 CHAPTER XIX. How welcome a sound was, the churn of the engine as it came flying up the road and churned into the driveway. Cloudy Cloud was at the door, waiting to receive them, straining her eyes into the darkness to be sure they were both there. Leslie sprang out and dashed into her arms. Oh, Cloudy, you waited up, didn't you? We thought you must be asleep and didn't hear the telephone. We tried to call you up and explain. You see, Jane was there alone, and, of course, she didn't much enjoy staying after what had happened, so we waited till Johnson's got back from the city. They had been to the theatre, and they just came on that midnight train. If I lived in a lonely place like that, I wouldn't live three babies with a young girl all alone in the house. It seemed servants were all away or left or something. I guess they were pretty scared when they got back. I wanted to bring the children up here to stay all night with us and let them be scared when they got home, but you wouldn't, of course, so we stayed with her. Leslie tossed aside their velvet cloak as she talked. It was awfully exciting, Cloudy. I'm glad I went. There's no telling what might have happened to Alison if somebody hadn't been there. You see, he shut down the motor as we came up to the house. We'd been going like a streak of lightning all the way, and we tried to sneak up so they wouldn't hear us and get away. But there was one man outside on the watch, and he gave the word. And just as Alison got out of the car, he disappeared into the shadows. The other came up, piling out of a window, and stripped it across the porch and down the lawn. Alison made for him, but he changed his course and came straight toward the car. I guess they thought it was empty. And then the other one came flying out from behind the bushes and made for Alison. So I just leaned out of the car and shot. I don't know how I ever had nerve, for I was terribly frightened. But he would have got Alison in another minute, and Alison didn't see him coming. He had a big club in his hand. I saw it as he went across the infromed window, and I knew I must just thumb think. So I aimed right in front of him, and I saw him go down on his knees and throw up his hands. And then I felt sick, and began to think, what if I had killed him? I didn't, Cloudy. They say I only hit his knee. But wouldn't it have been awful all my life to have to think I had killed a man? I couldn't have stood it, Cloudy. And with a sudden breaking of the tension, the eye-strong child flung herself down in a little, brilliant eep at Julie Cloud's knees, buried the bright face in her hand's lap, and burst into tears. You brave little darling, Julie Cloud caressed her and folded her arms about her. She's all of that, Cloudy. She saved my life. It was Alison who spoke, standing tall and proud above his sister and looking down at her tenderly. Come now, Kitty. Don't give way when you've been such a trump. I knew you could shoot, but I didn't think you could keep your head like that. Cloudy, she was a little winner. The cool way she ended that man with the other one coming right toward her and meaning plainly to get in the car and run away in it. He'd have taken her too, of course, and stopped at nothing to get away. But when he saw the good shot he was and heard a spell groaning, he threw up his hands and turned sharp about for me. He knew it was his only chance and that whoever was shooting wouldn't shoot at him while he was all tangled up with me. So he made a spring at me before I knew what he was doing and threw me off my feet and got a half Nelson on me, you know. Yes, Cloudy, he was fiendish and I couldn't do a thing for fear of hitting Nelson, and just then I heard the motorcycle chugging by the car. I hadn't heard it before, there was so much going on, and a big strong fellow with his hair all standing up in the wind jumped off and ran toward them where they were rolling on the ground. Then I thought of the flashlight and turned it on them, and that motorcycle man saw just how things were, and he jumped in and grabbed the burglar. And then all of a sudden the others were as full of men and boys and a terrible noise and clanging and fire engine and hook and ladder came rushing up, Cloudy. You didn't tell them there was a fire, did you? I didn't. I told that telephone girl there was a burglar and sent a policeman. But somehow she got it that the house was on fire. And Jane Bristol was in the house with the baby in her arms and the other little children asleep in their creeps, and she didn't know what was happening because she didn't dare to open the window. Into the midst of the excitement and explanation there came a loud knock on the door, and Alison sprang up and went to see who was there. A young man with disheveled garments, hair standing on end, and faith much strict with mud and dust stood there. A motorcycle leaned against the end of the porch. Pardon me, he said, half shyly. I saw the light and thought someone was up yet. Did Lady drop this? I found it in the grass when I went back to hunt for my key ring. It was right where she stood. He held forth his hand, and there dropped from his fingers a slender white gleaming thing. Alison flashed on the porch light and looked at it. Honestly, is this yours? The motorcycle man looked up, and there stood the princess, her rosy garments like the mist of dawn, glowing in the light of fire and lamp, her tumbled golden curls, her eyes bright with recent tears, her cheeks pink with excitement. He had seen her dimly a little while before in a long velvet cloak, and the little concealing head scarf, standing in a motor car shooting with a steady hand, and again coming with swift feet to her brother's side in the grass after he was released from the burglar's hold. But he had not caught the look of her face. Now he stood speechless and stared at lovely apparition. Was it possible that this lovely child had been a cool, brave girl in the car? Leslie had put her hand to her throat with a quick cry and found it bare. Her string of pearls. She said, how careless of me not to have noticed they were gone. I'm so glad you found them. They are the ones that Mama used to have. Then, looking upward for a time, she said, Oh, you are the young man who saved my brother's life. Won't you please come in? I think you were perfectly splendid. I want my aunt to meet you, and we all want to thank you. Oh, I didn't do anything. I said a stranger, turning as if to go. It was you who saved his life. I got there just in time to watch you. You're some shot, I'll tell the world. I sure am proud to meet you. I didn't know any girl could shoot like that. No, that's nothing. Left Leslie. Her guardian made us both learn. Please come in. Yes, we want to know you. Urge Allison. Come in. We can't let you go like that. It's very late. Urge the young man. But Allison put out a firm hand, and pulled him in, shutting the door behind him. Cloudy, he said, turning to his aunt. This man came in the nick of time, and saved me just as I was getting hoosy. That fellow sure had a grip on my throat, and something had hit my head, and taken away all the sense I had, so I couldn't seem to get him off. That's all right. I noticed you were holding her own. Put in the stranger. It wasn't every man who would have tackled two unknown burlers alone. He spoke in a voice of deep admiration. Well, I noticed you were the only man on spot till the parade was about over. Said Allison, slapping his heartily on shoulder. Say, I think I've seen you before riding that motorcycle. Tell me your name, please. I want to know you next time I see you. Thanks. I'm not much to know, but I have an idea you are. My name's Howard Ledgeworth. I have a room over at the garage, and take my meals at the pie shop. My motorcycle is old family I have at present. Allison left, and held out his hand with a warm grip of admiration. I am Allison Cloud, and this is my sister Leslie Cloud, and my aunt Miss Cloud. And this house we call Cloudy Villa. You'll always be welcome whenever you are willing to come, if saved my life, and brought back my sister's pearls, and put us doubly in your debt. I'm sure no one is in this town as a better right to be welcome here. Please sit down a minute, and tell us who you are. You don't belong to the church bunch, and I don't think I've seen you about college. No, sadly it's worth. Not this year. I'm a labouring man. I work over at ship building plant. If everything goes well with me this winter, I may get back to college next fall. I was a junior last year, but I couldn't quite make the financial part, so I had to go to work again. There was advice in his tone, as he told it, as if he had said, now perhaps you won't want to know me. And he had not taken the offered chair, but was standing, as if he would not take their friendship under false pretenses. But trust Alison to say the graceful thing. I somehow felt you were my superior. He said that his eye is full of real friendship. Sit down just a minute, so it can be sure you really mean to come again. Yes, do sit down, said Julia Cloud. I was just going to get these children a bite to eat, and I'm sure they'd like to have you share it with them. It's a long time since supper, and you have been through a good deal. Aren't you hungry? The pie shop won't be open this time of night. She smiled at welcoming home smile that no young person could resist, and the young man sat down with a swift, furtive glance at pleasly. She seemed too bright and wonderful to be true. He let his eyes wander about the charming room, the fire, the couch, the lamp-light on the books, brutal home touches everywhere, and then he sank into the big cushions of the chair gratefully. Say, this is wonderful, he said. I haven't known what home was like for seven years. Well, it's almost that long since we had a real home, too, said Leslie Gravely. And we love this one. Yes, said Allison. We've just got his home, and we sure do appreciate it. I hope, if you like it, you'll often share it with us. Well, I call that generous to an utter stranger. Then Julia Cloud entered in the tray, and Allison and Leslie both jumped up to help her. Leslie brought a plate with wonderful frosted cakes and little sandwiches, which somehow Julia Cloud always managed to have just ready to serve. Allison passed cups of hot chocolate with pills of whipped cream on the top, and they all sat down before the fire to eat in the coziest way. Suddenly, right in the midst of their chock, the big grandfather clocked in the corner shined softly out a single clear, remaining stroke. Why, Cloudy, it's one o'clock. Sunday morning, and here we are having a sunny morning party after all, right at home. Left Leslie teasingly. The stranger stood up with apology. Oh, please don't go for a minute, said Leslie. I want you to do one more thing for me. Now, Allison, I can see it in your eyes that you mean to get ahead of me, but I have first chance. It's my find. Mr. Litchworth, you don't happen to belong to a Christian and diverse society anywhere, do you? The startled young man shook his head, a look of being on his guard suddenly coming into his eyes. Do I look like it? He half, half comically, suddenly glancing down at his muddy, greasy garments and old-turn sweater. Well, then I want you to come to the