The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-04-28
Chapter Is
Worry

he DOX ONCE OF Inc Arcduld
l. Picture Theatre was situated
so that Polly could see for some
distance up and down Main
Street. 1t was, she thought, rather
like living in a glass house, or
playing a goldfish role.
But each time she saw Mango
Powers driving by with Peter
Wiley sitting beside her in her
smart-looking roadster, she had
sinking sensation in her heart,
sensation that went even further
and did things to her stomach.
Suppose Mango won Peter away
from her while she was trying to
make a little money by working at
her cashiers job? Suppose Peter
got accustomed to all the things
Mango could do for him? (She
had seen them going into the
drugstore for Sodas a number of
times, and she knew that Mango
had bought Peter an expensive
pair of water wings to help him
with his swimming.) Suppose all
these things impressed the boy,
made him decide that Mango was
the girl his Cousin David ought
to marry?
Some of these Happy
thoughts were with her now as
she saw Margo's car turn the
corner into Main Street. And she
was a bit puzzled when Mango
stopped the car in front of the
theatre, and got out.
'T'll be right back, Peter" she
heard Mango say. BE sure to
keep your eye on that lunch
basket"
"Sure, Margo!" Peter called
back.
Mango came up to the box Of
fee.
Hello, Polly" she said.
Hello, Margo," Polly replied.
She waved at Peter, who was try
ing to get glimpse Of her. How
nice of you to give so much time
to Peter. He's looking wonderful,
isn't her"
Eyes," said Mango. Gas brown
as a berry-and his leg getting
stronger all the time. I'm really
enjoying my afternoons with him.
But what / stopped by for was to
ask If you could come up to tea
Sunday afternoon"
why, yes" said Polly. Il sup
pose So"
I'm going to do some enter
tanning" Mango went on, "and |
remember that Sunday is the only
day you have. A friend of mine is
arriving Saturday afternoon, and
] want to have a little party for
him. Not big party--but just a
dozen or so people dropping in"
I'D like to come" Polly said.
She laughed. after being shut
up in this glass cage, it'll be nice
to relax over scme tea"
"Then I'll expect you" said
Mango. Then, just before turning
away, she said: by the way, this
friend of mine is a doctor. He did
a lot of studying in Europe before
everything got so topsy-turvy
over there. I'm going to have him
take a good look at Peters leg.
Polly's heart took a drop then
that practically floored her. Trips
to the pool in a yellow roadster.
Sodas in the corner drug store.
Water wings 20 help with swim
ming. And now a doctor to have
a look at the poor shrunken little
llmb-Margo was certainly going
the limit.
That's wonderful" she said,
when she had swallowed a lump
that tried to choke her. Il do hope
he'll be able to tell you something
encouraging"
$50 do l." said Mango. 81 think
it's scandalous for the medical
profession to brag so much about
the progress it's made. and then
not be able to do something for
Peter"
81 suppose you've told Peter
about it9"
mo. not yet. I thought I'd tell
him today. We're having a picnic
out at the Inn"
Il wouldn't, if were YOU" said
Polly.
But why not?"
Il wouldn't get his hopes up."
Polly went on. Hes a sensitive
sort of boy. and l don't think il
would be kind to get his hopes up
and then smash them"
Il see what you mean" said
Margo "All right won't tell him.
I'll wait until Doctor MCNEIL
comes"
Thank you. Margo. Peter
means an awful lot 20 David and
me, and | would hate to have him
hurt by an overwhelming sense
OF disappointment"
but / have told David" Mar
80 said.
That's all right. David prob
ably feels the same way about 1t
as I do, Hen not want Peter 70
know. either.
David was W last night for
dinner" Mango said. Il simply
couldn't keep from telling him
how eager / waS 10 help Peter
back 10 a normal bcyhood."
Il understand" said Polly. I'm
glad you feel about Peter that
way"
Margo moved away. "COme
Sunday around four ;h!rtyl" she
called. IN be expecting you"
Thanks" Polly said. leaning
forward % call through the