or not.
It's up to you to make it a flop or
or something old Allen has a
right to expect when he brings his
bride home"
She as still for a long moment,
her small shoulders lax and droop-
ing in his grasp. Then she freed
herself, said with quiet dignity:
THANK you, Bob! III behave
now"
A quarter of an hour later she
left her bedroom at the sound of
the opening door She had changed
TO trailing frock of dull red silk
whose brief pulled sleeves and
round neck exposed her white
arms and throat. Bright color
burned in her cheeks, and her eyes
were very dark and Starrs.
Sue, this is my Wife!' Allen
said quietly. If there was some
thing like genuine panic in his
thoughts. his manner did not be-
tray it. Bob mentally applauoed
both the young Davenports. 1t took
real breeding to face a situation
like this with such poise.
MY dear!" Sues hands were
held out in welcome TO the new
conner, Sues kiss was given TO both
bride and groom with nothing but
laughing protest at the surprise of
1t all. "A sister for a Christmas
present. Allen dear! And such a
pretty sister. tool"
She was painting a little, the
slenderly rounded breast rising
and falling in an effort to keep
herself in hand. Patsy saw moth
ing, Alle. saw nothing; only Bob,
momentarily forgotten, realized
what iron control she was exert
ing: realized and felt his heart al
most bursting with admiration for
the gallant young creature
Allen, relieved of his acute ap-
prehenSions, relaxed. grew visibly
fatuOus and pleased with himself
and his unannounced marriage
Il told you so. Patsy! knew all
along ii was the best way 20 90 IT,!
Action first and explanations
afterwards! Cavalry tactics. Ell.
Trenton?"
Bob muttered pleasantly if in
coherently Patsy's long gray eyes
were roaming swiftly about the
firellt room.
How about having some light
in here?" she inquired. Il can
hardly see my hand before my
face.
Bob obligingly pressed a button
&c several .emps bloomed forth
In the sudden illumination Sue got
her first real look at her brothers
wife. Patsy wore a long fur coat
with a matching cap which was
perched launtily on masses of ash
blond hair Her makeup was a
trifie heavy. her silk gown a DIT
too elaborate, but she was unde-
niably attractive in an odd. exotic
sort of way She was as tall as
Allen, far too thin. and the scent
of a cluster Of gardenias pinned to
her coat varied with he expen-
sive French perfume she wore.
All this Sue took in with a sink
ing heart This Aliens wifel Allen
who should have the best, the
finest. the mos. genuine.
But it couldn't be helped now
il couldn't be helped now. her
quick thoughts ran. AS Bob had
reminded her. such lot depended
on what was said and done this
first evening, She eXerted herself
TO throw additional warmth into
her voice.
TIL Holidays
MAKE her comfortable, Allen,
1f1 while j go tell Maggie to add
a frill or two in honor of the &C.
casionl" She hurried away, glad
of the moments respite. She was
oueerly oblivious of tt. old
woman's lack of surprise at the
announcement; hardly realized
the elaborate meal which was
ready and waiting. In daze she
helped set the table, congratulated
herself that Bob's velvety red roses
were perfect for the occasion,
sparkled gaily all through the
meal. aided by Bob. The new Mrs.
Davenport was very quiet, Allen
radiated an almost boyiSh joy.
When dinner was over Bob took
easy command of the situation.
go pack a bag with whatever
you'll need for a couple of days,
Sue. Bahs wants you to pay her q
little visit while these honey
mooners are settling in"
The girl started, caught her
breath. It was the first time she
had given any thought to the fu-
ture. This was Aliens house, OF
course: his money ran it, his wife
must come first here. Wave after
wave of desolation rolled over her
She felt homeless, unwanted. She
glanced at Allen, expecting him Il
veto Bob's plan, but Allen smiled
approvingly.
Good idea, Trentonl Sue, vol
don't mind, do you, lamb? A mar