meeting tomorrow night. No, tonight, at seven o'clock, I don't know that little brick church on the next street. Everybody had the promise to bring someone who has never come before, and I didn't have anybody to ask because all the college people I know are offered a house party. And I ran away from it and came home. So I couldn't very well ask them, will you go? The young man looked at lovely girl with the smell on his lips that might easily have grown into a sneer and a curd refusal. But somehow the clear, true look in her eyes made refusal impossible. Against all his prejudices he hesitated and then suddenly said, Yes, I'll go if you want me to. I'm not in the habit of going to such places, but if you want me, I'll go. She put her slim, cool hand into his and thanked him sweetly, and he went out into the starlight feeling as if a princess had knighted him. There, cited Leslie, as the sound of his motorcycle died away in the distance. I think he's a real man. It's queer, but he and Jane Bristle are the nicest people we've met in this town yet, and they both work for their living. I was just thinking that, too. Said Ellison, vigorously poking the fire into a shower of ruby sparks. Don't you like him, Cloudy? Yes, said Julia Cloud, emphatically. He looks as if he took life in earnest. But come, don't you think we'd better go to bed? So they all lay down to sleep at last, Julia Cloud too profoundly thankful for words, in the prayer her heart furtively breathed. End of chapter 19, recording by Ana Simão from Portugal. Chapter 20 of Claudio Jules. The routine of college classes became settled at last, and gradually the young people found bits of leisure for family life which they craved and loved. Ellison came in one day and announced that he had bought a canoe. It's a pitch, Cloudy, and I got it cheap from a fellow that has to leave college. His father has got a job out in California, and they are going to move and want to transfer him to a western college, so he won't be so far away from them. I got it for $15 with all the outfit, and it's only been used one season. But he couldn't take it with him. There are three pedals and two cushions and some rocks belonging to it, and I've arranged to keep it down behind the inn so it won't be far for us to go to it. Now, I wanted to be ready to take a trial trip this afternoon at three when Leslie and I get through our classes. With much inward questioning, but entire loyalty, Julia Cloud yielded herself to the uncertainties of canoeing, but it needed but that first trip to make her an ardent admirer of that former recreation. Recreation it really seemed to her to be, as she sank among the pillows in the comfortable nest the children had prepared for her, and felt herself glide out up a smooth bosom of the creek into the glow of the art in afternoon. For in the shelter of the winding ravine where the creek wandered frost and not yet completed its work, and the trees were still in glowing colors, blending brilliantly with dark green of the amlock. A few stark trunks were bare and bleak against the sky in unsheltered places, but for the most part the banks of the creek still set forth the most pleasing display to the nature lover who chose to come and see. Winding dark and soft and still, with redded ripples here and there, and little floating brown leaves that slithered against the boat as they passed, the creek meandered between the hills, now churning almost up in itself around the mossy grassy stretch of middleland, sculpting a chestnut grub or sleeping beneath great rocks that cropped out on the hillside where moss had crept in a lovely carpet and graceful amlocks found the foothold and leaned over to dip in the water and rushed faces of those who passed. Up up and up through the frantic little rapids that bubbles and thot and were conquered into the stiller waters above, between banks all dark and green and quiet, most brilliantly and cunningly embroidered with exquisite scrubbery vines and scarlet berries. It was most interesting, and Julie Cloud was reluctant to come home. No need ever to coax her any more. She was ready all this to go in that canoe, jealous of anything that prevented a chance to go. When she and Sherry, instead of getting a hot lunch at home, would put up the most delectable lunch in paper boxes, and when the children came home, she would be ready to go right down to the canoe and spend two delightful hours floating up and down the creek and eating an unconscionable number of sandwiches and cakes. This happened most often on Wednesdays, when the children had no classes from eleven o'clock until three, and there was time to take the noon hour in a leisurely way. Not even cool weather coming on could don them. Streamer rugs and warm sweaters and gloves were requisitioned, and the open air lunches went on just same. One day they took a pot of hot soup and three small balls and spoons. They landed at great rocks, and, climbing up, built a fire and gave their soup another little touch of heat before they ate it. Such experiences welded their hearts more and more together, and Julie Cloud came to be more and more a part of the lives of these two young people who had taken her from their mother-in-love. It was on these outings that they talked over serious problems. Whether Leslie should join one of the girls' sororities, what they should do about next creature in deeper meeting, why it was that Howard Litchworth and Jane Bristle were so much more interesting than any of their other friends, why Cloudy did not like to have myrtle-villers come to the house, and what Allison was going to do in life when he got through with college. They were absolutely one in all their thoughts and wishes just at this time, and there was not anything that any one of them would not willingly talk over with the others. It was a beautiful relation, and one that Julie Cloud daily, trimmingly, prayed my blessed, might find nothing to break it up. By this time, young people had begun to bring their college mates to the house, and everybody up there was crazy for an invitation to little lunches of dinners and pleasant evenings, gatherings that had begun to be so popular. There were not wanting usual, broad-crazy girls who went eagerly trailing Allison, literally begging him for rides and attention and making up to Julie Cloud and Leslie in the most sickening of silly girls' fashions. And of these, myrtle-villers was at once the most subtle and least attractive. Julie Cloud had an intuitive shrinking from her at start, although she tried, in her sweet, Christian way to overcome it, and do as much for this girl as she was trying to do for all the others who came into their home. But myrtle-villers was quick to understand and play their part so well that it was impossible to shake her off as some might have been shaken. She studied Leslie like an artist and learned how to play upon her frank, emotional, impulsive nature. She confided in her, telling the sorrows of an unloved life and her longings for great and bad things, and fell to attending Christian endeavor most strenuously. She was always coming home with Leslie for overnight and being around in the way. Allison didn't like her in the least, Julie Cloud barely tolerated her. But, as the weeks went by, Leslie began to champion her, to tell the others they were unfair to the girl, that she really had a sincere heart and a lovely nature, which had been crushed by loneliness and sorrow. Allison always snorted angrily when Leslie got off anything like that, and habitually absented himself whenever he knew the vamp, as he called her, was to be there. It was one day quite late in the fall, almost her last balmy picnic before the cold weather set in, that they were sitting upon rocks around the pleasant, resinous pine needle fire they had made, discussing this. Allison was maintaining that it was not good for Leslie to go with a girl like that, that all the fellows despised. And Leslie was parting and saying she didn't see why he had to be so prejudiced and unfair. Julie Cloud was looking troubled and wondering whether her heart and her head were both on the wrong side, or what she ought to do about it, when a step behind them made them all turn around startled. It was for a time they had been interrupted by an intruder in this retreat, and it had come to seem all their own. Moreover, the cocoon fire was boiling, and lunch was about to be served on little paper plates. There stood a tall man with a keen, care-worn face, a scholarly heir, and an unmistakably wistful look in his eyes. Why, it is very to spend your nooning, Cloud. It suddenly looks inviting. He said with a comprehensive glance at wax-papered sandwiches and little heap of cakes and fruit. Allison arose with the later recognition. Oh, Dr. Bauman, he said, let me introduce you to my aunt, Miss Cloud, and my sister Leslie. The scholar of the gentleman bowed low in acknowledgment of the introduction, and fairly seemed to melt under its situation. Well, now this certainly is delightful, he said, still eyeing the generously spread rock table. Quite an idea, quite an idea. Is this some special occasion, some celebration or something? He glanced generally round on the group. Who know, we often bring our lunch out here. Said Julie Cloud, in a matter-of-fact tone. It keeps us out of doors and makes a pleasant change. There was finality in your tone, and the sensitive-minded professor would have moved on at once, for the cocoon was boiling over and had to be rescued, and he might have seen they did not want him. But he lingered effably. Well, that certainly is an original idea. Quite so, it really makes one quite hungry to think of it. That certainly looks like an attractive repast. There was nothing for it but to invite him to partake, which Allison did as courageously as he dared, considering that in sugar was one of his major professors and hoping sincerely that he would refuse. But Professor Baumann did not refuse. No such good chance, and quite to Julie Cloud's annoyance, for she wanted to have a talk out with her children. He set himself down on the rock as if he were quite acclimated to picnics in November, and accepted so many sentences that, pleasantly, fitted slightly behind and out of his sight, made mock signs of horror, lest there should not be enough to go around. It appeared that he had started out to search for his pocket knife, which his young son had borrowed and lost somewhere in that region as nearly as he could remember, and thus had come up on the picnickers. Hold, pill! Grolls, Allison groftly, when at last the unwelcome guest had ported Astley to a class, with many praises for his dinner and a promise to call to see them in the near future. Hold, pill! Now we'll never dare to come here again as long as he's around. Bother him. I wish I had told him to go to Thunder. We don't want him. He lives right up here over that bluff. His wife's dead, and his sister, or aunt, or something, keeps house for him. She looks like a bottle of pickles. Say, Cloudy, we'll just be out evenings for a while till he forgets it. But Dr. Baumann did not forget it as Allison had hoped. He came the very next week on the stormy night when no one in his senses would go out if he could help it. And there were decayed little households with the addition of