THE REPRIEVE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 80, 25 June 1927, Page 10

THE REPRIEVE.

A RECKLESS ACTION. Emily had bought the “Argosyread on her homeward journey in tfc c train, but she hadn’t taken in one word of it (writes Blanche Wills Chandler in the London “Star”). How could sht with her mind distracted by tfo thought of the coming meeting between her and her sister Julia? Julia w»s 60. her senior by seven years, and mis: her with a rod of iron. This visit to Hampstead had been taken only by the consent of Julia. And at Hampstead without one word to Julia, she lac taken the most momentous step in her life. She did not minimise its stupendons nature. She recognised the boldnev the recklessness, the absolute abandon ot her action, and she knew how would present itself to the eyes of Julia Her sister’s shock and amazement, to words of scorn which she would heat upon her, the scathing manner ;; which she would toss aside her feeble explanations of how she had bets tempted by a younger cousin and h fallen, the twist of her mouth as she stared—Emily knew it all. The question was, where to let to first brunt of it fall? . . . Julia would open ihe freest door to her. There and then, before *bc stepped foot across the threshoic should she, with bowed head, over whelm her sister with the knowled« of what she had done? Or should she give her the canisc'r she had bought for her at the white sale and postpone the dreadful momcr: until they were upstairs together is their room? Or should she brush past Julia, a? she had influenza, beg her .not to coat near her, and go straight to bed? Bb; even that wouldn’t stave It off for lone Julia would say “Pooh!” and would bring a basin of onion porridge to hs bedside. Emily' gave a shuddering sigh. N not in bed could she face this thin out with Julia—in only a nightdrei' with nothing to soften or take the edp off it. Anywhere, anywhere but there! She must be up and dressed—irnmtcolately dressed, with her frilly georgette jabot and her amber beads rooud her nqpk. She could battle with Jalia better in heads. There must be no cringing. She must hold her head higt —the higher the better. In the bus from the station she «u deathly cold, but as she walked up tte front doorsteps perspiration wa3 pouf ing from her. For one wild mometshe thought of turning hack and disappearing. Then she clenched her teeth and knocked. Julia opened the door. A sby, retir ing Julia, who hung back in the shado* of the hall and eyed her sister am diffident appeal. Emily gave a shrill cry* She advanced with one bold stride upon b< : sister. She gripped Julia by the shw ders and twirled her round. “H°* dared you?” she said. “At your Julia, too, was shingled.