The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1943-04-16
Chapter IL
Wading

w duAuS
COMETIME later, when Kathleen
y and Fred arrived at their des-
tination. Fred found that Miss
Camillawas all that Kathleen had
said she was She was ancient,
active, and the possesSor of a
house that might have been lifted
straight from a Virginia planta-
ton and set down hereza couple
of hundred miles farther north.
"Yoh. mean you-all want to use
some Of my things on, a stagep
Miss Camilla exclaimed ]
"Yes'n," said Fred. He looked
around the big living room into
which. Miss Camilla had invited
them. .sAs matter of fact, I'd
like to pick up this room just as
il is and carry it Off"
"Shucks!' exclaimed Miss Ca
milla. This stuff is purity nigh as
old as Adam. It's what I saved
from that old devil Sherman.
reckon he'd have stolen it, too. or
burnt II, if my mother hadn't
stood has men off with an ak"
is that what she did-really?"
said Fred. interested.
1T certainly is what she die"
said Miss Camilla. her eyes flash
ing. She nearly chopped off one
Yankees fingers and was only
sorry she couldn't chop off his
head. The idea, molesting a decent
womaq-ordering her out of her
house and threatening to burn 1t
over her head!"
They can't afford to pay rent
for thesfurniture.'n Eathleen add
ed. Summer theatres don't make
a lot Of money. But Pm sure you'd
love to, see play. Wouldn't you.
Miss Camilla"
"Of course | wouldl" said Miss
Camilla. Il recollect seeing a
drama once with my dad. 1t was
full of shooting and swearing
and he had a lot of trouble ex-
planning to mother how he hap
pened to take me. But dad and
understood each other"
She then took Fred and Kath-
leen on tour of the house.
1t was filed 10 the attic with
fine old pieces, and Fred acted as
though he were in heaven.
When they were back in the
living room, Miss Camilla insisted
upon serving coffee and cake. II
was while they were sitting
around a beautiful old mahogany
drop-leaf table that she spoke to
Kathleen about marriage.
Il keep expecting to get an in
vite to your and Joe's wedding
she said. what you-all waiting
so long for. honey?"
ooh, there're number of rea-
sons, Kathleen said.
Are you still wanting to act?'
Eyes, Miss Camilla" Kathleen
replied honestly. II think I have
right to see what I can do with
my talent"
Don't tell me you're laundering
after playing parts in that barn of
yours2p said Miss Camilla.
Id like to-yes," said Kath-
leen.
Miss Camilla turned on Fred
Don't you dare encourage herr'
she said.
'Pnnot going to-" Fred grinned.
But HERES nothing you and
can do about il"
Kathleen was annoyed. She
pushed back her chair.
Date For Dinner
II THINK we ought to be going
4 now. Fred" she said. II want
to show you some other places
aroundvt the country" She smiled
at Miss Camilla. Thanks lot for
the coffee and cake, Miss Ca
milla.n
You're more'n welcome hon
ey." said Miss Camilla, rising.
And both of you come and see
me again won't you?"
You can count on me. all
right. = said Fred Il think you're
a pretty swell person, Miss Ca
milla. Maybe l ought to kidnap
you and put you in the play for
atmosphere,
"Shucks" said Miss Camilla,
pleased. GO long with you'll"
You'll be hearing from me
soon Fred said lust before he