New Britain herald., 1928-10-18

drew her to his clients best uphol- stered chair.
 Have you been ill, Sib. Is any thing wrong? My poor little girl. you look like .ath.'' 'Teddy's dead. Craig" Teddy" he repeated duly. "Yes. We buried him this after noon-in his little teddy bear suit The red one. It was the warmest thing he had. tucked his little puppy dog under his arm-the one you gave him. He loved it so.' "Sybil-darlilg-" Wait. Craig-I came to tell you something
 "But. Sib--you don't mean that. Teddy's not really dead-not your little Teddy"
 He was staring at her as though he believed her crazy, and his face was gray and drawn as hers.
 T wouldn't tell you. Craigie. if it wasn't true. No. dear. l haven't gone insane. Teddy's dead. know. because they put him in the ground. you see. Underneath the snow. And they let me dress him very warmly, and put his toys in his casket, like pagan mothers do.
 Teddy was hanged, Craig. He choked to death. when l went out to see a man l used to love. Oh, they say he was watching the snow- flakes. but l know better. He "'as looking for his mother. With his little nose pressed against that icy pane. in his flannel nightie, shiver- ing in the cold, waiting for me.
 And I didn't come. Craig. I'd gone to see this man. He's going to be married very soon. She's nice little girl-nice like used to be. Her names Kitty. and he says she's his salvation. But he wanted me just the same. Only then the teie- phone rang - and Teddy was hanged"
 ''Sybil-darling-
 She put her hand against his lips.
 "Yes, Craig. I've got to. Let me tell you. Craig.
 With a touch of wildness she clutched his hand.
 He knelt then beside her, and took her cold fingers in his and held them warmly. She leaned against him, and he was aware poignantly of her loveliness and desirability. And the glamour of her presence enfolded him as it always did.
 When a man of profound nature has loved a woman for many years, and been denied the fulfillment of his love. there may rise from his denial sort of protective tepder- ness. A rare and lovely thing like a wrath of passion. And it embraces the object of his adoration gently as the perfume of summers night. It is an exquisite beatitude, and diff fuses the precious fragrance of a gracious dream.
 In some magnetic way Sybil felt herself enfolded in the spiritual garment of Craig's love.
 But when he raised her hand to his lips, and kissed her fingers, one by one. she drew them away.
 No, Craig. Not yet. I've come to ask you something. But you must hear me first"
 "Yes, darling"
 He soothed her gently. stroking her knees.
 i've been a bad girl. Craig"
 "No. no. Little Sweet"
 It was his turn to put fingers across her lips.
 No, sybil. Dear little. good little girl-No."
 But have. Craig. Listen. The man I went to see was John Law renee. He didn't die at all. Craig It was all mistake. He-he's very much alive. Mabel knew him first-only she didn't know he was John, you see. She thought his name was Roger Caldwell. He's a real estate agent. And Mabel was look ing for an apartment. And when the agent came was there, don't you see? And it was John Law renee.
 He'd had amnesia. Craig. He wasn't killed at all. He'd only for gotten. And when he saw me he tainted. And then Nab and re- vived him. and he knew me. . Oh. it's such dreadfully long story. Craig
 He pulled her short skirt down over her silken knees, and held his peace.