"SWEET FOR A SEASON”

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 2, 3 January 1940, Page 9

"SWEET FOR A SEASON”

(By JOSEPH McCORD)

Synopsis of Preceding Instalments: Glada Lee worries her mother be* cause she dropped her university course after two years, went to the State Agricultural College and now is more interested in her successful chicken farm than her matrimonial prospects. Her father, Ed Lee, a lawyer, is Dale City's leading citizen. Her older brothers, Bailey and Trevor, are married; Masters, the youngest, is engaged to Evelyn Barclay, and motherly Mary Leo feels that Glada is wasting her time. Mrs. Lee invites their good-looking young pastor, the Rev. Lynn Stirling, to dinner. When sho suggests later that Stirling would make a good husband Glada says she isn’t thinking of marriage. The next day tho minister appears at tho girl’s chicken farm and tells ,her that ho loves her. Astounded, she is abrupt in her manner, but softens it because of his obvious sincerity. As he goes, he says, “Some day —I intend to marry you. ’ ’ When he next visits tho Lees he asks Glada to bo his friend. Cobb Peters, her farm manager, breaks his leg and sho gives Gem Jones, a down-aud-outer, a job. He gives evidence of culture but lias a puzzling manner. Tcs Sid bury, heavy with make-up, goes to the farm and tells Glada that Masters has jilted her for “tho Barclay blonde.’’ Sho can’t face this, she says, must go away and will need 1,000 dollars. When Glada says sho hasn’t got that much money, Tess threatens to go to the Barclays. Masters tells Glada ho met the girl at a party, there was much drinking and he is hazy about what happened. They agree that it she makes her claim public tho damage is done. Noting that Glada looks worried, Stirling follows her and finally she confides in him. Ho volunteers to see Tess and reports to Glada that the girl mistook him for a lawyer and said sho would go away. When Glada hires Gern permanently, he refuses more money. Glada Lee had a feeling that things gradually were getting back to normal in the days that followed. In spite ot herself, her mind had been tormented by lurking fears —a fear that tho Sidbury girl might reconsider the situation and shatter tho growing peace, a fear that Mr. Stirling might in some manner suggest additional appreciation of what he had accomplished. But no grounds for uneasiness developed on either score. It began to look as if the whole situation might be shelved with little likelihood of its having to be taken down and dusted off. Even Gcrn Jones, after that uncalled-for attitude regarding his wages, seemed quite like his old self. He was doing all the outside work now, having obtained a driver’s license with no trouble whatever. Cobb Peters was more than satisfied with the arrangement and, according to his wife, was almost decent to live with. There remained only that meeting with Masters. Glada was just as well satisfied that he had been willing to postpone it as long as he had. Had 3he extracted him from his dilemna unaided, she would have resonted his appar ent readiness to let it all slide into the past. But Masters was like that. When the time came for their interview and a personal expression of gratitude, it wouldn’t be a serious matter. She would tell him nothing, save that he was to forget it. It shouldn’t be necessary to add any sisterly warning for the future. To make matters still easier, Evelyn was included in his visit when the time came. “He’s bringing her over to spend Sunday with us,’’ Mary Lee explained happily to Glada over the ’phone. Isn’t that nice? I’m so glad.’’ “So am I,” her daughter replied. And meant it. “It’s rather short notice,’’ Mrs. Lee went on. “I’d like to have entertained for the child, but the more I think of it, I believe it would be nicer to have just a quiet family Sunday together. So that we can all get a little better acquainted. ’ ’ “Oh, yes! Please let’s,” Glada urged. “I think it would be much better that way.” For a moment, she had a wild fear that something would prompt a suggestion that Mr. Stirling would bo a pleasant addition to the family circle. “You had the boys’ wives over tho last time,’’ sho reminded her mother impulsively, “and I had so little chance to talk with Evelyn. And I’d like to liavo a good visit with Masters.” “I was hoping that you would arrange to be at home Saturday afterwas the gratified response. “That’s ono roason I called you now. Masters says they won’t be here until after lunch, and, of course, they will have to go back Sunday evening. Well, that settles it. We’ll have a nice little family dinner . . „ just tho five of us.” “That’s fine, darling. Thanks for calling. ’Bye. ’ ’ There was no chance to talk with Masters alone until after the Saturday evening dinner when he made the opportunity by putting an arm across Glad ( a’s shoulders and propelling her gently' in the direction of the sido door. “Don’t you follow us, Kid Barclay,” ho called teasingly to Evelyn. “I’m going out among the posies and talk secrets to my tall girl friend here. ’ ’ “Fine!” was tho merry retort. “Take you time. I’m going to be busy making love to Daddy Lee, anyway. He doesn’t know it yet.” “The very thing I had in mind,” Ed chuckled. 4 ‘ You come into the library with me where we can be alone.” He held out his hand. “She’s some sweet little trick, isn’t she, Sis?” Masters asked contentedly as he and Glada strolled slowly out to tho flower garden.