Jane Bristle and Howard Ledgeworth done on their knees before the fire, rousing chestnuts, toasting marshmallows, and telling stories. His grim, angler presence descended upon the joyous gathering like a wet blanket, and young people subsided into silence until Leslie, rising to the occasion, went to the piano and started them all singing. A wicked little spirit seemed to possess her, and she picked out the most jazzy drag time she could find, hoping to freeze out the unwelcome guest. But he sat with patient sad smile, and endured it, making what he seemed to think were little pleasantries to Julie Cloud, who sat by, busy with some embroidery. She, poor lady, was divided between a wicked life at the daring of the children and a horrible approach that they should be treating a college professor in this rude manner. She certainly gave him no encouragement, and when he at last rose to go, saying he had spent a very pleasant and profitable evening getting acquainted with his students, and he thought he should soon repeat it, she's not asking him to return. But he was of man of the kind who needs no encouragement, and he did return many times, and often, until he became a fixed institution, which takes all their faculties inventing ways of escape from him. The winter went, and Dr. Baumann became the one flying and pleasant ointment of Cloud Villa. We'll just have to send Cloudy away a while, or the putter bed and pretend she's thick every time he comes or something. Said Leslie one night, after his partner had made them free to express their feelings. We've tried everything else, he just won't take a hint. What do you say, Cloudy? Will you play thick? My dear, said Julia Cloud, aghast, he doesn't come to see me, what an earth's puttet in your head. Her face was flaming scarlet, and the stress showed in every feature. The children fairly shouted. Who do you, Cloudy? Old blind Cloudy, of course he does. Who on earth else would he come to see? But, said Julia Cloud, tears coming into her eyes. He mustn't, I don't want to see him, mercy. That's all right, Cloudy, you should worry. I'll go tell him so if you want me to. Eh, listen, he wouldn't, said Julia Cloud, aghast. No, of course not, Cloudy, but we'll find a way to get rid of the old pill if we have to move away for a while. Nevertheless, the old pill continued to come early and often, and there seemed no escape, for he was continually stealing in on their privacy at most unexpected times and acting as if he were sure of a welcome. The children froze him and were rude, and Julia Cloud withdrew farther and farther, but nothing seemed to faze him. It's too bad to have so much sweetness wasted. She walked Leslie one night at the supper table when her unwelcome visitor had been a subject of discussion. Ms. Ted Pliff is eating her heart out for him. She's always nosing around in a hall when his class is out, and it's about time for Earth to begin, just to get a word with him. She kept us waiting for our papers the whole minutes the other day, while she discussed a better class from ventilation with him. Hello, doctor, don't you think we might do something about this matter of ventilation? She mimicked, covulsing Alison with her likeness of her English teacher. That's an idea, said Alison suddenly. No, don't ask me what it is. It would spoil things. Cloddy, may I bring a guest to dinner tomorrow night? Certainly anybody you please, replied Julia Cloud innocently, and incursively Alison appeared next afternoon with Ms. Ted Pliff smugging and pleased, sitting up in the back seat of the car. Julia Cloud received her graciously, and never so much as suspected anything special was going on until late in the evening when Dr. Bowman arrived and was assured in to find this covular or derv before him. It did not look especially pleased, and Julia Cloud caught a glance of intelligence passing between Leslie and Alison with the sudden revelation of a plot behind it all. During the entire evening she sat quietly, saying little, but her eyes dancing with the fun of it. What children they were and how she loved them. Yes, and what a child she was herself, for she couldn't help loving their pranks as well as they did. However, though Dr. Bowman had to take Ms. Ted Pliff home and got her little satisfaction out of his call that evening, it did not discourage him in the least, and Julia Cloud decided that extreme measures were necessary to rid them of his presence. We might go away during Thanksgiving's week. Only there's a Christian and Iver bank it, said Leslie. We couldn't be away from that. And then I wanted to have Jane to dinner. She's going up to college this week to live. She's doing office work there, and she'll be alone on Thanksgiving day. Yes, and there's Howard. I thought we'd have him here, put Alison dubiously. Of course, said Julia Cloud determinedly. And we don't want to go away anyway. You children run up to your rooms this evening and study. Stay there, I mean, no matter who comes. Do you understand? With a curious look at her, they both obeyed. And a little later, when knockers sounded through the house, they sat silently above, not daring to move, and heard their hands open the door. Her doctor involvement's slow, scholarly voice, Julia Cloud's even tones, back and forth for a little while. And they heard the front door open and shut again, and slow steps go down the brick terrace and out to the sidewalk. What best in that interview no one ever knew? Julia Cloud came to the foot of the stairs and called them down, and her eyes were shining in confidence as she sat by the lamp and shewed while they stood it and joked in front of the fire. But unwelcome guests came no more, and whenever they met him in the street or at receptions or passing at a college came, he gave them a distant pleasant bow. That was all. Julia Cloud had done the work well, however she had done it. Little bowmen's need not look to her to fill their mother's place, for she was not so minded. Meantime, the winter had been going on, and Little Pink and White House was becoming popular among students at college, as well as among the members of the Christian and Dever Society as Little Bricks Church. Many an evening specially picked groups of girls or boys are both spent before that fire, playing games and talking and singing. Sometimes a college glee club came down and had tenure. Again, it was the football team that was fisted. Another time Alison's friend came for his birthday, aided and abetted by a cedar and ant. Jane Bristol became a frequent visitor, though not so frequent as they would have liked to have her, for her time was very much taken up with her work and her studies. Julie Cloud often wished she might lift financial burden from the young shoulders and make things easier for her, both for her own sake and Leslie's, who would have liked to make her her constant companion. But Jane Bristol was too independent to let anybody help her, and there seemed no way to do anything about it. Meantime, mortal villers improved each idle hour, and kept Leslie busy, inventing excuses to get away from her, and Julie Cloud busy worrying. Leslie was so dear, but she was also self-willed, and she would go off with that wild girl in the car for long rides. Not that Julie Cloud worried about the driving, for Leslie was most careful and handled the car as if she had been warned with knowledge, as indeed she did all things athletic. But her aunt distrusted the other girl. And then, one clear, cold afternoon in December, Leslie went off for a ride in the car with Myrtle. Of course, Julie Cloud did not know that girl had pastored life out of Leslie for a drive, and that finally promised that, if she would go, she would stop going to certain wild-boying village of whom Leslie disapproved. Neither did she know that Leslie had resolved never to go again without her aunt along. So she sat at the window through the short winter afternoon, and watched and waited in vain for the car to return. And Allison came back at half past six after basketball practice, and still Leslie had not appeared. End of Chapter 20. Recording by Anna Simao from Portugal Chapter 21 of Claudio Joule This is a Librebox recording. All Librebox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librebox.org Recording by Anna Simao Claudio Joule by Grace Livingston Hill Chapter 21 There has been a little friction between Allison and Leslie about the use of the car. Allison had always been most generous with it, until his sister took up this absurd intimacy with mortal villains. It has been rather understood between them that Leslie should use the car afternoons when she wanted it, as Allison was busy with basketball and other things. But several times, Allison had objected to his sisters taking her new friend out, and Leslie told him he wasn't fair. After a heated discussion, they had left the question still unsettled. In fact, it did not seem that it could be settled, for Leslie was of such a nature that great opposition only made her more firm. And Julie Cloud advised her nephew to say nothing more for a time. Let Leslie find out for herself the character of the girl she had made her friend. It was really the only way she would learn not to be carried away by flattery and high-sounding words. Allison, grumbling a little, ascended. But in his heart, he still bawled with rage at the idea that girls whining his sister around her little finger, just for the sake of using the car when she wanted it. It was not perhaps all happening that for two or three days Allison had left switch key where his sister could not find it, and the hot war of words ended, in Leslie's quietly ordering a new switch key so that such a happening would be impossible in future. She would have one of her own. A car had come that very morning from the express office, notifying Leslie that there was a package there waiting for her. So, when she started out with Myrtle, she stopped and got it. She dusted carelessly into the car with the feeling of satisfaction that now Allison could not hamper her movements any longer by his carelessness. Which way shall we go? She asked as she always did when taking her friends out, and Myrtle named a favorite pike where they often drove. Out upon smooth white road this bed, rejoicing in the clear beauty of the day and in the freedom with which they flew through space. Myrtle had chosen to sit in the back seat, and love happily among rugs and raps, keeping a keen eye out on the road ahead, and shattering away like a magpie to Leslie, telling her what a darling she was. She pronounced it darling. And how this ride was just one thing she needed to recuperate from her violent study of the night before, incident to an examination that morning. Myrtle professed to be utterly overcome and exhausted by the physical effort of riding for three whole hours without a let-up. If Leslie could have seen her meek paper, through which a much short short professor was at that moment worthy of plodding, she would have been astonished. Leslie herself was keen and thorough in her classwork, and had no slightest conception of what a lazy student could avoid when she set herself to do so. Five miles from home, two masculine figures came inside ahead, strolling leisurely down the road. Anyone watching might have seen Myrtle suddenly