The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-06-30

Everett said pleasantly enough. I've washed them but they'll have to be ironed."
 "All right" Beryl muttered. "I'll see to it."
 Her mother went on to her own room and Beryl uttered 8 prayer of gratitude. She couldn't have said much just then.
 A sickening foreboding had turned the day which for weeks she had been looking forward to into a dismal parody of what she had hoped it would be. Tommy's vic tory was overshadowed by Irene's return. She need not tell him of it today or tonight, but tomorrow he must know. Everybody would know then. Her mother would attend to that. Already she had talked of what they must do for Irene-a bridge luncheon on Thursday, few of the young people in on Saturday Beryl's heart was heavy. Her mother apparently expected Irene to pay them a prolonged visit and Irene could do so much in one short week.
 
 no more compunction than shed have in stepping on spider" Beryl whispered to the glistening glass Her wrist was tired with rubbing but she did not know it. Everything depended upon how far Tommy had succeeded in for getting Irene. .What will I do?' she asked of the parent who had never lived for her except in fancy. "What can anyone do when something they've built with all the love and faith you have is in danger of be- ing kicked over by brainless little | idiot?"
 She found nothing to allay hel fears until she went for Tommy il her bright and shining car. Tommy
 and her gang had lately painted il anew.
 There was something about hin that was reassuring to Beryl. IT
 Tommy's presence 1t was less easy | to imagine him succumbing tt ] Irene's wiles should she be moved to amuse herself with him. Tommy" she said suddenly as they drove along at 8 rattling pace
 "I'm about to turn sentimental or you. I might even grow mawkish but I've got to say it-and it's not
 hokum."
 Maybe it's measles" Tommy suggested. "Well. shoot, I've had
 'em."
 It's this" Beryl said, and put a
 hand on his arm, this going back to school. If never have another
 big moment in my life I'm satisfied {. only
 Tommy glanced at her from the corner of his eye. He could see. q
 suspicious moisture on her lashes as for a second she lowered her lids q didn't know you had such nice eyelashes," he remarked. Don't laugh at me, Tommy" "No."
 He reached over and put a hand on hers.
 "Only ?" he invited. "Only-sometimes ladders break Tommy's lips went together in a firm line. "Yes, know" he said soberly, but we'll fasten this one we'll at the top, and if it breaks I'll
 hang on to the part that stays up
 I won't fall again" Beryl was tempted to tell him
 then that Irene was coming, but this was their hour. She could not share it with Irene. She made a valiant effort and was her own merry self during din ner. Tommy was truly interested in his future. They talked about
 it at the table. Later. when they
 danced, Beryl was certain he was thinking of 1t.
 Beryl was forced to believe ir
 platonic friendship. She laughed at herself for her vain fancies, but the tears were never far behind heG
 laughter.
 More than ever did they we'll up when suddenly Tommy said with c touch of boyish yearning. You
 know, Beryl, I'm through with the