New Britain herald., 1926-07-14
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{ Tt doesn't matter" she said, get | ting up from her chair, just let me ask you something, Tony-have
 you told your mother about me?" He nodded. "Of course, 1 have. ! l was going ot bring her along to- night to see you, but she was aw- fully tired. l thought perhaps we'd drive over home" he grinned sud- ldenly, and then you can see for yourself what siren Cousin Louise is.
 He turned 10 her and kissed her again, gently and tenderly, as if he
 were sorry for her. You mustn't be
 jealous like this,' he said, "I care more for one of the little frecklcs
 on your nose than do for all the women on earth, And old Cousin Louise, of all people! Now, dash upstairs and wash your face"
 Merry flashed him an April smile. ."And then we'll go over 10 see your mother" she said, and ran upstairs.
 She laughed at herself as she scrubbed the sticky makeup from her face, and brushed her hair be- fore the bathroom mirror.
 The door of Cassie's bedroom was open. and Cassie, herself. sat at her dressing table giving her face it's nightly bath of cold cream.
 The sleeves of her white break fast coat were turned back, and her metallic hair was gathered back into white band. Her fingers worked cXpertly rubbing out the tiny lines around the eyes and month.
 To keep herself young and attrac- tive was a serious business with Cassie.
 She touched the floor with her hundred times every night and morning. She drank nothing but a glass of bnttermilk for lunch every day, lest she grow fat. She went to bed al night with q band tied under her chin to keep it from saEging.
 Her whole life was enc constant tilOTI Ip IiidhF llNl N'.ll i llll ms III tho eyes of Morley Kaufman.
 Merry, who had never seen Nor ley, wondered sometimes whether he was worth the energy and the l worry that Cassie wasted on him.
 As Merry passed her door, she ] swung around from the mirror and | occkoned her into the room with a crooked forefingcr.
 Shut the door," she whispered, 1 and Merry closed it.
 Well. how did things come ont with your friend, Gaines?' she | asked, all curiosity.
 Merry smiled. Wonderfully" she answered. I'm going over to lis house now, 10 meet his mother"
 Cassic's face grew hard under its jim of cold cream.
 You realize, of course, that she ought 10 come to call on you, don't tou?" she asked sourly. "A girl lever goes 10 meet the family of he man shes going to marry. It's ,lways the other way around
 Her eyes met Merry's in the class, and they were filled with lull anger. Could it be that Cassie vas jealous of her because she was ,oing to marry Tony Gaines, Merry wondered. Poor Cassie
 q should worry about that" she aid aloud. her face dimpling and |; flashing with happiness. Tony's mother was tired tonight, and he bought it would be nice if we went ,ycr there. so-were going
 She ran lightly down the stairs as she went.
 Tony was standing beside the ,iarolamp. looking closely at some hing in his hand. He started as he came into the room and thrust 10th hands into his pockets.
 What was that you were look ng at?" asked Merry, going up to Jim.
 All her hardness against him had melted, and she was filled once norc with the utter pleasure of be- ng with him. It was like the warmth of sunshine in her heart o know that they were friends gain.
 Do you know I'm crazy about .ou. Tony" she asked him when hey were in the big blue car Her .oice was filled with wistfulness.
 If you loved me the way l do ou. you wouldn't let mo go back 10 york in that old beauty shop" she vent on. You'd marry me right way"
 Tony didn't answer her at once. 'he could sec the outline of his ace against the darkness, as he ,cered ahead Of him at the lamplit { oad.
 At last he spoke.
 All right" he said slowly and i've will get married right away. If you're sure you are about nc"
 "Oh. l am sure!" Merry cut in. nd suddenly she couldn't go on. Ter chin was quiyering, her lips T .orking, with the foolish wish to I " because she was so happy and elieved. :;
 The car swung into Cabot street nd stopped under some shadoWy rees. Beyond the sidewalk was d tide smooth lawn, and beyond that he long. low white house. where I 'ony lived. |
 Wait q minute" Merry said, "l t ant go in for a minute" She took CT handkerchief out of the pocket f her coat. and began to wipe her { yes. Her voice shook. '
 "Why. Merry. you're crying" ( ony's arms were around her again, nd his shoulder under her head; t what's the matter now? Isn't ( all right?" E
 His left hand fumblcd in his { ocket. and drew out something