straightened up and cast a hasty glance at Leslie. But Leslie was bright cheeks and shiny eyes was forging ahead regardless of stray strollers. At exactly the right moment Myrtle leaned forward and clutched Leslie's shoulder excitedly. Oh Leslie, that's my cousin Fred Hicks, and that must be his friend Bertrand Laws. They're out for a hike. How lucky! Stop a minute, please. I won't speak to my cousin. At the same moment the two young men turned with a well-timed lifting of surprised heads in response to Myrtle's violent waving and shouting. Leslie, of course, slowed down. She could not carry a girl past her own cousin when she asked to stop to speak to him. Besides, it never occurred to her not to do so. Myrtle went through the introductions gleefully. Mr. Laws, meet my friend Miss Clouds, my cousin Fred Hicks, Leslie. Pile in, boys. Isn't this great that we should meet? Howt for a hike? We'll give you a lift. Which way are you going? Fred, you can sit in front with Leslie. I want Bart back here with me. Leslie caught her breath in a troubled hesitancy. This wasn't the kind of thing she had bargained for. It was the sort of thing that her aunt and brother would object to most strenuously. Yet how could she object when her guests had asked them? Of course, Myrtle didn't realize that it was not quite the thing for them to be off here in the country unshaperowed with two strange young men, though, of course, they weren't strangers really, both of them friends of Myrtle's and one her cousin. Myrtle could not be expected to think how it would seem to her. But young men were not waiting for Leslie's invitation. They seemed to feel that their company would be ample compensation for any objections that might be had. They scrambled in with the liquidity. The color flew into Leslie's cheeks. In her heart she said they were altogether too fresh. Why, I suppose we can give you a lift for a little way? Said Leslie, trying to sound patronizing. How far are you going? We turn off here pretty soon. Oh, that's all right. Said cousin Fred easily. Any old road suitors so it's going in this direction. Want me to take the wheel? No, thank you. Said Leslie coldly. I always drive myself. My brother doesn't care for me to let other people use the car. That's all right. I thought you might be tired, and I'm a great driver. People trust me that won't trust anyone else. That's right, Leslie. Chimed in myrtle. Fred can drive like a breeze. You ought to see him. Leslie said nothing, but dropped in the clutch and drove on. She was not prepossessed in Fred Hicks favor. She let him make all the remarks and said like a slim, straight, little offended goddess. But Fred Hicks was not disturbed in the list. He started in telling a story about the trip he took from Washington up to Harrisburg in an incredibly brief space of time, and he laughed uproarously at all his own jokes. Leslie was a girl of violent likes and dislikes, and she took one of them now. She fairly froze cousin Fred, though he showed no outward sign of being aware of it. Here's a nice road off to the right. He indicated, reaching out a commanding hand to the wheel suddenly. Turn here. Leslie, with set lips, bore on past the subject's road at high speed. Please don't touch my wheel, was all she said, in a hearty little voice. She was very angry indeed. They were nearing an old mansion, close now for the winter, with a small artificial lake between the grounds and the highway. Leslie felt a passing wish that she might dump her undesired cargo in the lake and fly away from them. I think you'll have to get out at next crossroads. She said with more dignity. I have to go home now. Why, Leslie Cloud, you don't any such thing. Broken Myrtle. It told me you could be out till quarter of sixth. It's only half past four. I thought you were a good sport. I've changed my mind. Said Leslie coldly, bringing the car to a standstill. I'm going back right now. Do you and your friend want to get out here, Mr. Hicks? Fred Hicks lulled back in the car and leered at Leslie. Why, no, I can say I'm particularly anxious to get out, but I think I'd like to change around a little. If you'll just step over here, I'll run the car for you, my dear. I don't think Myrtle is ready to go back yet. How about it, Myrtle? He turned and deliberately winked at Myrtle, who leaned over with a light laugh and patted Leslie on the shoulder. There, there, Leslie, don't get up in the air. She suited. I'll explain all about it if you'll just turn around and go up that road back there. It won't take you much longer and will be back in plenty of time. The fact is, I had a little bled in the back of my head when I came out this afternoon, and I want you to help me out. Now, be a good girl and let Fred run the car a little while. You won't do it any harm and your brother will never know a thing about it. Leslie's eyes were flashing and her head was held utterly, but she kept her hands firmly on the wheel. Your friends will have to get out, Myrtle. She said coldly. I can't help you out in any scheme, I don't understand. You'll have to go to someone else for that kind of help. Myrtle pouted. I must say, I don't think you're very nice, Leslie Cloud, speaking in that way before my friends. But of course, you don't understand. I'll have to tell you. Bartlos and I are engaged, and we're going to town down in the next state to get married. Bart has life and administer, and it's all arranged nicely. It's time to be there for a chaperone. If you behave yourself and do as we tell you, the whole thing will go off quietly, and no one will know the difference. You and I will go back home before dark, and everything will be lovely. You see, dear, I've been engaged all this time. Only, I couldn't tell you, because my guardians don't approve of my getting married until I'm through college. You didn't understand why I had so much to do with Rich Price, but he was just a go-between for Bart and me. Now, do you understand why I wanted you to go this afternoon? Myrtle's voice was very soft and insinuating. She had tears always near to surface, forever used. You never have been in love, Leslie. You don't know what it is to be separated from the one who is all the world to you. Come now, Leslie. I'll do anything in the world for you if you'll only help me out now. And if I won't? Ask Leslie calmly, deliberately, as if she were really waiting the question. Well, if you won't, put you in the person called Fred X. Why, Bart and I will just fix you up perfectly harmlessly in the backseat there, where you can't do any damage. And he put his hand in his pocket and brought out the end of an ugly-looking rope, and then will take charge of this expedition and go on our way. You can take it or leave it as you please. Shut up there, Myrtle. We haven't any more time to waste. Behind schedule now. Leslie's mouth shut in a pretty little tight line, and her eyes got like two blue sparks, but her voice was cool and steady. Well, I won't, she said tensely. And with a sudden motion, she grabbed switchkey and, springing to her feet, flung it far out across the road, across a little scuttled canoe that lay at the bank and plunk into the water, before the other occupants of the car could realize what she was doing. Fred Hicks saw just an instant too late, and sprang for her arm to stop it, then rose in its seat with curses on its lips, watching the exact location of the splash and calling to his mate to go out and fish for it. Leslie sank back in her seat, tense and white, and both young men sprang out and rushed to shore of the little lake, leaving a stream of unspeakable language behind them. Myrtle began to berate a friend. You little fool, she said, you think you've stopped this, don't you? But you'll suffer for this. If you make a slate, I'll see that you don't get back to your blessed home for a whole week. And, when you do, you won't have such a pretty reputation to go on as you have now. It won't do a bit of good either, for those two men can find that switchkey. Or, if they can't, Fred knows how to start a car without one. If only you've made a lot of trouble for yourself, and that's all the good it will do you. You thought you were smart, but you're nothing but an ignorant little kid. But the ignorant little kid was not listening. With trembling fingers she was pulling off strappings from a small package, and suddenly a warning wear cut short, murtless herring. She lured forward and tried to pull Leslie's hand away from the wheel. Bart, come quick! She's got another! Harry, boys! CHAPTER 22 The two young men had shoved the old canoe up on the bank, turned it over, emptied it, and put it back in water. Thread Hicks was holding it at arm's length now in water, and the woodpeep ride groom had crawled out to the extreme end, and it rolled up sleeves, was pawing about in water, which did not appear to be very deep. At cry they turned, and Thread Hicks, forgetting the other men's plight, let go the boat, and dashed back to the road. Young loss, arising too hastily, rolled into the water completely, and came splashing up the bank in a frothy state of mind. But suddenly, as they came, while Murtless best efforts were put forced to injure Leslie's movements, something cold and gleaming flashed in her face that sent her crouching back in the corner of her seat and screaming. Leslie had slipped her hand into little secret pocket of the car door, and brought out her revolver, hoping fervently that it was still loaded, and that Hallison had not chosen to shoot at the mark or anything with it the last time he was out. You'd better sit down and keep quiet, she said coolly, I'm a good chap. Then she put her foot on the clutch, and the car started just as Thread Hicks slipped on the running board. Leslie's little revolver came promptly around to meet him, and he dropped away with the gasp of surprise as suddenly as he had lit. Suddenly Leslie became aware of the other young men dripping and breathless, but with a dangerous look in his eye, bearing down up on her from the lake side of the road, and she flashed around and sent a shot ringing out into the road, the bullet ploughing into the dust at his very feet. The car leaped forward to bear touch, and in a second more they had left two young men safely behind them. Myrtle was crushed in the back seat, weeping, and Leslie, cool and brave in front seat, was trembling from head to foot. This was a new road to her. At least she had never been more than two or three miles on it, and she did not know where she would bring up. She began to wonder how long her gasoline would hold out, for she had been in such a hurry to get away with Myrtle before Ellison should come home that she had forgotten to look to see if everything was all right. And she now remembered that Ellison had had the car out late the night before. Everything seemed to be falling in chaos about her. The earth rose and fell in front of her excited gaze. The sun was going down, and road ahead seemed endless, without a turning as far as she could see. A great barrier in ground stretched from what seemed like miles along one side of the road. The polished marble gleamed red and bleak in setting sun. The sky had suddenly gone red color, and there was a chill in the air. Leslie longed for nothing so much as to hide her head in Julie