New Britain herald., 1929-02-02
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:, about her shoulders, as his riEns hand reached determinedly for tho spectacles A hundred times. after" wards. she reproached herself bit- teriy for the scream that tore out of her throat. After all. he was ohiy trying, half jokingiy. to take ner xias.e. off. But as his flushed !, face almost touched hers. and h,s eyes xlittered with something moro than laughter, she lost control or ! nerves which had been curiousiy taut all morning-and screamed.
 "What arc you trying to do. you little devii!-arouse the buildlns: make them think I'm murder1ns your" Borden demanded furiousiy. Look! That chaps getting an eye ful across tho airshaft and-get out of here and stay out, or I'll knock those pop eyes of yours out or your head!"
 Ruth, who had obeyed his com- mand to look. and who was taxing a staggering, uncertain step toward Jack Hayward, framed in the oppo- site window and being forcibly re- strained by another man from leap. ing through 1t, thought at first that Bordens iast furious sentence was directed at her. But Benny's voice from the doorway told her Inc truth.
 If you're hurting Miss Lester. I'n-Ill-' Benny was sputtering. his fists clenched.
 "Get out. and mind your own business! You. tool" Borden added viciously. holding furiously md gesticulating toward Jack Hay. ward. who was calling out some- thing in a rage-strangled voice. "sit down again. Miss Lester" he added. more normally. And keep your confounded glasses on. If you're so crazy about them. Where's that let. ter to my lawyer?"
 Before she obeyed, Ruth turned toward the window again, shaking her head slightly and laying her finger against her lips. Then. trem- bling, she sat down and was not again molested while Borden signed the letters.
 "Tell that fool office boy 10 go to my apartment for my bags" Borden reminded her gruffly. Then.
 "Im sorry. Miss Lester. but l can't see why you kicked up such fuss.
 Didn't mean any harm."
 "lts-all right, MT. Borden"
 Ruth said meekly. "And-Im
 sorry screamed. 1'm-easily
 frightened" And indeed she was sorry she had screamed. for now
 the blight on her perfect happiness
 had been communicated to Jack
 Hayward. But her remorse then over having kicked up fuss was
 nothing to compare with the agony of self-reproach which Was to como to her later.
 She found Benny Smith at her
 desk. bending over the pulled-out
 bottom drawer What are you do- ing. Benny" she demanded sharp
 ly. You must keep out Of my
 desk."
 Looking for towel" the boy
 muttered. Then tensely: Listen, Ruth. if that guy gets fresh with
 you again"
 Hush. Bcnny." Ruth cut short his threat. Run along 10 his apart ment now for his bags. l can take care of myself, Benny. It's sweet of you to mind, but I don't want you
 to lose your job on my account" she added gently.
 The boy closed the bottom drawer of her desk and snatching up his tvcrcoat and .cap. strode out of the
 office. fancying himself. Ruth re- : flected tendcrly. every inch d I m, and-what's more-a man in love! , "Oh. I wish ! hadn't screaMed." she , told herself disgustodly. l The door had scarcely closed r upon Benny when it opened to ai- 3 nit Carl Adams. one of Borden's l dapper, collegiate young stock $ statesmen. Few Of the men worked ] on Saturdays. since it was ha!f
 holiday.
 "Hullo. Miss Lester. Saw Benny at the elevator. Whats this about ] you and BordA," Benny seemed to l think you might need protection. 9 And don't wonder. What l have you done to yourself? Why. ] the scared little bunny has turned 1 into a beauty. Greetings. ] chief" the salesman broke off his ] confidential compliments and hail. ! ed his employer ;ovially.
 Come on in Adams" Borden = answered grimIy. Firing mo y Adams sales record. Miss Lester, n please"
 s Except for an uninportant tele- : phone call or two. Ruth was al. n lowed to finish her letters in peace. = It was 10 minutes after one wht n
 the flushed. angry-eyel youn, man U jerked out of inc office. and 20 min- n utcs past when Ruth. the last lct- Q tcrs signed and stamped. hurried 5 to the elevator to keep her overdue
 appointment with Jack Hayward. f She had telcphoned him. in a = suardedly low voice. that she r would be little late. and she knew !. that he would be waiting. If n only she hadn't screamed. so that Q nothing but joy could have entered D into tn" rest of this day. 8 CTO BE CONTINUED o Trouble ahead for Ruth and Jack
 Hayward. Read the next chapter.
 ~p,n