New Britain herald., 1930-07-26

strangely. He was pale under h:s tan, and for a moment or two he did not speak
 Why" Judy went on, her voice still quivering, T thought, when I heard you had come back, that it would be all right. that you would take Chummy away and marry har at once, and spend all your life in trying to make up to her-poor dar- ling Chummy'"
 The young mans face hardened again.
 Miss Grant" he said. Eff Miss Morley were to recover, and if she really had feelings such as you de- scribe toward me, I suppose l should be in honor bound to ask her to te my wife; but that, unfortunately, does not seem to be at all probable The specialist and Doctor O'Sha1e beth give little hope. They talk of what they call permanently enfee- bled vitality and say that in all practical things she is like a child.'
 But they do say she might get better" protested Judy. And, oh, I am bitterly disappointed. I con- sidered you were engaged to her. Do you think I would have taken that money from you? And now I've spent it. And you never meant any thing at all"
 Steyne flushed.
 As to the money, don't think about that, Miss Grant" he said. As an old friend, I am entitled to help Miss Morley. It is privilege; but you have been misinformci about our relations, We never were engaged to be married. Any such idea would have been ridiculous. was practically starving. She had qUarreled with her relatives, and was living on a pittance, We we,e very good friends. I was awfuliy fond of her. She was one of the brightest girls I ever met, and very clever. but there was never any talk Of marriage. We were awfully sym pathetic. I admired her and loved her-ycs. loved her in Way-as We all did. I knew she was fond of me, O. course; but l never knew, I never dreamed, that she would take it so much 10 heart"
 Judy made no reply. Her big eyes were startled
 "I do hore you'll forgive me for saying all this" the young man add ed in a low voice, in which shame mingled with eagerness. T know it all sounds horrible; but it's tho truth. and-I wanted you to know"
 Still Judy was silent She did not doubt Alan. Indeed. she knew that he spoke the truth; but it was all So utterly different from the tragedy with which she had been living. L made t an even worse tragedy.
 Then you don't love Chummy- rot like a sweetheart"
 No" he answered; but l do care q great deal for her, and I want 10 help her all I can
 You don't love her." Judy said as if. 10 herself.
 Miss Grant. I was only a boy, All that part of my life seems like d dream now"
 "Oh, poor ChummN,' cried Judy, in a burst of passion. T almost hope she never gets well.'
 There was a pause. Then Steyne asked in his ordinary voice:
 You will come to the play to- night?"
 "No-no, How can we?"
 But you say Miss Morley enjoys il so much Honestly, doesn't she seem quite happy"
 But it's sham"
 Are you sure? She likes me as friend. She loves the theater. It can do no harm
 "All right agreed Judy half sul- lenly. "I don't want Chummy 10 miss a treat; and I must come along, because you mightn't know how to manage her"
 I'll call for you at seven sharp, and we'll dine at Ticino's, shall ve?"
 "Chummy would love that"
 All right, then; and-please for give me, Miss Grant"
 Her eyes dropped before his.
 T don't suppose there's anything 70 forgive" she muttered. T just thought you were another kind of man. and that 1t was all coming right for Chummy. It's a bit of blow.'
 
 Chummy made no actual progress toward recovery, but she no longer