Cloud's lap and whip. Yet she must go on and on and till this awful road came to an end. Would it ever come to an end? Oh, it must somewhere. A great tower of bricks loomed ahead with a white paved driveway leading to it through an arched gateway, and over the arch some words. Leslie got only one of them, crematory. She shuddered and put on speed. It seemed that she had come to the place of death and desolation. It was lonely everywhere, and not a soul in sight. What horror if her gasoline should give out in a place like this, and they have to spend the night here she and that poor weak creature sobbing behind? What contempt she felt for her former friend? What contempt she felt for herself? Oh, she was well punished for her willfulness. The thing she should have presumed to hope she could help her to better ways. She, a little innocent, who never dreamed of such depths of duplicity as had been shown her that afternoon. Oh, to think of that lonesome, hicks person daring to touch her, to try to take her car away from her, and to smile at her in that disgusting way. On and on went the car, and rolled one the way into the dusk, up a high hill, and down again, up another, past an old farmhouse with one dim light in the back window, and a great dog howling like one in some old classic tale she had read. On and on till at last a crossroad came, and she knew not which way to take, to right or to left. There was a signboard, but it was too dark to read, and she dared not get out and leave Myrtle. There was no telling, but she might try to run off with car. It was at the crematory that she began to pray, and, when she reached the crossing, her heart put up a second plea for guidance. Oh, God, if you'll just help me home, I will try, try, try to be what you want me to be. Please, please, please. It was the old vow of a heart bowed down and brought to the limit. It was first time Leslie had ever realized that there could be a situation in which Leslie Cloud would not find some way out. It was first time too, perhaps, when she realized herself as being a sinner, insensitive, having a will against God, and having exercised it for her own pleasure, rather than for his glory. Down the road left the car's path, and after a mile and a half of growing darkness, with woods and scattered farmhouses, the lights of a village began to appear. But it was no village that Leslie knew, and nothing anywhere gave her a clue. A truly line appeared, however, and after a little a car came along with a name that should it was going cityward. Leslie decided to follow the trolley track. In the meantime the girl in the back seat rose up and began to look about her, evidently recognizing something familiar in the streets or town. You can put me out here, Leslie. I'm done with you. She said hotly. I don't care to go any further with you. I'll go back on the train. No, said Leslie sharply. You'll go home with me. I took you away without knowing what you intended, but I mean to put you back where you were before I'm done. Then my responsibility for you will be over. I was a fool to let you deceive me that way, but I'm not a fool any longer. Well, I won't go home with you, so… And that's flat, Leslie Cloud. You didn't think you can frighten me into going either. We're in a village now, and my aunt lives here. If you get out that revolver again, I'll scream and have you arrested, and tell them you're trying to murder me, so dare. For answer Leslie turned sharply into a crossroad that led away from the settled portion of the town, and put on all speed, tearing away into the dusk like a wild creature. Myrtle screamed and stormed behind her, all to no purpose. Leslie Cloud had her metal up and meant to take her prisoner home. Out of the town she turned into another road that ran parallel to the trolley track, from which she could see the lights of the trolleys passing now and again, as it grew darker. And by and by, when they came to another crossroad, Leslie got back to the trolley track and followed it. But whenever they came into a town, she kept to its outskirts. Leslie had a pretty good general sense of direction, and she knew just where the sun went down. If it had not been for a river and some ills, they turned up and bewildered her, she would have made a pretty direct course home. But, as it was, she went far out of her way, and was long delayed and much distressed besides, being continually harassed by the angry girl in the back seat. The gasoline was holding out. It was evident that Allison had looked after it. Blessed Allison, who always did everything when he ought to do it, and never put off things until the next day. How cross she had been with him for the last six weeks, and how good and kind he always was to her. How she had deceived dear Cloudy and troubled her by going off this afternoon. Oh, what would they think? Would they ever forgive her and take her back into their hearts and trust her again? The tears are blurring her eyes now, as she stared ahead the road. It seemed as if she had been cheering out through the night for hours like this. Her arms ached with nervous strain. Her back ached, her head ached. Perhaps they were going around the world and would only stop when the gasoline gave out. They swept around the curve. Could it be that those were the lights of the college ahead on the hill? Oh joy at last they were. Up this hill, overcrossed two blocks, and little pink and white house would be nestled among hemlocks, and rest and home at last. But there was something to be done first. She turned toward the back seat, where set her victim silent and angry. Well, you can let me out now, Leslie Cloud, said Myrtle scornfully. I suppose you won't dare lord it over me any longer, and I'll take good care that the rest of the town understands what the dangerous little spitfire you are. You ought to be arrested for this night's work. That's all I've got to say. Well, I have one more thing to say. Said Leslie slowly, as she swerved into her own street and her eyes hungrily sought for the lights of cloudy villa. You're coming into the house with me first, before you go anywhere else, and you're going to tell this old story to my aunt too. After that, I should worry. Well, I rather guess I'm not going into your old house until you're old and anything. I'm going to get right out here this minute, and you're good and going to let me out, too, or I'll scream bloody murder and tell it all over this town how you went out there to meet those boys. You haven't got any witnesses, and I have, remember, said Myrtle, suddenly feeling courageous now that she was back among familiar streets. But Leslie turned sharply into the little drive and brought up the car in a flood of light at the end of the terrace. Now get out, she ordered, swinging the door open and flashing her little revolver about again at the angry girl. Oh, Leslie! played the victim, quickly quelled by the sight of the cold steel, and thrilled with memory of that shot whistling by her into the road a few hours before. Get out, said Leslie Cooley, as the front door slung open and Julie Cloud peered through the brightness of the porch light into the darkness. Get out! Leslie held the cold steel nearer to Myrtle's face, and the girl shuddered and got out. Now go into the house, she ordered, and shivering, shivering, with the frightened glance behind her and the fearful glance ahead, she walked straight into the wandering, shocked presence of Julie Cloud, who threw the door open wide and stepped aside to let them in. Leslie, with revolver still raised and pointed toward the other girl, came close behind Myrtle, who sidled hastily around to get behind Miss Cloud. Leslie, what is the matter? Guessed Julie Cloud. Tell her, ordered Leslie, the revolver still pointed straight at Myrtle. What shall I tell? Guessed the other girl, turning a white, miserable face toward Miss Cloud, as if to appeal to her leniency. But there was a severity in Julie Cloud's face now, after her long hours of anxiety that bothered no good for the cause of all her alarm. Tell her the old story, ordered fierce young voice of Leslie. Why, we went out to take a ride, began Myrtle, looking up with her old braggadocio. There had seldom been a time when Myrtle had not been able to get out of a situation by use of her willy tongue. Tell it all, said Leslie, looking across the barrel of her weapon. Tell who wanted to go on that ride. Why, yes, I asked Leslie to take me. I, we, well, that is, I wanted to meet a friend. Tell it straight, ordered Leslie. Why, of course I didn't tell Leslie I expected to meet him. I wasn't just sure he could make the arrangements. I meant to tell her when we got out. And when we met him and my cousin, it was my cousin I was to meet. You see, I'm, we, he, Myrtle was getting all tangled up with her glib tongue under the clear gaze of Julie Cloud's true compelling eyes. She looked up and down, and twisted fringe on her sash, and turned red and white by turns, and seemed for the first time a very young, very silly child. But Leslie had suffered, and just now Leslie had no mercy. This girl had been a kind of idol to whom she had sacrificed much, and now that her idol had fallen she wanted to make her idol pay. Or no, was that it? Leslie afterward searched her heart, and felt that she could truly say that her strongest motive in compelling this confession had been to get the burden of the knowledge of it off her own shrinking soul. Tell the rest, came the relentless voice of Leslie, and Myrtle struggled on. Well, I'm engaged to Mr. Bertram Laws, and my garden won't let us get married till I'm through college, and we fixed it up to get married today quietly. I knew it would be all right after he found out he couldn't help himself, and so tell how you asked boys to get in the car. Ordered fierce voice again, and Myrtle recalled from another attempt to pass it all off pleasantly, one step by step through the old shameful story until it was complete. Then Leslie, with a sudden motion of finality, flung the little weapon down up on the mahogany table, and dashed into Julie Cloud's arms in a storm of tears. Oh, Cloudy, I'll never, never do any such thing again, and I hate her, I hate her, I'll never forgive her, can you ever forgive me? No one had heard a sudden startled exclamation from the porch-room, as Leslie and Myrtle came into the house. But now Myrtle suddenly looked up, thinking the time had come for her to steal away and seen, and there in the two doorways that opened on either side of the fireplace stood, on one side Elson Cloud, and the dean of the college, and on the other side two members of the student-executive body, all looking straight at her. Moreover, she read it in their eyes that they had heard every word of her confession. Without a word, she dropped white and striking into a chair, and covered her face with her hands. For once her brazen willies were gone. End of Chapter 22 Recording by Ana Simão from Portugal Chapter 23 Of Cloudy Jewel This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Cloudy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill Chapter 23 It happened that Miss Myrtle Villars had not confined her affections to Mr. Bartram Laws. She had been seen wandering about the campus with other youths at odd hours of the evening when young