The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-06-20
ORPHAN IN DIAMONDS
BY
LORENA
ARIETON

surged through her, making her
thankful not TO have to enter the
house. She stopped her car directly
beside the slim little gray-haired
woman, who put her wiry hands
through the window and clasped
Anette's extended ones. Her thin
lips quivered and tears filled her
eyes. Yet there was something In
her manner, a sort Of reticence. that
made the girl uncomfortable.
She said quickly, "Of course you
know why I'm here. for the same
reason l wrote you all those let
ters?" Her topaz eyes were hxed
imploringly on those OF the elderly
woman.
That woman shook her head in
denial. then dropped II over the
little mound that was their two
pairs Of hands. Teardrops rolled
from her eyes. For months I've
been thinking could fnd out some
thing. that l would be able to write
you. Perhaps / will soon"
Annette said. u can't go on like
this"
IF knew anything to tell you
would. Perhaps I will soon." Lar
rvs mother repeated.
The girl said, This is my last at
tempt to ind Larry. And It Is most
important that I do"
She noticed again that same ut
| - -
Larry's mother. She even took her
hands of the girls and stepped
back. Il understand" Her voice
was barely audible as she added.
James Lyndon" 1t was more than
reticence. It approached hostility.
Instead Of answering the accusa-
ton, Anette murmured, "Goodby,"
then put her car into reverse and
backed slowly down the lane. The
interview. though brief, had been
one of such tension that she rea-
liked she was shaking She remem-
bered that she had eaten no lunch
and pulled in beside a little rustic
roadside place.
"A chicken sandwich and a glass
Of milk" She put a coin In the
photograph machine. then slapped
more money upon the counter.
Keep that music going. Loud and
funny"
"All right" said the fat propri-
etor. He squinted his eyes. Lady,
you look tuckered. Why don't you
let me fix you a table out in the
side garden under the arbor? It's
cooler and you still can hear your
| music"
The sandwich he brought her was
made Of crusty, fresh homemade
bread and the breast Of chicken.
The milk was cool and clotted with
cream.
The proprietor handed her
small tin bell like those worn by
young calves. Ring this II you
want more to eat"
The girl lay back in a barrel
slaves hammock and pushed her
self with one toe. She gazed at
walls and a roof of honeysuckle
vines. A little green world all her
| own.
She picked up the calf bell and
rang 1t, then again. louder the sec
ond time. Mildly disgruntled after
while, she got up and walked in
to the cafe just as the owner was
yelling goodby to a customer.
Anette said. I'm still hungry
BY the way, I rang that bell five
times and nothing happened"
Il heard you" the fat man told
her. but l couldn't get nd of that
guy. He says I'm so slow that's
why he talks double talk to me. TO
try and make me walk double
time" He glowered and smiled all
at once. THE crazy wop"
Anette's fingers. that had been
pressing buttons on the record ma
chine, froze in the air. Then abe
stepped to the screen door and
looked out.
Trudging along little side road
that led to small building Of green
shingles was Verrazano.
Ito Be Contlnued)