The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-03-15
Chapter IL
Tough Spot
DOGER didn't answer immedi.

ately. He sat staring at the
pattern of the rug, not beca use
he wished to avoid anything,
merely because he was trying to
find words with which to couch
the truth he must tell.
Emily was looking at him, her
wide gray eyes calm but shad-
owed Her face looked as if she
was crying slowly, inwardly
John had no business to come
here like that" Roger said f.
nally "But there ic girl, mother
l mean besides Emily"
What do you mean? Who is
she? How long has this been going
on? And what in the world if
there is a girl? You're marrying
Emily shortly and then there will
be no more girls. Every young
man has his affairs I'd hate to
think my son was any different"
The words had come quickly and
in a relieved tone as if she had
discovered there was less than she
had feared. 4
But this is different, mother"
Roger persisted. II mean" he
found it difficult to go on. The
thing that had happened had sur
prised him so that how could he
expect anyone else to understand
it? at isn't just an affair.""
Marcia smiled sWeetly.
Just what are you trying to
say, Roger?" in pretty sort of
helplessness and evaporation.
Things had always been simple
for Marcia Cosgrave. Going from
parents who adored her to a hus-
band who adored her more had
made her life a thing that moved
at her desire.
Roger looked at Emily. Her
presence was making it doubly
hard. Yet he had no wish to con-
ceal anything from her. 1t was
just that her sweet face made him
feel doubly unworthy, Then his
mother was speaking in that
pleasant but imperious voice that
took everything for granted.
you must be sensible Roger
You've always been sensible
about everything before. | know
how it is Emily's probably feel
ing the same way now the we'd
dlng's so near. Half afraid there's
some other man she'd rather
marry, Why, ! felt that way about
your father. dear"
Marcia paused as if to give him
time % get over his astonish-
ment at that.
II wasn't at all sure when the
time came. And you couldn't find
a happier couple than we've
been
Il know, mother" Roger said,
aware Of Emily's haunted eyes on
him.
"Of course you do. so every
things all right. The wedding is
going on exactly as we planned
Why we couldn't do anything else
now. with the Perrys going away
on their Mexican trip as soon as
Emily's married. Their second
honeymoon. Isn't that SWEET"
Emily was looking down at her
hands, Rogers diamond still
sparkled there. She started Slip
ping It off and on Roger thought
she looked as il she was about TO
cry. He must do something. He
must. But what? Anything he
could do in honesty would be
sure 10 make her tears real.
Nov I'm going 10 leave you
children alone. That's probably
the trouble. You haven't had any
time TO yourselves lately. Too
many parties. And another one
tonight Aunt Amalia's dinner for
you and Emily, Roger. Both FAM
lilies. It's such a lovely thing Of
Aunt Amalia. Well. you'll soon
be of on your honeymoon to-
getherl"
She was gone and Emily sat
facing Roger in the tense silence.
You should have told her
Roget" Emily said finally Sh
knew II was tactleSs But thS
silence had gotten uncomfortable.
Il tried. didn't II" with the
first impatience he had ever
shown her. What car you DC
with a woman like that7 Mother:
always been that way Had hel
will about things God knows
wish she could no. wish it was
as easy as that"
How II Had Begun
EMILY was staring at him as Il
IL in surprise at discovering he
could be impatient Something
about IL made him family angry
She was too good and she had
taken il for granted nc was that
way That annoyed him intensely
She seemed 70 expect him 70 be
superhunan just because she was
able 10 live In that smooth un-
ruhlcd she'll OF sweetness. HIS
thought turned 20 Lovely Lovely
with her Qufck moods. her flights
OF temper and Of tenderness a
man could be himself with her
He knew as he sat there in the
library, its venetian blinds drawn
against the brilliant light Of the
late August day. that he was q
little glad 10 escape from having
70 live up 20 Emily
Some day he would cut loose
emoilcnally one way Or another
perhaps not In anger. but S0me
way. And then Emily would be
shocked and startled ana hurt
With Lovely he hadn't that 70