New Britain herald., 1930-06-26

she told him. Tt was a special de- livery, so I can stay there tonight. I'm here at . . at father's," she added, her voice changing percepti- bly,; getting a few things together in a suitcase. I'll take them out in a taxi. Shall I wait for you here, or meet you at the restaurant?"
 Alan hesitated, then he said, a bit coldly; T won't be able to have dinner with you tonight, PhilIipa."
 He could hear her low: Alan" uttered as a protesting cry. It made him feel as if he had done her some serious injury. And he didn't know whether it would be more, or less. kind 10 tell her the truth.
 But, Alan, I need you" she walled, using the only appeal she had.
 I'm sorry" he said shortly. He was always short and cross when he felt even slightly in the wrong, for there was nothing of suave cruelty in his nature.
 Her answer was a sob.
 Look here, Phillipa, be sensible, |" he pleaded,
 "A Il right" she said. her voice fairly smothered in her disap- pointment. Good night"
 Alan heard the click that told him the wire connection was broken. But he did not feel greatly relieved. Thlllipa had dulled his spirits. When he approached his own front door, and Natalie opened it for him. before he had q chance to use his key, he was quiet and de pressed. She saw at once that hc did not look as happy as he had . seemed when he telephoned. Per haps. she told herself with swift roreboding he had changed his mind about wanting to come. Come in," she said. as lightly as she could, and Alan did not smile at the joke inferred. He entered as anyone might have, putting his hat and coat down on a chair
 Natalie stood. as slim and grace full as a white birch, waiting, won Gering. She was wearing q gown os point lace. orideNke in its fashion ing. that she had chosen for that particular reason.
 Alan came and took her hands, and she saw rhe light of admiration leap into his eyes, but gloom still sat on his brow.
 "Is he afraid that we cannot b. hzppyo" she asked herself miser- ab}y. Afraid 10 trust me again?'
 suddenly her pri3a reflected a new facet. She told herself she was tc hiame for the state Of affairs, and stcrnly ordered herself 10 take he' medicine.
 Her head held high, she smile' cncnantiagly at him. At least she would not fail in her part. If he cid not want her after she had con- v.nced him she was not too proud te ba forgiven. then
 Chicken and wafflcs." she said gaily
 "WaNles?" Alan repeated it blank. jv. And again a tiny knife turneo lu Natalic's heart. She turned toward tue living room, expecting Alan tt follow. He came along slowly.
 "FIorenca won't be with us." sh' explained. pouring Q cocktail fol him. And you Enow I have only caa girl in the kitchen. So if you'll just make yourself d home,' sh' laughed GaMciously, "IlI run and df the last minute things"
 She was going Alan half Whirlel to stop hrr. Don't go,' he wa about 10 say. Instead. How is th re~ etrl?" he asked "Fina, but wouldn't lot her cook for you. Natalie sang back. and disaDpaaro. . tn-o the hall Out Of Alan's sight she put a hand to l.ps that wcr
 maddonlngly atremhle. stop IT, stop it." she admonishel tEeself but she had to wait there
 moment before she was ready {
 hurry on 10 the Kitchen and worl uuaer her maids eyes $ The dinner was delicious. but |. tasted like Dead Saa fruit 10 Natalie | She barely tasted jr Alan did nc
 want what h. ate. but he pretende ' an appetite to please Natalie. A n least he thought he was pleasin ;. her. She wondered how he coul r bear to cat with anyone IS miscr
 able as she.
 T They were at cross purposes, an
 as the evening wore on. Natal Il s-nsod it more and more. sill sh 1 would not allow her courage [
 lapse. one thought sustained het |, When she wrote Alan she was com II ing home. he mad made no objection Q Neither had he failed 10 meet hc
 ar the station, True. his Weicom t haant been enthusiastic. but the