Atlanta Daily World

"Oh, well, it was just one of
those things," was all she could
find to say.
"Yes, of course." Charles sighed
and picked up the two largest
cases.
"Naturally we wouldn't
want you to stay if you aren't sure
you could be happy. But I'll miss
you, chick. It's been pretty wonderful knowing you at last, having
you here."
She set her teeth and blinked
very hard before she found the
courage to turn and face him, eyes
bright with unshed tears, but a
small, courageous smile on her
mouth.
"I've loved it, Father," she told
him honestly. "It's been the most
wonderful time of my life."
Charles said impulsively, "You're
quite sure, chick? This isn't just
some foolish lovers' quarrel?"
"Oh, no, Father. This is the way
it has to be," she told him. Her
voice was trembling in spite of
herself, but she forced herself to
go on, "I guess I'm more Lissa's
daughter than I thought, Father. After all, this had the charm of
novelty at first, but novelty wears
off."
Charles' shoulders drooped a little, but perhaps that was because
of the weight of the bags.
"Yes, of course," he agreed, and
turned toward the door.
She waited until she heard the
sound of his footsteps, somehow
heavier than she ever remembered
them, going down the stairs. Then
she caught up her other bags, and
struggled downstairs with them.
Norah and Kate were waiting
uncertainly at the stairs. Norah
came up to relieve her of some of
the baggage and went with her
out of the house.
Kate paused on the steps and
gave Gail a level look.
"Goodby, Kate-and thanks for
everything," said Gail, cut to the
quick by the look in Kate's usually
kind, affectionate eyes.
"Goodby, Gail. I hope you will
be very happy," said Kate quietly,
almost without expression.
She could not forgive Gail for
dealing such a hurt to Charles,
and of course to Greg. And there
was nothing Gail could do except
mutter thanks and turn to the station wagon.
Norah said, "I hope you won't
mind, Gail, but Greg asked me to
ride in with you. There are some
things Kate wants before we start
canning tomatoes tomorrow."
Gail felt a little sharp stab of
mingled grief and pain. So Greg
was as unwilling to face the enforced intimacy of that drive alone
with her as she was. He had asked
Norah to go; Gail told herself
fiercely that she was glad-GLAD!
And bit back the tears that crowded upon her as she got into the
back seat, leaving the front to
Greg and Norah.
(To Be Continued)