The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-07-22

~-N@ro. Auen why dlon'r you
open your mouth and say so? The
minute you'd said that would've
scen 70 Il that you got off this
island and got of quick. But you
vent around pretending you liked
tne place. But should have
Nnown you society women are a
two-faeed lot. You don't care
what trouble you make for other
peoplel"
With her head high, Mrs. Jack
son stalked from the room and
ner husband skunk after her like
. shadow. They could hear the
ehnrp lang of the kitchen door
ea toe couple retired to their own
quarters.
~Well. Of all thingsi' Mrs. Mar
Bury exclaimed. helplessly.
Gina laughed. Never mind,
Aunt Helen. Mrs. Jackson's prob
ably Communist. But" she went
On glancing at Ham, "Tm rather
sorry you decided against the
house. ] think it's darling old
place"
you dor" Hams voice was sur
prised. and he looked at Eve as
Il for confirmation.
~Of course she likes i'll" Eve
said, ignoring jules frank dis
approval of the discussion. 1T
could be made into dream OF
house-on a dream island"
She did not mean to look to-
ward Brett as she spoke, but Neil.
clearing his throat sharply, made
her realize that her expression
had been revealing. She blushed
and glanced away. and Neil came
to her rescue with what seemed
an idle question.
'This estate that Mrs. Jack
son talks about so intimately" he
said to the lawyer, whats the
name Of it?"
The Holmes Estates" Howe re-
Piled at once. They've been in
litigation for some time now, but
they'll be settled this session, !
believe.
Ham reused from his rapt con-
temptation Of Gina,s delicate
coloring. "What-what did you
esy7" he stammcred. still hav-
ing difficulty with his lip.
''The Holmes Estates" the law
yer repeated.
@But-but that's mer Ham ex-
claimed. Il mean--well. Mothers
brother had a lot Of property I'M
der that name, and its still in the
process Of INTERCHANGEABLE
=. getting settled. If there's any
thing left after taxes and such, it
comes to me"
There was a babble of excited
comment. lost on Ham, since Gina
had thrown her arms tightly
around his neck.
sGinaI" Mrs. Marbury finally
made her voice heard. what in
the world has come over your
It's all right. Aunt Helen"
Gina answered, her soft cheek
still burrowing in Hams shoulder.
Were engaged"
Eve ran over and pulled Gina
to her feet She looked at her
closely for second. and then,
satisfied with the contentmert in
Gina's eyes, folded the girl in her
arms. -Gina-you're sure?n she
had to question.
Gina pulled away and laughed
up az her. Il talked lot of nom
sense, Eve-but love is something
you can't speculate about, or add
up before you know the numbers.
lit just happens, that's all"
Ham. looking ridiculously hap
py. was being pounded on the
back by Neil and playfully iabbed
IN the ribs by Brett
"Of course you know" Neil
cautioned him, shat she's Just
marrying you for your filthy
lucre. This house and all-that's
what won her. my boy"
Il don't care" said Ham. dis
entangling himself and getting
closer to Gina. Il just think Pm a
darn lucky guy to have the house.
n that's what she wants, as long
as she takes me with It"
do you mean, darling--do you
really mean you'll live here2 But
yOu don't like IL.
Hams voice was husky. I'D
live anywhere with YOU" he
whispered.
IT was the lawyer who managed
20 break the tension. He patted
Mrs. Marbury's shoulder, as she
sat quietly shifting into her hand
kerchief. and called to Jim Drois-
sard:
"TIhis Is an occasion. And since
Il Is our last night here, pro-
pose we get bottle of wine and
have our celebration now. What
do you say, Mrs. Marbury2"
"Why-Why. of course" Mrs.
Marbury tried to pull herself to-
gether. ask Mrs. Jackson to get
it-oh. Gina, what viii your
uncle say?"
French Leave
. GINA and Ham both went over
" and talked in a low tone to
reaSsure her. Eve, suddenly realiz-
ing that she was very tired. re-
solved 10 go upstairs as soon as
she gracefully could. Jim Drois-
szrd's footsteps could be heard
going out toward the kitchen. and
she listened for the sound of their
return. Neil's voice at her elbow
surprised her.
i wish had house." he said.
Eve, feeling foggy from lack Of
sleep. blinked at him. What did
you say2" !,
Il said ! wish / had a house.
Neil repeated. "One just like this.
"A house that you'd hke--the way
Gina likes this one. Could you
wait-just little while-and Ill
see il I can find another island and
q deserted mansion?"
Ewes eyes misted, but she tried