The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-07-26

"Debby is sensitive In way
which l think / understand better
than you."
John turned to Gay in smiling
evaporation. "What was the use
of my spending four years in medi-
cal school and two years internmg
when mother, by instinct, knows
more than / do about my profess
sion."
Again a faint chilling smile
touched Ann Houghton's lips.
81 should like you to 60 with me,
John," she repeated. "Debby is
nervously excited. She'll probably
need a sedative to put her to sleep.
The doughnuts will wait, and Gay
will excuse you for a few minutes,
I'm sure"
Certainly, Mrs. Houghton."
"Back in a minute, Gay" Johns
eyes were pleading. His smile was
strained.
Goodnight, Gay"
Goodnight, Mrs. Houghton."
John went out of the room with
his mother. The door closed. Gay
stood leaning against the back OF the
chair, staring into the fire.
Gay did not turn when the door
opened. She remained seated in the
chair beside the hearth, looking UP
at the painting above the mantel.
"Were you asleep?: John asked,
coming to the chair. "I'm sorry
I've been so long"
"No, not asleep. I've been getting
acquainted with the gentleman up
there. It's your great-grandfather.
isn't it?"
"Abner Houghton-yes."
"You don't look like him. In an
hour of intensive study haven't
been able to find trace of resem-
blance."
"I'm sorry it's been an hour. /
wanted to get back to you." He
bent to lift her hands lying in her
lap. "Come over here where we
can be close together. haven't
kissed you for three days."
elias it been only three days?"
Darling, have you been misera-
ble?"
She drew her hands from his, sat
looking down at them, silent.
"What is it? What are you think
ing?"
81 want to 60 with you tomor-
row."
"Into Portland? meant to take
you."
"And then on to New York-to-
morrow"
''But Mary expects you to stay.
And the kids. Nat-made me prom
Use to bring you." 9~
That's dear Of them, but"
Look at me, Cay" r s&
She raised her head. Seeing his
grave and troubled face, she gave
little cry. He bent toward her. Her
arms went around his neck. Their
lips met and chung. Presently he
drew away, Strengthened, took her
hands to pull her up from the chair.
''Did taking Debby to New York
mean so much to your"
81 should have enjoyed having
her, but that isn't important"
"That act she pulled must have
been unpleasant for you."
''It wasn't an act" She sat beside
him on sofa with a high back
curled at one end like snail. deb
by meant every word she said"
He looked searchingly into her
eyes.
"Do you believe that, Gay?"
"Of course I believe it. I've been
here for three days."
Mother told me. I hadn't real
led"
81 don't want to discuss your
mother, John"
''But you can't believe the things
Debby said were true"
"They are true. I'm sorry II It
offends you but you asked for It,"
He drew a little away from her.
Mother is only thinking Of what is
best for Debby. She is emotional
and immature, and she has this no
ton about singing"
"Why shouldn't she have
chance?"
"That isn't what Mother wants for
Debby."
"What does she want for Debby?"
"She wants her to 60 to college"
$50 that Debby can spend the
rest of her life being grateful to
herr" Her voice softened. "Oh,
am sorry, John. shouldn't have
said that"
"You can say what you like to
me, what you think, how you feel"
s'No, can't. When ! do, we quar-
rel. Debby isn't important insofar
as we are concerned. But your
mother is. She doesn't want Debby
to 60 to New York with me be-
cause she's afraid Of me, of the
things can do for her. She wants
to be everything to all Of you"
That's natural, isn't it,"
Natural, perhaps, but selfish.
Yes, selfish, John. Can't you seer"
s'If you knew what Mothers life