The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-06-28

She chatted vivaciously, trying ever so hard to persuade herself that tomorrow would be like any other day. But the inward voice triumphed. She could fool her self no longer
 The specter of Tony's departure rose up before her, grinning menac- ingly, it seemed There was nc denying it. Tony was going. This was the end.
 l As she stood in the doorway the orchestra began to play that ghastly tune She first had heard with Tony at the Berkeley. They were sing ing it, too:
 Let's pretend that I love you,
 Let's pretend that you love me,
 Then all the world, Will paradise be.
 We can have our fun,
 Cupid on the run, ie No heartbreaks when you
 Have proved that you're untrue
 Tony leaped across the room in che bound. He seized her in his arms.
 Dance this with me, Mary Lou he commanded. Its our tune you know. l asked them to play it to- night, especially for us.
 Couldn't he. see that she was sick of pretending, that she didn't want to pretend any longer?
 She wanted to creep into his arms, tell him how miserable and afraid she was, that she loved him that she would die if anything happened to him
 "Awfully jolly time we're having Mary Lou" Tony's voice seemed to come from another world. Ut was great of Jay" "Y-yes !" She turned her face aside. A huge tear had dropped on her bare arm. The next moment she had torn herself from > his arms, pushing frantically past the dancing couples toward the door. Sorry ... shoulder strap broke
 :" she flung back at Tony.
 Along the corridor she rushed swallowing sobs she couldn't con- trol. Oh, to be alone! Luckily there was no one in the camouflaged bed- room.
 Prone on the bed she lay, her mouth pressed hard against a cush- ion, her fingers clawing at the bro 'cade coverlet, her white powdered shoulders heaving. She didn't care that her dress was crumpled, that her eyes would be red, her lips swollen. She could only humble again, Tony. Tony :" Jerry was the first who chanced to hear the faint sound that came through the closed bedroom door He paused by the. bedroom door opened it slightly, saw Mary Lou Then he closed the door softly and sought Tony. After all, it was his job.
 Better take look in the other room, Tony" he advised. Mary Lou's in there. She seems a trifle -er-upset." Obediently Tony went. He knew that Mary Lou had not seemed like herself all evening. He took care to shut the door after him as he entered the room He wondered what he was going to do about it and he hated the prospect of g scene.
 Gingerly he sat down on the bee and touched Mary Lou's shoulder Whats the matter. dear?" { Mary Lou raised tear-stainec face. At the sight of Tony sh, made a gallant effort to check hel sobs.
 Nothing" she murmured. Tony cleared his throat nervous ly.
 Something must be the matter Is there anything can do?" Mary Lou achieved a~smile, ant shook her head vigorously. 
 Without thinking he blurted out T say, you're not upset because of the flight?" Mary Lou sat up quickly an, pushed back her hair with a reso lute gesture. of course not" she asserted Don't think that, Tony. The fligh has nothing to do with it. IT ha' some bad news from home. One one of my sisters is ill" Tony accepted the excuse becaus he wanted to accept it.
 Too bad, I'm most awfully sorry But I'm sure your sister can't b seriously ill, or they would hay sent for you. Put some powder ol your nose and we'll join the other: They'll wonder what's happened t Jus"