Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-12-23
Together?

INhAI word together had somehow
L an ominous ring 10 it, and before
the dominant personality of this man
who sat forward In his chair looking
at her so intently, Aline left suddenly
helpless.
She had sensation OF being swal-
lowed up, engulfed, and because she
had been trained in the ways Of men.
because she knew the different in
Elections in their tones, because she had
been made love 70 by any number of
them. she realized in an instant that
the business relationship between her
self and Hutchins was threatened, If
not at an end.
Coming this way like bolt out Of
the blue, she was not prepared for It.
She had never thought of Hutchins in
n personal way, she had looked up to
him, admired him, feared him. but the
thought of him as n possible lover had
never occurred TO her.
Perhaps something of what was 60
ing on in her mind was clear to
Hutrhins, for he drew back without
saying anything more and Anne drew n
breath Of relief. In moment she had
hrself in hand and was trying to bridge
over the moment of intimacy between
them as though she had not noticed
anything different in his manner to-
ward her. But she had noticed il, and
what was more, he knew she had. It
was impossible to hide anything from
him. and even though Hutchins said
. nothing more. Aline knew that she
feeling that at any time she might
expect something OF the kind.
His next words were quite i'm
personal.
"What do you think Of the idea?"
Alinc'S enthusiasm. that for n mo-
ment had been clouded by the danger of
this other thing that had doomed up be-
tween them, suddenly brimmed over.
20, Mr.. Hutchins. I am sure yop
know how I feel about it, Just TO
be In your company has been a wonder-
ful experience, and l have never had
a chance to thank you for all you have
done for me-"
"You think I have done something
for you? When you came to ME that
day I don't believe you thought any
one could teach you much. You had
a pretty good idea of yourself, and as
told you then, I didn't know whether
you'd come through or not
II was silly little fool"
"You were a rottenly spoiled kid"
IluLHNlUS hIHTlutl. una 700 We nbu 100
easy time with men. What you
than you are, some one who can break
your will"
4 strange note had crept into his
voice, and every muscle In Aline's
body stiffened. II was almost as If he
had touched her, and yet she did not
shrink, she was not afraid Of him
physically. What she feared was
that he would make It impossible for
her 70 accept his offer. and as though
for second time he sensed the thoughts
that were running through her mind,
Hutchins again returned to the i'm
personal.
His voice vas curt and crisp as he
said abruptly.
"I'll have your contract ready FOR
you In a few days. In the meantime
don't say anything to anyone in the
/ company. I don't like my future pInns
aired around, you und"rstnndt"
Alne rose 70 her fecr "Yes, Mr..
Hutchins." She hositated FOR a mo. no.
mont He was not looking A. her, and
| yet she could NOT 60 Ike this. She
wanted 10 say something more, .he
wanted n thank him, To let him know
! how much all this meant to her, and
! yet
Suddenly he had risen from hia chair
and wns coming toward her. She felt
his hands heavy on hrr shoulders In a
grip So intense that Il was almost pain,
and thon almost Immediately he had
released her.
"That's all - Tie snapped out.
And Aline, with knes7 that threat
enrd 70 sag under her, was walking out
Of the Office,