The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-08-02
CHAPTER xIv-Continued

Sand with all of those deeds your
mother has tied you to her for the
rest of your lives, you, John, and
Sarah, at least" interrupted Gay.
''Oh, of course she's been splendid. ]
mean that sincerely. But it's a sort
of selfishness, too. She resents me
because I can do things for you
which she can't. She's afraid OF
me, for you, for your work, for Deb
by, mainly because she wants to be
the source of all giving, like God,
like Fr
You're uncharitable, Gay"
"I'm honest. I've seen. If !
weren't Gabrielle Graham, if had
no money, she would welcome me
for your sake. I being who l am,
she fears and resents me-"
Lack of security breeds fear.
When you are obliged to consider
the possible result of every move
you make, you are cautious"
You're afraid, too" she said,
barely audibly, as though the words
had been forced through her lips
"You don't trust me-"
He turned to look at her misera-
bly,.
"You needn't tell me. know"
Her voice steadied. "The things I've
been thinking are true, the things I
thought tonight while was waiting
here for you."
what things, Gay?"
"That it isn't possible. We hurt
each other. Love isn't enough
'tOh, Gay! I do love you'll" His
arms reached for her. Passion
famed through the dark misery in
his eyes. II adore you. Since /
first met you, when you were fif-
teen years old, I've worshiped you"
ono! Don't touch mel" She
slipped away from the sofa, went to
stand, leaning, against the wing
chair beside the hearth. He half
rose to follow her, dropped back,
sat with shoulders dropping, his
hands swinging between his knees.
4sIt's just biology, isn't it?" she
asked with little brittle laugh. ~
hoped there was more than that. I
had the naive notion that biology
was only a part of it, that there
could be companionship, too, and
faith and security"
"Gay-!" He groaned.
''I'm beginning to understand. No,
not that. guess I've known but
wouldn't admit it. Do you remem-
Der Christmas Eve in New York
when Suki announced callers? You
asked me what you should say
to them. ] think asked you what
you said to me. You said I tell you
! love you.' That's the only thing
we can say to each other without
quarreling. What will we talk about
when-?"
''But if-when we're together, we
won't be here or in New York.
There won't be people getting in the
way, your family, mine"
"I've told myself that, but it isn't
true. We can't escape our environ
ments. Well take them with us
wherever we go. Well quarrel and
make up and quarrel again, but each
quarrel will leave a scar. Let's not
spoil it, john"
Gay! Do you meant" he asked
hoarsely.
She held him off with an instinc-
tive gesture. "Uncle John may have
known" she said steadily, her hands
grasping the back of the chair. "But
he was-dying. We must live, John,
you and I. We can't let something
that was beautiful become furnished
and SCARED. Let's stop hurting each
other. Let's end it now, neatly and
definitely"
He stood beside her, at little dis
= lance, his lips moving, his eyes
searching her face. She glanced
away.
'.Do you want to do that?" he
asked quietly.
''Yes-" Her reply was as con-
trolled as his question had been. 81
want to 60 home tomorrow and start
to forget you. It will be difficult
but I'll manage it. You forget any
thing, don't you, in timer"
do you mean that? Look at me.
Gay"
Her head turned. She looked up
at him through film of tears.
II mean it" Her voice faltered.
Clinging to the back Of the chair,
she swayed as though her strength
was gone.
He caught her, held her. For an
instant they chung together, urgent
ly, despairingly, then she broke
away.
THAT doesn't change anything.
john"
Doesn't it? Oh. can't we. Gay?
] love you So"
His arms held her again. Her face,
streaming with tears, lifted to his
face. when I'm with you like this
Darling! How can we? ] don't
CHAPTER XIV
Kate sat up straight in the chair
beside the long triple window in Kit
ty CamerOns drawing-room and