Instalment 14.

“A darling,” she agreed in a low voice. To Glada’s surprise, tho dinner had been something of an ordeal. To see Evelyn so innocently happy, radiant, every action and expression betraying her adoration for the handsome, broadshouldered youth who sat besido her. It brought everything back with a poignancy that hurt. Glada’s food choked her queerly. It was difficult not to give way to a feeling of anger at Masters, so nonchalant, so assured. Her mother’s and father’s affectionate attempts to make this young girl feel that she was ono of them. How different it might have been to-night if » . . If it hadn’t been for Mr. Stirling. “I don’t know what to say to you, Sir!” Masters blurted out when he was satisfied that the two of them were out of sight and hearing. “X can’t tell you how I feel! ’ ’ | “Don’t try,” Glada returned briefly. “You don’t have to.” “But I want to know wliat happened. What did . . . she have to say?” 4 4 Look here, Masters. If I helped you out, then I’m entitled to some consideration. I only want to forget it all.’ I think I’ve earned the right, perhaps. And besides, I won’t tell you kinorc than I have. It’s settled and over [with.” I “Maybe. Provided it didn’t cost you "anything. You tried to give mo the impression that it didn’t, whon you called me up. It’s hard to believe, and it’s been worrying me,” he admitted ( with a frown. “If you laid anything on the line, I’ve got to know it for sure. If necessary, I’ll find out for myself. And I’d much rather not go into the thing. Come clean now.” Glada’s grey eyes looked unwaveringly into his. “You have my word for it,” she stated simply. 4 4 Okay, then. Wo’ll let it go at that, if you like. Except I have to try to tell you how eternally grateful I am. I was about at the end of my rope when 1 you gave me that lift. I was getting to the place where I wasn’t sure I could sec it through. So you know I’m thank;s fui.” l ! 44 It’s rather hard to keep from saying that you can prove that,” his sisa ter reminded him quietly. “You telling me!” Masters said it l ’ with a half laugh, half groan. “I’vo a had my lesson, don’t worry. Ono jam 0 liko that’s enough for a lifetime, old n dear. You sure have been a trump.” 0 4 4 Forget it. You’d do as much for n me. ’ ’ 44 1 hope I never have to,” he i- chuckled, his usual buoyancy making 3- its appearance. 4 4 Well, I feel better, n anyway.” >r 1 ‘You won’t when I hand you a new is blow,” Glada smiled, glad to have the f. tension relieved. 44 There ain’t no more blows left,” h Masters grinned, offering a cigarette. ,s “Goon. I can take it.” 5- “This is going to be tough. Mama ,s has her heart set on ail of us going to church in tho morning.” * idea?” 0 ‘ ‘ Family pride* She wants to exhibit Evelyn to the congregation. Do you j think she’ll be game?” “I’m afraid so. She attends regu* ‘ e Jarly. Don’t you?” “I’ve been slipping some of late,” Glada admitted dryly. 4 4 Been too busy and too tired on Sunday mornX ings.” ® 4 4 Will that Stirling Adonis bo on tho job? I don’t want him putting a spell J " on my gal.” 2 44 50 far as I know.” “Mama still so crazy about him?” e 44 She seems to be.” “You sound like you weren’t,” Masters teased. “Botcha mom’s been trying to palm you off on him. It’s rumoured around that ho has a pretty nice bank account . . . got that straight, in j fact. Better watch your step. ” “I can’t be bothered.” Glada ate tempted to say it carelessly and was provoked to find that it didn’t sound l t very convincing. “I’ve troubles of iny 0 own.” “How’s the biddy ranch making out e these days?” “Well enough, I guess. And Cobb is a getting along better now. Ho ’ll be hobbling around before long.” j “Fine. What happened to tliat other (3 fellow . . . the one with the funny „ name? Still got him?” e 4 4 Oh. Gern Jones, you mean?” > Glada’s carelessness was above reproach . now. 44 He’s still around. I’ll be ietting him drift on soon. Shall wo go L back to the house?” ji * * * Mary Lee’s pride and satisfaction at .. seeing her entire household in the fam- .. ily pew repaid Glada for falling in with her mother’s Sunday morning programme. After ail, she scarcoly could j have done otherwise, so long as the j others expressed a more or less cheerful \ t willingness to join tho expedition. She 0 had not seen Mr. Stirling since that f front porch call and would not have chosen this way to bring herself to his r notice. He had told her that he liked to see her in the congregation. That ii he missed her when she was not present. Y '.tfiis morning, he not only would see - her, but he would surmise at once the a identity of the Lees’ guests. And he a would be thinking things. Glada tried to keep her eyes from wandering in tho . direction of the pulpit, but it proved . too difficult. However, her furtive j glances never encountered Mr. Stir--3 ling’s calm regard. It was during the responsive reading that her trend of thought underwent y an abrupt change. A sharp nudge from o her mother’s elbow indicated a communication of importance and she bent j her head low to receive the whisper. j 4 4 Glada! Clear over on the other a side . . . one row back. Isn’t that your young man?” t The girl glanced quickly, murmured j a confirmation and stood erect again—- > [her mind far from the day’s psalm. It was Gern, standing where a ray of

