Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1941-05-02
CHAPTER 10

was going to be free at last. Free Of
money, free of the Hollisters-o1
everything!
She made her plans quickly. There
was a small hotel back of the Opera
One of Martha's friends had stopped
there. It was not fashionable or ex-
pensive. She'd stay there until she
heard from Dick and got sailing.
1t was long after midnight when
she finally got into bed, and she slept
soundly for the fihst time in many
nights.
Next morning, Sonny got up early
intending to get an early start. She
had breakfast and was just putting
on her hat when the maid knocked on
her door, and handed Leslie letter
from the Countess. 1t was bill for
board and room for herself and Mar
tina for the three weeks they had been
at the house.
Sonny wanted to laugh, but she
controlled herself until the maid had
gone. How like them!
She counted out the money to the
last franc, called the maid again and
sent the money to the Countess. Then
she ordered cab. But she must say
goodbye to her recanting hostess. The
latter would expect that courtesy.
The old woman was still in bed
when Sonny came into her room a.
gain. She held out her hand to Son.
ny.
II am sorry about the bill. It was
necessary. We are so hard pressed.
/ knew you would understand"
"You have been kind to me. I'm
grateful"
There was nothing more they had
to say to each other, so Sonny took
her leave.
Rene was waiting for her at the
front door. He took her hand, say
ing, "It is too bad it has ended this
way, my dear"
Maybe everything is for the best,
Rene
1--WE must try to think Of it that
way" he said, kissing her hand.
In the cab, driving toward the
Etoile, Sonny hummed little song
In her shabby hotel room she un-
packed only what she needed immed-
lately. Then she went out to steam
ship office to check on sailings. II
was mobbed with hysterical people
trying to get home. Finally, she
gave up and walked over to the boule
ward, where she had lunch at side
walk cafe. After that she wandered
around utterly happy. Everywhere
there were groups of soldiers.
+
For several days Sonny wandered
about in a golden haze. All about
were frantic Americans trying to sal
for home. She was amused at theil
panic, glad she had decided to give
up the idea until she heard from Dick
Toward the end Of the week, she
got back to her hotel at tea time tt
find Rene waiting for her. He wa:
in his uniform, looking very hand
some and solemn. II had to see you
Have you got your sailing?"
81 gave up. The steamship office
was too crowded"
He shook his head impatiently.
"You must go immediately
you're serious?"
Don't ask me any questions. III
arrange for your trunks to go to-
night. You must get them started
right away. Let us go somewhere
and have an aperitif so we can talk
Come, the bars this way"
When they were seated, he gave
her an envelope saying, "You must
do just as l say. There is no hope
of a reservation on a French boat
Here is a ticket for a British ship
All your trunks will go tonight OF
the Normandy At least they'll b.
out of the way"
He lit a cigarette and his hant
shook.
"Then the war is coming?"
1--WE think so. am ordered to m!
regiment Monday
"Oh, Rene"
"You must leave in a day or tw'
for England. The s. S. Athena
sails from GLASGOW next week. 70,
must be ready to take it."
His manner and voice were bette
arguments than any reasons he coul
have advanced. Sonny accepted wha
he said.
Here's the bill for the ticket
$3.50, that includes your fare acros