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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1939-12-21, Page 22JRTEEN THE WINGHAM ADVANCE-TIME®/ : -----------------------------------------------—.....4^„....: ■■: ■ ..v— ,—... ..... thoughts in a whirl as she tried to ar- xgue with herself that she must not be misled by the joy she had felt in see­ ing Tony once more. But that did not ■change anything. Sim must go on just as she had planned. She did wish she could stop this unreasoning wave of happiness that made her hands trem­ ble so that she had to lock them firm­ ly in her lap! “How - h-how did you come to find us?" “I was coming to bring you home, of course. You see, I thought you were running away." “Well, I was!" Oblivious to the young couple in the back seat, Jan leaned forward and spoke earnestly. "“Tony, I couldn’t face Mr. Dever- est tonight. It would have been bad enough to see him some other time and explain this whole foolish busi­ ness, .but to tell him about it on the very night he was announcing his en­ gagement to someone else, and with Paul, watching me, and everyone laughing — oh, I just couldn’t!” “So you ran away. Once you told me I didn’t have the courage to be practical. That I was always pretend­ ing I had everything I wanted. I thought you were brave enough to face the music.” Jan shrank? back miserably into her corner. “You think I am a coward? “You know best what you can do, I suppose. Still, I don’t think it was very sporting to run off and leave Dora all alone—” But she hadn’t been going to leave Dora for long, Jan explained. She had been going up to meet Dr. Curtis and they would probably fly back on Christmas Day. There would be lots of time to explain to Mr. Deverest and Paul before Dora came home. “But Paul’s bringing Dora home from the hospital today," Tony said. “Today?” It was to be a surprise for Jan, * Tony >told her. Paul had not wanted her to know until she was ready to go to the party that Dora was to be at the Christmas celebration, too. To Jan’s quick questions Tony explained 'that it had all been arranged days be­ fore and everything, even a wheel chair, was in readiness for her little - sister. “But of course if you aren’t there," Tony finished. There were with'in sight of the town now and he slowed down as a big red truck lumbered toward them across a narrow wooden bridge. All .at once he stopped and pulled on the brake. There was a hail from the truck driver and Tony, lowering the window on his side, leaned out into the cold crisp air. “Are you looking for the bus? . . . Yes, on this road . . . about fifteen miles back. I have some of the pass­ engers here. They’re all right, but you’d better get on to the others as last as possible.” The truck? drove away and they sped on in the deep tracks it had left across the bridge. Jan turned resol­ utely to Tony. “I’m going back. I don’t know how we can get there now, but I’ve got to be back if Dora is coming home." A new sort of gladness came into Tony’s face as he heard her. He drove on through the narrow village,streets with their steep roofed houses, blan­ keted in snow. For the first time since he had heard Paul’s voice that morn­ ing he felt some of the joyousness of the Christmas season. The little hous­ es looked as if they had been stamp­ ed on Christmas cards, so neatly did ■they stand in their own fenced-in yards. Lights front their windows were mellow on the snow drifts be­ neath them. On they drov^, asking directions of the few who hurried along the streets and calling “Merry Christmas” as they continued on their way. The small boarding house that ser­ ved as hotel in the town was, they discovered, the only place that had a phone. Here a friendly woman made them welcome&and as comfortable as she could, while Jan talked to the telephone operator and finally manag­ ed to get Brad Curtis’s telephone number. It seemed a long time before she heard his clear, precise voice, but when he spoke, the homely room in which they stood, the ancient instru­ ment in her hands, and all the doubts and fears of the day* seemed to van­ ish as she knew somehow they Would. He agreed at once to help. “Unfortunately, I haven’t my car here, Can’t you get someone to drive you up the Motthtainville Road? It’s only three miles from where you are.” “Yes, of course. Tony is here with the Ws’H be there in fifteen min­ utes." There was silence at the Other end of the wire for a second or two, and when Brad Curtis spoke again he sounded less exuberant. “Oh, Tony is with you? Well, come along?’ When they drove up to the long rambling lodge that fitted into the ■hill as if the trees of which it was made had shaped it themselves, Brad was standing in the open doorway and had by this time regained control of himself. His greeting to Tony was cordial. He listened attentively to the account of the accident and led the bride into the small room which he had furnished as an office. When he came out again he was getting into a white coat, and to Jan’s query he re­ plied that the arm was undoubtedly broken, but not badly, and that he could put up the honeymooners for the next twenty-four hours. Then Jan, her face flaming, told him how she had started out the morning before to visit him. How the bus had been delayed until Tony fin­ ally caught up with it and had driven •her on. She stumblingly explained that now instead of being able to help him celebrate Christmas she would have to get