New Britain herald., 1930-12-04

When his mother told him drNly
 that Cousin Emmelne, Cousin
 Edna and Cousin Edward Philbrick i had come 10 her with the definite
 information that Fanny was seeing
 Bob Daniels almost every day, Da
 Nid said haught)ly that he knew all
 about it; his mother might tell the
 old hens 10 mind their own business.
 That night he asked Fanny rather ] stiftlv please not 10 see Bob Dan-
 ioIs alone
 "l;'z not that l mind at all" he hastened to add, but you know
 what this town is"
 1 Fanny promised readily enough.
 Fob had become something Of a
 problem. She was gid Of an excuse
 hot 10 sec him alone
 ! When Bob Daniels out Of a clear 1 sky had made the outrageous sus- ! 1estion to Fanny that she go away | with him, t was more than half in bitter jest, born that moment out o' his longing and desire. Fanny vas not in love with him-he kneW |that. But once the longing was put l in vpr6s t was easy enough 10 l persuade himself that he could make her happier than David could.
 Bob honestly saw Fanny IS a lamb led helpless 10 the sacrifice, ard himself poNerless to save hcr except by suatching her lip and carrying her 10 the end Of the earth.
 Unquesuonably he was desperate ly in love He was passionately anxious 10 serve Fanny, to protect and care for her. Night after night ! he lay awake, magnifying her slight bricks into agonies; torn with pity. devastated at his hclplessness. Leila and his children meant noth- ing to him those days; he never no- ticcd is vifes pale cheeks, her tentative advances. He thought of ] her. if he thought Of her at all as strong and serene and inimtcal, without human attributes except q desire 10 crush 10 nothlnsness any bIrnptious magEot who questioned her command. The truth was Leila was beaten and terribly frightened, ready to surrender at the slightest sign Of softening from Bob. Toward the end Of october Bob ! sold for cash the grocery store he 1 had run since his fathers death, the l sale to be secret until November l..
 By that time I'll be gone" Bob ] told Fanny. "Youll he free to enjoy yoIr new friends without the inflic- tlon oc my presence" He vas sulhy now that Fanny asoided him.
 You know that's silly. Only ! can't listen to you saying things you shouldn't. Nor can I pretend 70 sympathizc with YOU for going of without word 10 Leila,' said Fan .ny severely. Then. fearing she had nurt his feclng. she added gently.
 "Dcar Bob. You know what Your friendship is 10 me It would hurt mc terribly to tarnjsh it."
 Bob flung away from her. Later in the week he informed her he was of on thn $lst.
 "I'Ne got my trunk paCn'd, fCdd* { 10 smuggle out Of the house. I'm driving 10 New York-sljpplug my car 10 Morocco" l. was ata dinner dance-they were dancing together. Tears came 10 Fanny's eyes-she hardly knew why. Seeing Bob these last weeks. combating his will. was almost as uDsettlng as a struggle
 with Mother Frost. Still she would greatly miss him. Her life would he more empty and colorless than ser after Le was gone,
 You do care for me little? Fan
 dearest. my darlng," He had seen the tears-his arms frightened about her until Fanny could scarcely breathe.
 "I do care for you-but not that
 way Please, Bob, Alice is watch ing" He released her srlkily, took her
 back 10 the table, II was half empty. He bent over her to whisper fiercely. "Tu see you before 20,
 This was the 29th. The 3oth