New Britain herald., 1929-07-31
Did you hear Bob tell YOU"

Did you hear Bob tell you?"
 They drew him into the apart ment, and Molly wondered If the gay, pretty background of her lit- tie dinner party would wound Zip more deeply. She knew that wneI one grieves extravagantly, the gaiety of others seems harsh and heartless. She was sorry that Zip had found her making merry with Rita and Bob. It would have been better if she had been alone. But Rita had heated the cof-ee, and now she brought Zip a steam ing cup.
 Tt will make you feel better" she said. Buck you up. know"
 He took it obediently, and hell it on his knee. His hand was shaking so he could not raise 1t 10 his mouth.
 She died in her sleep" he told them. When I came home she looked like ghost. And her eyes were red. l knew she'd been cry illS. lolb ilcI L4lp NolCC broke. and he buried his head in his hands - T told her that other women had lost their babies ] told her there wasn't anything unique about her sorrow. Tnas other girls had gotten over it.
 Never mind that, Zip. Don't tell us,' whispered Molly com fortingly. Ruth knows You never meant to hurt her"
 Yes" he cried fiercely. T want 10 tell you. I told Ruth was sick of her sniveling and cry ing. I told her she was making my life a regular hell. . - Zip" Molly dar, ad from the bed where she had crouched, and flung herself on her knees before him. stop it. We don't want 10 hear those things. Don't torture yourself, poor Zip. Ruth doesn't want you to, dear. She always wanted you to be happy. Something in Ruth died. Zip, when she lost her little baby. Per- haps that's why she died. Maybe she's with that little baby now"
 Zip sroancd, II killed her. he said. T killed her with words She got all white and trembly, and sne put her hand over her heart. And then l was frightened. And pretty soon she let me put her to bed. ''Sho lat still. But she wouldn't let me call a doctor. She wanted me to sit beside her. and hold her hand. And she kept opening her eyes, and smiling.
 After a while she wanted 10 sit up. She was very weak. Whis- pering then. By God, I ought 10 have known! I lifted her, and put pillows behind her back. And put my arms around her. I asked her if she was comfortable vat way, and she said yes.
 She was quiet then for a long time, and l was frightened again.
 How are you feeling?' asked.
 Beautiful" she said. And she opened her eyes, and smiled again.
 By and by l thought she was asleep My arms were numb, ana l was afraid l might let her slip back on the pillows. I wanted her to sleep, you see. I thought she would be better when she woke. So I took my arms away.
 Rita was crying now, with her head against Bob's shoulder. And when I stood up," Zip was say, "I bent to kiss her. I kissed her forehead. And she didn't move. Then T."
 Rita screamed. stop. Zip. don't"
 T kissed her lips" he con- cluded simply. And then I Knew. I don't know how l knew. l just knew. ruth was dead"
 And the last word she ever said" moaned Rita, was Beau tiful.' Wasn't that just like Ruth. Molly? Oh, poor, poor little Ruth"
 You called doctor." asked Bob
 Somebody did" Zip said. "rhe woman upstairs came down. And her husband. Yes. they got docto~. He said she'd been dead for al hour, Two hours maybe. He was wrong though. Because she smile I at me, you see. And put her fingers in my hair. And when I asked h hnr how she was, she sad Beautiful
 Rita's big dark eyes were star ing mad.
 Bob caught her to him. Steady, Rita. Steady. dear" he besought Careful darling"
 Zip" Rta's voice was pierc ing. Don't you see? - Ruth livel 10 make you happy. Ana she died to make you happy. And she came back from the dead to con- fort you.'
 He shook his head miseranry. 'I killed her. he said, with words.'
 Molly had begun, nervously, 10 clear the dishes away. Presently Rita came to help her. They folder the table cloth, and stacked the dishes in the sink. Then Molly emptied the ash trays
 And life goes on just the same" she kept thinking. Dishes and ash trays, and coffee cups"
 How did you get in town. Zip" asked Bob practically.
 "DroVe in"
 Good Lord They shouldn't have let you out tonight. You should have telephoned us Wed have gone to you. What was that doctor thinking of"
 He didn't know" said Zip dully. They'd all r,esreu out. Left me alone with Ruth I got