The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-01-29
Chapter Nine
Like An Older Sister

NON had sent the wire. But he
~ was her brother Didn't he
understand she must be making
the trip for the good of the whole
family, his good as much as any,
ones? Couldn't he see beyond the
end of his nose, or didn't he care
about any tomorrow?
And If he didn't, and Donna
didn't. and if her mother too was
only interested in the present,
then it was up to her to look to
their future.
Constance stood up, after her
one brief m m e mt of shock.
You're holding dinner for me,
Meg, come on e. and thank you,
dear"
Peter Taylor wondered if Con-
stance Cabrillo had undergone a
sea change in Meg'S room, or if
she had changed places with some
older sister.
The young business woman who
came into the dining room seemed
years older than the ruffle1 haired
youngster who had gone in
And the change was deeper
than a change of clothing He
questioned Meg with his eyes, and
Meg. standing behind Constance's
chair, signaled back, a ludicrous
gyration of eyebrows and eyes
which sought to. express COM
miSeratlon, sympathy and an ap-
peal to Peter to be kind to the
girl.
Peter tried without much sue
cess.
What would you like to do
this afternoon, Miss Cabrillo?"
Constance seemed to bring her
self back to the present
"You haven't said how long you
intended remaining. I'd like to
plan few trips for you, some en-
tertainment, and well, show
you around the ranch"
Thank you," Constance an
swered thoughtfully. II do want
to see the ranch, but not today. Is
Beachport within easy driving
distance?"
1.-TWO hours along the coast
road; may l drive you there?"
mo thank you. And about my
visit. / had intended going back
tonight. Now | may stay several
days"
Taylor asked no further ques-
tions of Constance. but when she
had hurried down the hill, he
called Meg to him.
What happened?" he. demand
ed, bluntly. Come on, come on,
something happened to Miss Ca
brillo after she went into the
room with you. Meg" He eyed
her suspiciouSly. "You know
something: out with it!'
Meg shifted from foot to foot.
her face red, her apron fluttering
with the agitation of her hands.
"And if | do, you spoiled son of
black Irishman. should l be tell
in you and breakin' my promise
to herr"
Taylor shook his head "She
had Maria eating out of her hand
before she was we'll in the house,
and now you. And both of you
woman-haters"
Faith, it's a woman-hater y'are
yourself. Watch she doesn't have
you nibblin' from her fingers"
"You needn't worry about me.
She's Cabrillo."
"And is she now" Meg's hands
came to her hips. IF she is, she's
the odd one, if what you've been
tellin' me is the truth about them.
Poor pet. you stand there con-
demning her. and she with her
git yourself out and fix up fool
toro thing. fiesta of whatever it's
called. She's on vacation. Give
her something to remember when
she's back IN her Job, slavin'-"
Two hands came belatpdly to
Meg's mouth. and her Iskirts
whirled as she rushed into the
house before her tongue further
betrayed her vow of secrecy
Work." Peter flung after her.
"If she works size isn't n Cab
rillol" And he went out on the
Hill to see Constance, alone. 60
ing TO the little cemetery.
Only A Longing
CONSTANCE walked on leaden
y feet. She stopped at the pick
ct gate to notice how we'll the
graves have been tended, how
clear the paths, then moved on to
her fathers grave.
For a long time she stood. con-
Sclous of the stiffness about her.
She had no grief 70 bring TO this
grave. only longing IF you
could tell me what | should do,
she nlurmured with the world
so troubled. did you mean should
keep this place as a haven for
them?"
There was no answer there and
she started out, 20 stop az mon
umenl which thrust an aggressive
shaft towards the heavens as
though the one beneath il had de-
fed eternity and demanded adj.
mission, y
Constance smiled slowly. s.
that was the answer. II was Fhere,
cut in the stone-"You win what
you SIGHT for !" Old Michael Ma
honey believed that, Constance
could picture him wrangling
choice seat IN the hereafter.
She Saluied the shaft and hur-
riei back 20 the ranch. unaware
OF a man on a hilltop who
watched her. a strange, unwilling
tenderness IN his eyes.
There was no tenderness IN the
ewes OF Constance CabriIlo when
she ordered Juliano 70 have her
car brought around and someone,
preferably Dolores. who knew the
road 70 BeachpOrt. with il.
Even Dolores. rcSplendent IN
rose-colored suit, blue hat, white