lady students were supposed to be safely within college halls or properly chaperoned at some public gathering. The student-exec had had her in tow for several weeks, and she had already received a number of her proofs and warnings. A daring escapade the evening before had brought matters to a head, and it was very possibly because of some suspicion that they might have found her out that Myrtle had made her plans to be absent on that afternoon. However that was, when the executive body in consultation with the dean sent for her, they traced her to the Cloud's house. At least they came there about seven o'clock to inquire and hoping to take her unaware. They had found Allison in a great state of excitement, telephoning Hither and Yon to try to get some clue to his sister's whereabouts. They had remained to advise and suggest, greatly worried at the whole situation. The more so because it involved Leslie Cloud, whose bright presence had taken great hold upon everybody. And now without knowing it Leslie Cloud had taken the one way to put the whole matter into the right hands and to exonerate herself. If she had known that any member of the faculty was in that room listening, if she had dreamed that even her brother was there she would not have thought it right or honourable to put even an enemy in such a position, either for her own sake or for the girls. She had only wanted some wise, true advisor to know the truth, so that the girl might learn what was right and have the responsibility taken from her own shoulders. She thought too that she had a right to be exonerated before her aunt. So now, while she wept out her contrition in Julia Cloud's arms, retribution was coming swiftly to Myrtle Villars, and her career in that college was sealed with finality. It was only to plain that such a girl was a menace to the other students and needed to be removed. Presently Leslie, feeling something strange in the atmosphere, lifted frightened tear-filled eyes and saw the grave faces of the dean and his companions. She held her breath with suspense. How terrible! How public and unseemly! She had brought all this upon herself and her family by her persistent friendship with this silly girl, and she fell to trembling and shuddering. All her fine sweet nerve gone now that the strain was over. Julia Cloud drew her down upon the couch and soothed her, covering her with an afghan and trying to comfort her. Then the dean stepped over to the couch and spoke to Leslie. Miss Cloud, you must not feel so bad, he said gently, as if she had been his own child. You have acted nobly, and no one will blame you. You have perhaps saved Miss Fillers from great shame and sorrow, and you certainly have been brave and true. Don't worry, child. And he patted Leslie's heaving shoulder kindly. Presently, the dean and his committee were gone, taking the cowering myrtle with them, and Leslie lay snuggled up on the couch, with Alice in building up the fire and Cherry bringing a tray with a nice supper. Julia Cloud fixed a hot water bag to warm the chilled hands and feet. It was so good to be at home. The tears rushed into her eyes again, and her throat filled with sobs. Oh, Cloudy! She caught her aunt's hands. I'll never, never do anything again you don't want me to. She sobbed out, and then burst into another paroxysm of tears. There now, kid. Don't cry any more, pleaded Alice in, springing to her side and kneeling by her, smoothing her hair roughly. You were a little winner. You had every bit of your nerve with you. Why, you did a great thing, kid, outwitting those two brutes since bringing that girl back in spite of herself. But the greatest thing of all was your making her confess. Now they've got something to go on. If you hadn't done that, it would have been her word against yours. And I imagine she's always managed to keep things where she could get around people with her wiles. Now she's got to face facts, and believe me, kid, it'll be better for her in the end. She was headed straight for a bad end and no mistake. All the fellows knew it, and the faculty suspected it, and it was making no end of trouble. But now the girl may be saved. For that Dean never lets a student go to destruction, they say, if he can help it. Oh, of course he'll fire her. She isn't fit to be around here. But he'll keep an eye on her, and he'll fire her in such a way that she'll have another chance to make good if she's willing to take it. Don't you worry about spoiling her life. She'd set out to spoil it in the first place. And the best thing that could possibly happen to her was to get stopped before she went too far. From all you say, I shouldn't think a marriage with that fellow would have been any advantage to her. Oh, he was awful, Allison, shuddered Leslie. He smelled of liquor, and he had great coarse lips and eyes, and he put his arms around her and kissed her right there before us all. And they acted perfectly disgusting. I'm almost sure from things I heard them say that she hadn't been engaged to him at all. She hadn't even known him till last week. She met him in town. Just picked him up on the street. And that Fred Hicks—I don't believe now he was her cousin at all. Probably not. But leave that all to the Dean. He'll ferret it out. He went in there to the telephone before he left. And from what I heard, I imagine he's got detectives out after those two guys. And they may sleep in the lock-up tonight. They certainly deserve to, and I shall have a hand in settling with them, too. I can't have my sister treated that way and let it go easily. They've got to answer to me. They're kid. He stooped down and kissed her gently on her hot wet forehead, and Leslie caught his hand and nestled her own in it. Oh, Allison, it's so good to be home. Squeezing his hand appreciatively, I'll never, never, never go with a girl again that you don't like. I'm just going to stick to Jane. She's the only one up there I really love, anyway. Allison seemed quite satisfied with these sentiments, and they had a beautiful time eating their supper before the fire, for no one had had any appetite before. And Cherry was as pleased to have the anxiety over and weighed upon them all, as if Leslie had been her own sister. Into the midst of their little family group broke a hurried, excited knock on the door, and there stood Howard Lachworth with anxious face. I heard that your sister and one of the college girls had gone off in a car and got lost. Is it true? I came right around to see if I could help. Leslie set up with her teary eyes bright and eager, and her cheeks rosy with pleasure, all her pretty hair and a tumble about her face and the firelight playing over her features in a most charming way. Oh, it's awfully good of you, she called eagerly. But I'm perfectly all right and safe. He came over to the couch and took her offered hand most eagerly expressing his delight and saying he had been almost sure it was some town gossip, but he could not rest satisfied until he was positive. But Allison would not let it go with that. I'm going to tell him Leslie, he said. He won't let anyone be the wiser. And if people are saying anything like that, he can help stop their mouths. So Allison told the whole story. When it came to the part about Fred Hicks and Bartram Laws, Howard's face grew dark, and he flashed a look that boated no good to the two young Ruffians. I know who that Laws fellow is, he said gravely. He's rotten, and I shouldn't wonder if I could locate his friend. I get around quite a bit on my motorcycle. May I use your phone a minute? I have a friend who was a detective. They ought to be rounded up. Miss Leslie, would you tell me carefully just what roads you took, as nearly as you know? So Leslie told in detail of the wild ride once more. Julia Cloud watched the young man's face as he listened, and knew that Leslie had a faithful friend and champion, knew also that here was one whose friendship was well worth cultivating, a clean, fine, strong young soul, and was glad for her little girl. Something stirred in her memory as she watched his look, and she went back to her childish days and the boyfriend who had kissed her when he went away never to return. There was the same look in Howard Letchworth's eyes when he looked at Leslie, the age-old beauty of a man's clean devotion to a sweet, pure woman's soul. Of course Leslie was a mere child yet, and was not thinking of such things, but there need be no fear that that fine, strong young man would be unwise enough to let the child in her be frightened away prematurely. They were friends now, beautiful friends. And that would be enough for them both for a long time. She was content. She watched them all evening and listened to their talk about the Christian Endeavor Society. How beautiful it was that Leslie had been able to bring the boy to a degree of interest in that. Of course it was for her sake, but he was man enough to be interested on his own account now. And from their talk she could see that he had gone heart and soul with Dallison into the plans for the winter work. He had a fine voice and was to sing a solo at the next meeting. Presently, Leslie so far recovered her nerves as to smooth out her hair and go to the piano to practice with him. Oh, Jesus, the white standing outside the fast closed door bringing out the rich sweet notes and the tender sympathetic voice brought out each word with an appeal. The boy could not sing like that and not feel it himself sometime. Julia Cloud found herself praying. Praying as if she whispered to a dear companion sitting close beside her at the hearth side. Dear Christ, show this boy. Teach him what thou art. Make him thy true disciple. Suddenly the young fellow turned to Allison with a smile. I like the way you take your religion with you into college cloud. It makes it seem real. I haven't met many fellows that had any before. Or perhaps I shouldn't have been such a heathen as I am. But I say, why don't you try to get some of your frat brothers to come down to the meeting? They ought to be willing to do that for you. And it would be great to have them sing. You've got a lot of the glee club in your crowd. That's so, said Allison. I don't know, but I'll try it. I'd like to have them come the night you sing. Guess I'll have to hunt around and get a speaker. No, I won't either. Just the meeting itself is good enough now for anybody. They're a pretty good little bunch down there. They've been working like beavers. Jane Bristol gets the girls together and coaches them for every meeting. She's some girl. Do you know it? Howard Lechworth agreed. That she was. But he cast a side glance down at the bright head of the girl who was playing his accompaniment as if he felt there were others. Julia Cloud was watching her darling girl, wondering, hoping, praying, that she might always stay so sweet and unspoiled. But when the young man was gone home and Leslie came back to the couch again, she suddenly drooped. Cloudy Jewel. She said wearily. It isn't right. I don't deserve people to be so nice to me. The Dean, and you all, and Howard, and everybody. It was a lot my fault that all this happened. I thought I could make that girl over if I just stuck to her. She had promised me she would come to Christian Endeavour and join. And I wanted to show you all what a power I had over