light, slanted through a strained glass fragment, struck his curly head with a brilliant carroty effoet. Ho seemed to be following the reading with grave attention, although Glada could not see his lips move during any of the surreptious glances she sent his way. 3Tor some reason, she was exceedingly surprised to see him there . . . for an equally vague reason, pleased. Gern looked very well in his fresh white shirt and dark tie. He was wearing his one and only suit but it, too, appeared unusually presentable. Perhaps Irma had pressed it for him. He must have walked in from the farm . . . that seemed too bad. If she had an opportunity to speak to him after the service, she believed she would offer him the use of her roadster. He could drivo in for her in the morning. She would like . . . But the audience was seating itself with a subdued rustle. And Gern was lost to view. Ed Lee, in his capacity as one of the church officials, always made a bee line for the vestibule as soon as the Benediction was pronounced, so that he might greet strangers during the interval it took for the Rev. Mr. Stirling to arrive at the same station. Itf was too bad Daddy didn’t know Gern, Glada was thinking, otherwise she might have relaved a messago to him about taking her car. The other members of tho Lee family made a leisurely exit, Mary pausing continually to speak to friends and introduce Evelyn. In many instances, she conveyed tho beaming news that the somewhat embarrassed girl -whose arm she held in an affectionate clutch was a prospective daughter. “I surmised as much,” was tho Rev. Stirling’s cordial response when lie acknowledged his presentation to Evelyn. 11 1 am very glad to know you . . . my congratulations, if I may,” he added in a smiling aside to Masters. His greeting to Glada was unmarked by any familiarity whatever. She had been dreading the moment, not only because it meant a handclasp from the minister, but would be the opportune moment for her mother to invite him to dinner. However, tho danger passed. “ Where has that man been all my life?” Evelyn sighed as the little group strolled toward tho waiting limousine. “Isn’t he perfectly adorablel Aren’t you mad about him, Glada?” “Sure she is,” Masters exclaimed heartily. “You may as well stick to me, kid. You haven’t a chance there.” Then Ed Lee saved the situation for Glada by remarking, “Your man Jones, was at service this morning. Did you see him? I spoke to him just as ho was easing out the door. Told him to come again. Nice appoaring chap.” “But I didn’t know you ever had seen him!” Glada exclaimed in surprise. “You told mo you didn’t know him.” “Eh? Of course I did,” was tho imperturbable explanation. “But mama —you, too —had described that red head of his so carefully that I took a chance and asked him. He said he had met the dominie out at your ranch and took a notion that he’d like to hear him preach. Seemed to like the sermon.” “Oh,” Glada said thoughtfully. “I see.” Tuesday morning, when Irma brought in the mail, there was one envelope marked with the return address of the Kecfron Bank. From Masters, of course, although a typewriter had substituted for his familiar scrawl. Glada’s brows lifted slightly in surprise as she tore it open. An instant later, she had sunk back weakly in her chair staring at the opened letter with unseeing eyes. Her face was -white, lips quivering. (To be continued.) Friend: I suppose when the earl visited you he brought his coronet along? Mrs. Woodbee >Swelle: No, no, my dear—the carl plays the violin.