The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-05-10

| choir-boys and bridesmaids and
confetti. ! wanted us to do all the
silly things people used to before
romance and sentiment went out of
style. thought that after we were
married."
GLOW little I've known you," she
marveled.
"And how little I've known you.
You've never spoken of this place,
of John. I had no idea that when
he came to your debutante party,
you, he-Kate told me you didn't
expect him to be here when you
came-How long have you known
him, Gay?"
s'Since was fifteen. Since the
summer spent here with Uncle
John"
''Then that's the answer. I've
known all along that you weren't
as certain as was"
81 tried. Forgive Mech, what
must you think Of me?"
He took her hands in his, looked
at her steadily, very seriously. ''I've
always thought you were the lowell
est person I've ever known. It's the
habit of a lifetime. I can't break
it now"
Tears streamed down over her
cheeks. She made no attempt to
check them.
81 want you to know" she said,
"that I feel toward you now, at
this moment, just as I've always
felt. This-this thing that has hap
pened hasn't changed it. love you
as my best and my dearest
friend"
"But you love John more?"
She nodded. "I'm so sorry" she
cried pityingly. "I'm too fond Of
you to tell you less than the truth"
He laid her hands gently in her
lap, rose, walked to the fireplace,
stood with his back to her, lighting
cigarette. When he turned, his
face was peaceful.
ST like him, you know" He smiled
YEARLY through the smoke from the
cigarette. "That put me at dis
advantage. I can't offer to knock
his head off. I couldn't anyway.
He's bigger than I am. It's all
right, Gay"
els it," Her voice was wistful.
"I'm so fond of you. think of rid
ing our ponies together and Miss
Kitty's dancing class and your first
sail-boat and tea-dances and foot
ball games and skiing and house
parties at Princeton"
His smile wavered. Sand it doesn't
do any good?"
Her eyes fell away from his face,
less peaceful now, drawn with ia
tigue and pain.
''It only makes me more certain"
she said scarcely audibly.
He drew a long shaken breath.
'sWell, that's that" CHANGING up she
saw the corners of his lips lift in
difficult smile. 81 should say, now,
in husky voice but with smile,
that I'll always love you, little girl,
and if you ever need me or want
me" His voice altered. II do say
it, Gay. I've had considerable ex-
perience getting you out of scrapes.
If you ever need me"
you're a dear, Todd. / wish"
He flung the cigarette into the
fire, went to the couch, dropped
down beside her, drew her close In
strong embrace.
Gay, darling, can't your" his lips
whispered against her cheek.
She put aside his eager arms.
Her hands lifted to his face. Her
eyes met his, bright, now, with
sort Of despairing hope that moved
her to pity, gentleness, poignant re-
gret.
''Todd. Todd, darling" she said.
II wish could"
Gay opened the kitchen door,
stepped outside, closed the door eau
tiously. Johns figure detached it.
self from shadows at the edge Of
the clearing. She ran to meet him
coming to meet her. His arms
caught her, lifted her, set her feet
on the ground.
81 hoped you would come" he
said, his lips against her cheek.
II shouldn't have. Kate heard
me, I know, though she pretended
to be asleep. And Todd feels 30