back to New York as soon as possible. “I just found out about Dora, you see. She wanted to surprise me by coming home unexpectedly. I didn’t know you have given her permission to go home tonight.” “You can take my plane, of course," Dr. Curtis looked inquiringly at Tony, who nodded in agreement. “You mean fly?” Jan’s eyes were shining as she realized that the prob­ lem of miles that lay between her and her dear Dora had been disposed of by .those few simple words. Dr. Cur­ tis smiled at her indulgently. They could rest as much as possible, he told them, while he had the runway cleared of snow and got the plane Otit of the hangar. They could leave in about half an hour. It was wonderful to relax before the great roaring fire and sip the de­ licious hot chocolate Jan made; to talk gayly to Tony once more; to re- ■ ward Dr. Curtis’ kindness by her ob­ vious delight in this lovely shadowed room where they waited, Only once before they left did she have a moment to speak to Brad al­ one. Tony had climbed into the plane and was warming up the motor. “I had planned such a different ev­ ening,” she began. Dr. Curtis shook his head, smiling., “You will be much happier this way. Tony is a grand chap; One look at your face as you came in tonight with him — and I knew.” He put both hands on her arms and drew her toward him? For a minute his lips rested against her forehead, then: “Merry Christmas, Jan!” Chapter XXIX Were all runaways as glad to be back home as she was? Jan wonder­ ed. Even runaways who had accom­ plished nothing by their escapades, who were still faced with all the problems they had tried to escape? She decided that it was Dora’s happi­ ness which had communicated itself to her. How could anyone remain downcast or fearful, seeing a person so bubbling with happiness as her once fragile sister? Dora was still thin almost to transparency, but she sat up really straight in her wheel chair and her blue eyes were radiant when she announced that Paul was going to take her to the party him­ self. After that, there was nothing for Jan to do but get ready. Up to that very moment she had been wavering; she would go, and when the climax came she would just smile and show she had known what was coming. They Wouldn’t like it very well, find­ ing out how she had fooled them all, but they’d just make the best of it; they’d have to’, with Mr. Deverest and his fiancee right there! But each time that her thoughts had reached this point Jan’s heart misgave her — she couldn’t couldn’t go through with it. She wouldn’t go to the party! Now that she knew Dora was go­ ing, however, there was no help for it; Jan had to go too. But she ling­ ered so over brushing Dora’s curls and fastening a sprig of holly at one Side, that Dora protested. “Please hurry, Jan," she said. “I can’t wait any longer to see how that blue dress looks.” And: “Oh!” she said, when she saw it. “You look as if yo-u’d stepped opt of u painting” “That’s the way the dress is sup­ posed to look, silly," said Jan, kissing her, The dusky red hair had been caught carelessly on top of her head, with a mass of little curls jumbled in­ to'an old-fashioned topknot. The gol­ den eyes were a.little shadowed with fatigue, making them look1 large and mysterious. There was a soft knock on the sitting room door. “From Mr. Deverest," said the boy who handed her a square white box. Jan undid the ribbon after glancing at the name, “Miss Jan Payson" on the outside of the box. Inside was a mass of orchids. “With that dress! How lovely!” The ecstatic Dora touchedone of the deep purple centers with her finger. Jan looked at the enclosed card.,. There was a mistake — the box wasV from Tony. She read: “Chin up! Christmas is coming. Tony.” Jan pinned the magnificent orchids in place, her eyes filled with sudden tears, but smiling too, so that she looked at the flowers through little scintillating stars. Evidently she couldn’t do anything with Tony — or without him. Then Paul was at the door, ready to propel Dora’s chair to the roof and Jan had to go along too. The roof garden had been trans­ formed into a regular dream a Christ­ mas party; that was her first thought. Dora reached up and caught her hatld^ as they all stood for a .moment in the41 doorway. “Oh, Jani" “Oh, Dora!" cried Jan, giving Dora’s hand a little squeeze. In the centre of the dance floor stood a Christmas tree, so tall that the electric star at the top seemed very far away. It was decorated as a Christmas tree should be decorated, Paul pointed out firmly. “I-wasn’t gbiiig to havC ond of these modern, arty trees, ail pale blue or red lights, with white lacquered branches. This is a real Christmas , tree.” , It was, too. The great, spreading boughs were festooned with honest strings of popcorn and gaudy tinsel; candy-stuffed transparent stockings dangled alluringly among the glitter­ ing baubles that shone, hundreds of them, all over the tree; there were candy canes and gingerbread men and the only concession which Paul had made to modernity were the electric lights that took the place of cahdles. The room was full of light and'mu-, sic and the excited happy talk of many people. Jan’s eyes, travelling from the orchestra — each man garb­ ed as Santa Claus — fell on a famil­ iar figure seated at a table near the edge of the dance floor. Wasn’t that Mrs. Mallord? And Jack! And all those boys crowded at nearby tables? Why, they were the neighborhood boys — Jack’s club! “I’ll