New Britain herald., 1926-08-04
did not want to believe.

i did not want to believe.
 But what Merry said came very
 near to the truth. She had been al.
 most nowhere except to the movies
 and 10 Lilies shop for nearly two
 months.
 And Sleep. the beauty doctor, had
 given her back something of the
 dewy loyeliness that had first at- |tracted Bill Erskine. Her cheeks Ibloomed like La France roses in the
 overheated house.
 Her eyes were starry in the dim
 ness of the staircase, where she
 and Bill finally hid themselves
 away for a long talk. Below them the crowd was danc-
 ing to the chortling, sobbing music of jazz band. Cassie's new butler appeared, carrying great silver tray of cock tails. and vanished. Cassie, all in white satin and spangles, stood at the bottom of the stairs alone. Eff Pell. her handsome rival, came dancing by with Morley. She looked like Spanish woman tonight, with her red heels and Spanish shawl that completely cov- cred any dress she may have worn under it.
 The butler appeared again, with more cocktails.
 "Hi, you,~ yelled Bill, who had no manners an did not want to have any. Hi you! Bring the bar up here"
 The man looked up and smiled patiently as he brought his heavy tray to them. He was used to Cas- sie's "set" and their ways.
 Well take four. thanks" said Bill, and set four of the glasses of gin and fruit juice down on the step above them.
 Merry slipped hers slowly.
 Its nice to be here again, Bill" she said, looking at him above the glass. T thought you were off me for life"
 'I was" Bill confessed with his bluntness. 'I was - until just now. You always get me with that face of yours, Little Sister. You sort-a hit me right between the eyes, every time"
 He took the glass out of her hand and kissed the face that "got him every time" as he said.
 Why? Because of Les Purcell?" Merry asked him. Her voice trembled little as she said the name. She had hated the very thought of the Purcells ever since hat awful First of November!
 Bill nodded. Sure" he answered. md paused long enough to swallow l, second cocktail. Sure, Mike! ] bought if you wanted him I'd clear ut and let you have him. See?" His broad grin sent wrinkles curving all lround his face, like nipples widen ng out in a pool of water.
 Merry's black lashes fluttered on Ter cheeks as she looked down at fer empty glass.
 I've never seen him since," she ibbsd.
 She repeated the lie, raising her lear. water-flower green eyes to is fat, flushed face. I've never aid eyes on him since, Bill"
 He put one big arm around her, atting her bare arm.
 I'm sorry I got icky that night. nd told you I hated you. Bill" she 'ent on, with a little quaver in her oice. And wasn't I horrid-in re- using to take your engagement ing? Will you offer me another ne some time, Bill?"
 Bill nodded, reaching for his third ocktail.
 "When?"
 He tossed down the drink
 Well, I'm going home in a day r two" he said thickIy. My fath- -'s still in a pretty critical state. Il tell you what we'll do. We'll put le whole thing off until summer nd then we'll shoot the whole works once. See? Engagement ring, edding ring, minister, honeymoon Id everything together? How will lat suit you?" That didn't suit Merry at all. But le only sighed and smiled. After l. what else was there to do? You ,uldn't drag a man to the altar sainst his will, could you? Espe- ally spoiled, self-pampered lchelor like Bill Erskine, who lew that he was catch" for al- ost any pretty girl, if she wasn't 0 particular.
 (TO BE CONTINUED What did Muriel tell Bill which d to a quarrel with Merry? In