her. I was just conceited. That was all there was about it. Now I see that she was only fooling me. I couldn't have done anything at all alone. I needed God. I didn't ask Him to help. You've talked a lot about that in our Sunday meetings. But it never went down into my heart until I was driving past that old crematory. And I felt as if I was all alone and death all in black trailing robes was going along fast beside me. Then I knew God was the only one who could help. And I began to pray. I hope maybe I've learned my lesson and I'll not be so swelled headed next time. But you oughtn't to forgive me, Cloudy. Not so easy. Cloudy, you're just like God. It was several days before Leslie recovered fully from the nervous strain she had been under. She slept long the next day and Julia Cloud would not awaken her. For a week there were dark circles under the bright eyes and the rose of her cheek was pale. She went about meekly with downcast eyes and the bright fervor of her spirit seemed dimmed. It was not until one afternoon when Allison suggested that they get Jane Bristol and Howard Ledgeworth and go for bittersweet berry vines and hemlock branches to decorate for the Christian Endeavour social that her spirit seemed to return. And the unwholesome experience was put away in the past at last. Howard Ledgeworth had been most thoughtful about the matter in the village and had managed so that the tragic had been taken out of the story that had started to roll about. And Leslie could go around and not feel that all eyes were upon her wondering about her escapade. Gradually the remembrance of it died out of her thoughts, although the wholesome lesson she had learned never faded. More and more popular in the college grew the gatherings down at Cloudy Villa. Sometimes Leslie brought home three or four girls for Friday and Saturday, not often any on Sunday, unless it was Jane. For Sundays were their very own day for the little family, and they dreaded any who might seem like intruders. It is our time when we catch up in our loving for all the week, Leslie explained with a quaint smile to one girl who broadly hinted that she would not mind being asked for over Sunday. And besides, you might not like the way we keep Sunday. Everybody who comes has to go to church and Christian Endeavour with us and enjoy our Bible reading, singing our Around the Fire, and I didn't think you would. Well, I like your nerve, answered the girl, but she sat studying Leslie afterwards with a thoughtful gaze, and began to wonder whether, after all, a Sunday spent in that way might not be really interesting. She's a kind of a nut, isn't she? She remarked to another friend of Leslie's. She's a pretty nice kind of a nut, then asked her, was the response. If that's a nut, we better grow a whole tree of them. I'm going down there all I can. I like them. Julia Cloud seemed to have a fertile brain for all kinds of lovely ways to wile away a holiday. As the cold weather came on, winter picnics became the glory of the hour. Long walks with heavy shoes and warm sweaters and mittens were inaugurated. A kettle of hot soup straight from the fire, wrapped in a blanket and carried in a big basket, was a feature of the lunch. When the party reached a camping spot, a fire would be built and the soup kettle hung over an improvised crane to put on its finishing touches. While the rest of the eatables were set forth in paper plates, each portion neatly wrapped in waxed paper ready for easy handling. Sometimes big mince pies came along and were stood on edge near the fire to get thought out. Bean soup, corned beef sandwiches and hot mince pie made a hearty meal for people who had tramped 10 or 15 miles since breakfast. Oh, how those college-fed boys and girls enjoyed these picnics with Julia Cloud as a kind of hovering angel to minister with word or smile, or in some more practical way, wherever there was need. They all called her Cloudy Jewel now whenever they dared and envied those who got closest to her and told her their troubles. Many a lad or lassie brought her his or her perplexities, and often as they sat around the winter camp, perhaps on a rock brushed free from snow, she gave them sage advice wrapped up in pleasant stories that were brought in ever so incidentally. There was nothing ever like preaching about Julia Cloud. She did not feel that she knew enough to preach, and sometimes as they walked homeward through the twilight of a long happy afternoon, and the streaks of crimson were beginning to glow in the gray of the horizon, some one or two would lag behind and ask her deep sweet questions about life and its meaning and its hereafter. Often they showed her their hearts as they had never shown them even to their own people, and often a word with her sent some student back to work harder and fight stronger against some subtle temptation. She became a wholesome antidote to the spirit of doubt and atheism that had crept stealthily into the college and was attacking so many and undermining what little faith and religion they had when they came there. It came to be a great delight to many of the young college people to spend an evening around the hearth at Cloudy Villa. There never had been any trouble about that question of dancing because they just did not do it, and there was always something else going on, some lively games, sometimes almost a rough house, as the boys called it, but never anything really unpleasant. Julia Cloud was a good sport, the boys said, and the girls delighted in her. The evenings were filled with impromptu programs, thought out carefully by Cloudy Jewel, but proposed and exploited in the most casual manner. Allison, why wouldn't it be a good idea for you to act out that story we were reading the other day the next time you have some of the young people down? You and Leslie and Jane with the help of one or two others could do it, and there wouldn't be much to learn if you all read it over once or twice more. You'd have it so you could easily extemporize. Do you know? I think there's a hidden lesson in that story that would do some of the boys and girls good if they could see it lived out and perhaps set them to reading the book. Again, they would be asked suddenly, soon after their arrival, each one to represent his favorite character in Shakespeare or to reproduce some great public man so that they all could recognize him, and they would be sent upstairs to select from a great pile of shawls, wraps, and all sorts of garments any which they needed for an improvised costume. Another evening there would be brought forth a new game which nobody had seen, and which absorbed them all for perhaps two hours until some delicious and unique refreshments would be produced to conclude the festivities. At another time the round dining table would be stretched to take in all its leaves, and the entire company would gather around it with uplifted thumbs and eager faces, uproariously playing up Jenkins for an hour or two. Any little old game went well under that roof, though Julia Cloud kept a controlling mind on things and always managed to change the game before anybody was weary of it. Also, there was much music in the little house. Allison played the violin well. Two or three others who played a little at stringed and when instruments were discovered, and often the whole company would break loose into song until people on the street halted and walked back and forth in front of the house to listen to the wild, sweet harmonies of the fresh young voices. At the close of such an evening it was not an uncommon happening for a crowd of the frat boys to gather in a knot in front of the house, and give the college yell with the tiger at the end, and then, cloud, cloud, cloud! The people living on that street got used to it and opened their windows to listen with eyes tender and thoughtful as they pondered on how easily this little family had caught the hearts of those college people and were helping them to have a good time. Perhaps it entered into their minds that other people might do the same thing if they would only half try. In return for all her kindness a number of the young people would often respond to Julia Cloud's wistful invitation to go to church, and more and more they were being drawn by twos and threes to come to the Christian Endeavour meetings in the village. It seemed as if they had but just discovered that there was such a thing, to the equal amazement of themselves and the original members of the Christian Endeavour Society, who had always responded to any such suggestions on the part of their pastor or elders with a hopeless, oh, you can't get those college guys to do anything. They think they're it. The feeling was gradually melting away, and a new brotherhood and sisterhood was springing up between them. It was not infrequent now for a college maiden to greet some village girl with a frank, pleasant smile and accept invitations to lunch and dinner, and college boys were friendly and chummy with the village boys who were not fellow students, and often took them up to their frat rooms to visit. So the two elements of locality were coming nearer to each other, and their bond was the village Christian Endeavour Society. So passed the first winter and spring in the little pink and white house, and with the first week of vacation there came visitors. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Tara Mendoza. Clowdy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill, Chapter 24 Gardie Ludd was the first visitor just for a night and a day. He had come east for a flying business trip, and could not pass by his beloved wards without at least a glimpse. He dropped down into their midst quite unexpectedly the night before college closed, and found them with a bevy of young people at the supper table, who opened their ranks right hardly and took him in. He sat on the terrace in the moonlight with them afterwards, joking, telling them stories, and eating chocolates with the rest. When they gathered about the piano for a sing, he joined in with a good old tenor, surprising them all by knowing a lot of the songs they sang. After the young people were gone, he lingered, wiping his eyes and saying, Bless my soul, thoughtfully. He told Julia Cloud over and over again how more than pleased he was with what she had done for his children, and insisted that her salary should be twice as large. He told her she was a big success and should have more money at her command to do with as she pleased, and that he wanted the children to have a larger allowance during the coming year. Allison had spoken of his work among the young people with the church, and he felt that it would have been the wish of their father and mother both that the young people should give liberally toward church work. He would see that a sum was set aside in the bank for their use in any such plans as they might have for their Christian endeavor work. They talked far into the night, for he had to hear all the stories of all their doings in every minute or two, one or the other of the children, would break in to tell something about the other, or to praise their dear cloudy jewel for her part in everything. The next day they took him everywhere and showed him everything about the college and the place, introduced him to their favorite