find our table,” Paul called1 af­ ter Jau as she ran over to greet Mrs. Mallord. “You’re lookin’ grand, darlin’,” Mrs. Mallord told her admiringly. “Hi!" Jack, behind her, grinned broadly when his shout made her turn. The other boys, uncomfortable in their im­ pressive surroundings, but happy, re­ sponded bashfully to her greeting. A shriek from. Molly, the telephone op­ erator, carried half across the room. Jan went over to the table where Molly and Fay Elkins — with their escorts — were enjoying their posi­ tions, as “guests of the house" as M?ol- ly put it. Paul came over to claim Jan and led her to the table where Dora was waiting. There were four places, Jan noticed in sudden panic. “Excuse me." Paul did not sit down as Jan took her place. He left them and went over to stand beside the tree, assuming the role of master of ceremonies. The girls of the en­ semble, who had danced so often with Jan, came prancing in, silver sleigh- bells jingling from red harnesses strapped across their shoulders. From that moment on the whole room be­ came one rollicking affair, strangers as. weH as friends shouting and laugh­ ing across tables to one another. In between the planned numbers the audience danced in the space around the tree. “I had no idea Paul could be so funny!” gasped Jan, choking with lau­ ghter after a particularly hilarious in­ troduction of a “snowflake dance." Dora leaned forward, her cheeks sud­ denly pink. “Jan, I want to tell you something." s “You look as if it is a happy some- ’ thing," said Jan. “It is. Paul and I — ’ Dora hesi­ tated, and began again. “I — Patti — oh, Jan, he loves me! He wants to marry me and care of me ways!" “Dora, darling," Jan, jumped up and threw her arms around her sister, “I’m so glad!" “But aren’t you surprised, too?" Dora asked when Jan was back in her chair. “Some,” said Jan, “but not so very much. It’s sooner than I expected, though.” “He’s so thoughtful,” Dora said, “and Jan, don’t you think1 that touch of white in his hair makes him look distinguished — like a diplomat,* sort of?" Dora rattled on and Jan listened, happy in her sister’s happiness, but apprehensive of what the night would bring. Chapter XXX Jan jumped when someone behind her said suddenly, “Here I am!” Be­ fore she could turn, Tony had slipped into the vacant place by her side. “Oh, Tony," she cried. Then low­ ering her voice, “Is Mr. Deverest here?" “Yes. But don’t you worry about him. I fixed that up all right." Jan stared at him unbelievingly. Tony, smiling at Dora, ignored Jan’s concern. “Have I missed much of the fun?” he asked. “Some,” said Jan. “But it wasn’t important. There’ll be lots more, I guess." . . , “Shall I tell him?” Dora broke in, and without waiting for Jan’s nod she made the announcement of her en­ gagement. Tony expressed a gratify­ ing amount of surprise and delight. “Engagements seem to be in the air,” Jan added. “I suppdSe Mr, Dev­ erest will be, announcing his any min­ ute,” she said hetvoUSly. “Oh, him!” Tony answered lightly. “Jan will you look itlie other. way while I speak privately to Dora?” Laughing, Jan fixed her gaze oil .Mrs. Mallord’s broad back across the 'room. “Dora,” Tony began, “I’m in a spot. I want to propose to a girl and I’ve never done it before. Now, as an en­ gaged girl who has experienced a pro­ posal, I want your advice. Maybe you’ll listen to what I’ve prepared, and see how it sounds to you. I know it won’t be so good as Paul’s, but let me rehearse it anyway." Jan, turning swiftly, opened her mouth to speak, but Dora forestalled her. “Go ahead, Tony,” she invited. “I’ll be glad to tell you what I can to im­ prove your technique." . “All right — here goes." Tony drew a deep breath. “Now we’ll pre­ tend I’m talking to the girl. I begin something like this— “ ‘Darling, I l-love you . .!" “Good!” dora interrupted, clapping her hands. “You think that’ll do? Then,” Tony went on, “I thought I might say 'Will you marry me?” “Oh, not so quickly!" Dora object­ ed. “I think you ought to tell her about her — her smile, and the way you feel when she looks at you, and • how happy you can make her . . you know, lead up to the final question.” “Something like this? ‘When I look at you . . .” he had turned toward Jan and suddenly .their eyes met. For a long moment silence hung between them. Then Tony spoke again, husk­ ily: • . ... “Jan — will you?” “Yes, Tony,” said Jan. “Darling!" Both turned at a delight little chuckle from Dora. “Well,” Tony defended himself, “I told you J didn’t know how to pro­ pose." “Oh, that was all rigiht,” Dora giggled. “I wasn’t laughing at you. I was laughing because you thought your proposal wasn’t aS good as Paul’s. But all he said was — just what you said!" They were interrupted by flying cotton snowballs and presently the air was thick with them. The dancing girls had started throwing them and Jack’s club, feeling at home 'for the first time, had entered into the spirit of the occasion with enthusiasm. Ev­ en Mrs. Mallord, Jan saw, was throw­ ing snowballs back as fast as they came her way. Paul dodged over to their table and. after a while, when the snowballs had been reduced to mere fragments of their original fluffiiiess, he tapped his fork against a glass to get attention. “Ladies and gentlemen," he an­ nounced, there’s no need to ask if you’re having a good time, And I’m Sure you want to thank the man re­ sponsible for it. May I present your hostj Wilhatq Anthony Devcrost!”