The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-04-03

tons, opened the stove so it flared
up in warm flame and Mrs. Hulse
got out an old china tea pot and
went through the rite of warming
it first with hot water before she
put the tea in.
There's nothing" she said,
like dish of tea when your soul
or your flesh is tried beyond en-
durance."
sand your own people," Joe
added, looking at Lovely. 1t was
his apology and she understood it.
It was taking her back into the
fold.
They talked of everything but
the things they wanted to talk Of.
Il suppose I'd better go now"
Lovely said, finally without too
much assurance.
"And where to at this hour?"
asked Mrs. Hulse. "You haven't
slept. You'll stay right here. That
couch makes a good bed. And
maybe you don't want to believe
it but I've got extra sheets and
blankets-its almost like I ex-
pected this!"
Mrs. Hulse said good night first
and went to her room. Then Joe
and Lovely stood facing each
other in the living room for
tense, silent moment. Every home
ly detail of the room was i'm
printed on Lovely's mind so that
long years afterwards she would
recall it with clarity. The vague
pattern of the wall paper and
carpet were faded to a monotone.
There was an ugly mid-Victorian
mantel that had never known the
first faint curl of smoke from an
honest fire. The mirror over the
mantel was spotted and rippled.
There was a little figure Of the
Virgin in blue, and on each side
china vase of faded artificial
flowers. On the other wall was a
colored framed print of the Lords
Supper and near IT was an en-
largement of photograph of Joe's
father.
That's the kind Of people they
are, thought Lovely. Church and
family. She was aware of think
ing, too, that was the kind the
Cosgraves were. So different. Yet
so alike.
when did you come back?"
Lovely's question broke the 81
lence.
Last night"
Funny" Lovely said, "we're
both right back where we
with one difference - you
aren't staying. / am"
I'm not so sure, joe" Lovely's
voice was trace unsteady.
Il am. My love wasn't strong
enough to hold you here, Lovely,
but it's going to be strong enough
to send you back"
Lovely looked at him with
misted eyes. The big awkward fell
low took on heroic proportions in
the homely room. Even so, Love-
ly had no faith that he could per-
form miracles. She knew in her
inmost heart that finally her mad
pursuit of fun had taken her one
step too far.
Futile Search
+ OVELY lay listening to the
II sounds of night garbage
cans banging in the hands of col
lectors, trucks pounding along on
night haulS, a tug whistle in the
distance. And then came daylight.
Quickly. AS if a gust of wind blew
darkness away.
Mrs. Hulse looked in on Lovely
before she started out.
Don't you get up till you feel
like it, dearie. Joe'S out on the
job already and Pm heading out.
There's not a thing to disturb you.
There's coffee in the pot and some
wild grape jell in the pantry"
Rain was dismal gray curtain
against the window through
which Lovely saw the shabby city
only dimly.
And in Westchester the day
dawned bleakly. Thick heavy
clouds looked as If any moment
they might shower the earth with
snow Emily, awake early. heard
Roger pass her door and followed
him downstairs. Her face was
pale and a little drawn. Her slim
white hands looked more helpless
than ever.
I'm going to the city," Roger
told her. He didn't have to tell
her why. Hold the fort will your
| mean, don't let mother or dad
know what's happened. There's
no need. Well be back before any
explanations are needed"
i hope so. Oh. / hope so,
Roger"
Roger made straight for Katie's
fat Katie had lost none of her
dewy rosebud prettiness. Her eyes
widened with wonder as she
heard Rogers story. but there was
no help she could give him. She
had not seen Lovely.
But she loved you So" she said
in slow awe. And there's Getta.
Poor Lovely! She must have been
terribly unhappyI"
And Cert was for the first time
III nSE ilte angry Win Lovely.
Like always" Cert said dis.
custody CUTTERS. Runs all
through the family. Make a bar
gain and then run out on it. Pop
did il and Nom did it and now
Lovely
You haven't" Roger said,
looking at her plain honest face.
mo, well. maybe it's because I
don't dare. Not being good look
ing makes a difference in you.
You don't feel so sure Of always
getting another chance. I'm not
taking any credit for It,"
Roger stood and looked at her.
He didn't know where else to go
TO look for Lovely. He had been
50 sure she would seek one or the