The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-08-21
CHAPTER THIRTY-sIx


Chicago was exactly as sheils
had pictured II on her balcony in
Buenos aires. Cold and NiAdsssPt
with banks Of snow on either side
Of the suburban walks. But inside
her fathers house were warmth
and affection and wreaths Of holly.
He had met her at the station
80 that they had time for little
private conversation.
He looked so happy and well
that she could see his marriage had
been a fortunate one. But his con-
Germ and love for her were I'M
changed. Unable to speak he had
gathered her into his arms as If
she were a little girl.
Helen met them at the door
smiling her welcome but il was
Sheila who had put her arms about
her stepmother and kissed her. She
was so grateful to find her home
unchanged. Everything in its ac-
customed place just as she had
left il. The cook and housemaid
greeted her effusively.
We've certainly missed you,
Miss Sheila." they said.
The gardener shoveling snow
had opened the garage doors cali
ing. IT'S sure nice to see you back.
Miss Clayton"
Well, it was nice to be back. she
had assured them. And standing
by the blazing library fire she was
so glad that she had not remained
in Buenos Aires she could have
wept. Tomorrow would be the day
after Christmas.
The day she was to have mar
ried RaouL How far away he
seemed now. His home, the pen
sion, the estancia were all part of
distant dream. It was as If she
had been asleep and Weakened to
her own house, warm and safe.
After lunch when Helen suggest
ed that she might like to speak to
her father alone, Sheila insisted
that she remain. adding, you are
part of the family now. I'd like
for you to hear all about it."
The story when she told ii
sounded more incredulous than
when it had happened. There were
tears in her fathers eyes as he
said, I'VE certainly owe a debt 10
Jim which can never be paid"
Perhaps you can pay it," Sheila
suggested. AT least I've an idea
that you can try"
Lets hear it," he urged.
well you see since he's taken
such good care of me I thought
you might be willing to offer me
to him for keeps"
what do you mean ?" he asked
but Helen cried, Really, Sheila !
How wonderful"
I'D like to marry him." Shells
said brazenly. "but he's afraid
don't know my own mind. So may
be you'd better tell him that yot
expect it of him. He seems to hav,
such a high idea of your opinion.
Relief flooded her fathers face
you love him, Shelia ?"
More than anything in tn,
world" she assured him.
Then I don't imagine you'll
have much trouble convincing him
I must admit I couldn't ask bet
ter husband for you"
A few moments later he said
I'VE were going to redecorate you
room as your Christmas gift bu
if you're going to be married may
be you'd rather have the money.
WED better wait" Sheila sug
gested, until find out just wha
Jim's plans are"
He told her that night sittin,
before the fire after the older cou
pie had retired.
You see it's like this. Sheila
mother is going to California fol
the rest of the winter so wei
have to wait until she come,
back"
Why will WEI" Sheila asked.
you wouldn't want to be mar
mied without herr"
Certainly not, darling. But Is
there any reason we can't be mar
ried before she goes?"
You mean now? This week 20
he asked.
unless you're not sure enough, y
Sheila murmured wickedly.