The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1940-08-08

lifted. ssI'm truly sorry, as | have
told you before, not that it hap
pened, but that you should have had
to suffer for something which wasn't
your fault.
Her aunt's expression softened
.sThen you'll understand that we
don't want to interfere, but to heln
you," she said more gently. s.We
think it would be wise for YOU TO
persuade DR.. Houghton to establish
a practice in New York. He's had
excellent training, understand, and
shows great promise. With the FAM
lily influence behind him, he might
so far"
Hes really very attractive"
Elsa Lancaster's bright competent
glance moved around the circle,
rested with especial brightness upon
Gay. "If he gets the right start, l
shouldn't wonder if he'd be popular.
socially as well as professionally.
''I think he's SWELL" Janet said
defensively. 81 like strong silent
men,"
He has pleasant voice." Muriel
lifted eyes like brown pansies from
contemplation of her slender white
hand. 'tI think it's important that a
doctor should have a pleasant
voice."
"Such a sweet mouth" Aunt Lucy
said. 81 suppose that sounds odd
in speaking of man." she added,
as though she expected to be con-
tradicted, "but it is. l don't think
that young man with a mouth like
that could be any of the things"
, She faltered, flushing. "Could be
other than kind and-sincege," she
finished in some confusion.
"And being DR.. Lawrence's neph-
ew is an asset" Aunt Flora said.
at isn't as though he's just some
body Gay happened to meet some
where. After all, DR.. Lawrence was
Gays godfather, though I could
never quite understand why David
was so fond of him."
Gay looked at Kate, who was look
ing at her. As their glances met,
Kate smiled. The smile widened
into an encouraging grin. Gay
laughed.
"What's so funny?" Elsa Lancas-
ter asked.
"You are, all of you. I'm sorry,
Aunt Flora" she added, seeing her
aunt's face assume an offended ex-
preston. you're talking about
John exactly as you would speak
of a servant you were considering
engaging. You're right. He has ex-
cellent references, but he isn't look.
ing for job"
The sun-burst of diamonds on Aunt
Flora's bosom glittered as she drew
herself erect. 81 don't see what
cause we've given you to take thai
attitude, Gabrielle. We're merely
trying to help you."
81 appreciate your intentions,
Gay said. II know that it seems i'm
portant to you to whitewash scan
dal. But John and I aren't having
any, thank you."
"You have no sense of responsi
bility toward your family. It's only
to be expected, suppose. You
mother"
leave Mother out of this, if yo'
please. She, at least, has some re
spect for personal independence.
"But have you never heard o
conduct?"
81 think I'm conducting mysel
very WE'LL" Gay made an effort t
control her temper, rising now
flushing her cheeks, giving warmt
to her voice, quickening her breath
ing. 81 brought John here today be
cause I--we-want to show you a,
Difference and consideration. Bu
you aren't going to arrange our live
for us. John will make his ow
decisions and ! will accept them.
She made a half-turn toward tn
door. "And now if you will excus
me-"
Mrs. Won Steedham stayed he
with a peremptory gesture. "Some
thing must be decided" she saic
insistently. eve can't go on lik
this, making excuses, trying to es
plain" She waited moment, ther
abandoning high-handed method:
"What are we to tell people?" sh
cried despairingly.
"Tell them, as you have bee
telling me, that I am my mother
daughter" Gay said and, holdin
her head very high, she went out {
the room.