professors, at least those who were not already gone on their vacations, and took him for a long drive past their favorite haunts. Then he had to meet Jane Bristol and Howard Letchworth. Julia Cloud was greatly relieved and delighted when he set his approval upon both of these young people as suitable friends for the children. They are both poor and earning their own living, said Julia Cloud, feeling that in view of the future and what it might contain, she wanted to be entirely honest, that the weight of responsibility should not rest too heavily upon her. All the better for that, no doubt, said Gardie Led thoughtfully, watching Jane Bristol's sweet smile as she talked over some committee plans with Allison. I should say they were about as wholesome a couple of young people as could be found to match your two. Just keep them to that kind for a year or two more, and they'll choose that kind for life. I'm entirely satisfied with the work you're doing, Miss Cloud. I couldn't have found a better mother for him if I'd searched heaven, I'm sure. And so Julia Cloud was well content to go on with her beloved work as homemaker. But the day after Gardie Led left, just as the three were sitting together over a great state map of roads perfecting their plans for a wonderful vacation, which was to include a brief visit to Ellen Robinson at Sterling, a noisy ford drew up at the door, and there was Ellen Robinson herself, with the entire family done up in linen dust coats and peering curiously, half contemptuously at the strange pink and white architecture of the many-windowed villa. Allison arose and went down the terrace to do the honors, showing his uncle where to drive in and put his car in the little garage, helping his aunt and the little cousins to alight. For mercy's sake, Julia, what a queer house you've got! said Ellen the minute she arrived, gazing disapprovingly at the many windows in the brick terrace. I should think to take all your time to keep clean. What's the idea of making a sidewalk of your front porch? Looks as if some crazy person had built it. Couldn't you find anything better than this in the town? I saw some real pretty frame houses with gardens as we came through. We like this very well, said Julia Cloud, with her old patient smile and the hurt flush that always accompanied her answers to her sister's contempt. Cherry doesn't seem to mind washing windows. She likes to keep them bright. We find it very comfortable in light and airy. Come inside and see how pretty it is. Once inside Ellen Robinson was somewhat odd with the strangeness of the rooms and the beauty of the furnishings, but all she said after a prolonged survey was, hmm, no paper on the wall. That's queer, isn't it? And the chimney, right in the room. It looks as though they didn't have plaster enough to go around. Leslie took the children upstairs to wash their faces and freshen up, and Julia Cloud led her sister to the lovely guest room that was always in perfect order. Well, you certainly have things well fixed, said Ellen grudgingly. What easy little stairs! It's like child's play going up, I suppose that's one consolation for having such a little play-house affair to live in. You don't have to climb up far. Well, we've come to stay two days if you want us. Herbert said he could spare that much time off, and we're going to stop in Thayerville on the way back and see his folks a couple of days, and that'll be a week. Now if you don't want us, say so, and we'll go on to-night. It isn't as if we couldn't go when we like, you know. But Julia Cloud was genuinely glad to see her sister, and said so hardly enough to satisfy even so jealous a nature as Ellen's, and so presently they were walking about the pretty rooms together, and Ellen was taking in all the beauties of the home. And this is your bedroom? She paused in the middle of the rose and grey room and looked about her, taking in every little detail with an eye that would put it away for remembrance long afterwards. Well, they certainly have feathered your nest well, she declared as her eyes rested on the luxury everywhere. Though I don't like that painted furniture much myself, she said, as she glanced at the French grey enamel of the bed. But I suppose it's all right, if that's the kind of thing you like. Was it some of their old furniture from California? Oh, no, said Julia Cloud quickly, the pretty flush coming in her cheeks. Everything was bought new except a few little bits of mahogany downstairs. We had such fun choosing it, too. Don't you like my furniture? I love it. I hovered around it again and again, but I didn't dream of having it in my room. It was so expensive. It's real French enamel, you know, and happens to be a craze of fashion at present. I thought it was ridiculous to buy it, but Leslie insisted that it was the only thing for my room and those crazy extravagant children went and bought it when I had my head turned. You don't say, said Ellen Robinson, putting a hard investigating finger on the footboard. Well, it does seem sort of smooth. But I never thought my cane-seat chairs were much. Guess I'll have to get them out and varnish them. What's that out there? A porch? See a cloud. Let her out to the upper porch with its rush-rugs, willow chairs and table, and its stone wall crowned with blooming plants and trailing vines. She showed her the bird's nest in the tree overhead. Well, said Ellen, half-sourly, I suppose there's no chance of your getting sick of it all and coming back. And I must say I don't blame you. It certainly is a contrast from the way you've lived up to now. But these children will grow up and get married, and then where will you be? I suppose you have chances here of getting married, haven't you? The color flamed into Julia Cloud's cheeks in a good earnest now. I'm not looking for such chances, Ellen, she said decidedly. I don't intend ever to marry. I'm happier as I am. Yes, but after these children are married, what'll you do? Who'll support you? Don't let that worry you, Ellen. There are other children, and I love to mother them. But as far as support is concerned, I'm putting away money in the bank constantly, more than I ever expected to have altogether in life, and I shall not trouble anybody for support. However, I hope to be able to work for a good many years yet, and what I'm doing now I love. Shall we go downstairs? Have Allison and Leslie got any sweethearts yet? She asked pryingly, as she followed her sister down the stairs. I suppose they have by this time. They have a great many young friends, and we have beautiful times together, but you won't see many of them now. College closed last week. For two long days Allison and Leslie devoted themselves religiously to their relatives, taking them here and there in the car, showing them over the college and the town, and trying in all the ways they knew to make them have a good time. But when at last the two days and nights were over, and the Robinson's had piled into their car and started away with grudging thanks for the efforts on their behalf, Leslie sat on the terrace musingly, and at last quite shyly, she said. Cloudy dear, what makes such a difference in people? Why are some so much harder to make have a good time than others? Why, I feel as if I'd lived years since day before yesterday, and I don't feel as if they'd half enjoyed anything. I really wanted to make them happy, for I felt as if we'd taken so much from them when we took you, but I just seemed to fail. Everything I did. Julia Cloud smiled. I don't know what it is, dear. Unless it is that some people have different ideals and standards from other people, and they can't find their pleasure the same way. Your Aunt Allen always wanted to have a lot of people around, and liked to go to tea parties and dress a great deal, and she never cared for reading or study your music. But I think you're mistaken about their not having had a good time. They appreciated your trying to do things for them. I know. For Aunt Allen said to me that you were a very thoughtful girl, and the children enjoyed the Victrola, especially the funny records. Herbert liked it that Allison let him drive his car when they went out. They enjoyed the eating too, I know, even though Ellen did say she shouldn't care to have her meals cooked by a servant. She should want to be sure they were clean. Did she truly say that, Cloudy? twinkled Leslie. Isn't she funny? They both broke down and laughed. But I'm glad they came, Cloudy. I truly am. It was nice to play with the children, and nice to have a home to show our relatives, and nicest of all to have them see you, how beautiful you are at the head of the house. Dear flattering child, said Julia cloud lovingly, it is so good to know you feel that way. But now here comes Allison, and we must finish up our plans for the trip and get ready to close the house for the summer. They had a wonderful trip to mountains and lakes and seaside, staying as long as they pleased wherever they liked, and everywhere making friends and having good times. But toward the end of their trip, the children began to get restless for the little pink and white cottage and home. We really ought to get back and see how the Christian Endeavour Society is getting along, said Allison one day as they glided through the little village that reminded them of home. I don't see any place as nice as our town, do you, Cloudy? And I don't feel quite right anywhere but home on Sunday, do you? For really all the Christian Endeavour Societies I've been to this summer acted as if their members were all away on vacations and they didn't care whether school kept or not. And so they went home, to begin another happy winter. But the very first day there came a rift in their happiness, in the shape of the new Professor of Chemistry. A man about Julia Cloud's age, whom Ellen Robinson had met on her visit to Thayerville and told about her sister. Ellen has suggested that maybe he could get her sister to take him to board. To this day Julia Cloud has never decided whether Ellen really thought Julia would take a Professor from the college to board or whether she just sent him there as a joke. There was a third solution, which Julia Cloud kept in the back of her mind and only took out occasionally with an angry troubled look when she was very much annoyed. It was that Ellen was still anxious to have her sister get married and she had taken this way to get her acquainted with a man whom she thought a good match. If Julia had been sure that this idea had entered into her sister's thoughts she might have slammed the door in Professor Armitage's face that night when he had the audacity to come and ask to be taken into Cloudy Villa as a border. Why the very idea, said Leslie with snapping eyes, as if we wanted a man always around. No indeed. Horrors. Wouldn't that be awful? But Professor Armitage, like everybody else who came once to Cloudy Villa, liked it, and begged a thousand pardons for presuming, but came again and again until even the children began to like him in a way and did not in the least mind having him around. But the day came at last about the middle of winter, or nearer to the spring when Leslie and Allison began to realize that Professor Armitage came to see their Cloudy Jewel and they meant in solemn conclave to talk it over.