Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-18

blizzard in all its fury was flashing
IN the city. Snow was piled high in
the cutters and against the sides Of
buildings, and laborers with snow
pl0ws were making valiant efforts to avoid q
traffic tie-up. The usual o'clock crowd hur-
Yied along the streets brushing against one
another rudely in their impotence to move
on quickly, and jamming the already over
crowded cars.
AS Matthew Carlisle reached the corner, the
traffic light turned red. He joined the waiting
group, stamping his feet against the icy pave
ment and occasionally rubbing his frozen ears.
Fine bits of snow cut his face. With an impa-
tent gesture he pulled his hat farther down
over his eyes and turned up the collar of his
overcoat. He hated cold weather and thought
with longing of the warm, sunny climate OF
Yucatan. If Thelma would only consent to gol
A 15-minute walk brought him to his apart
ment. Shaking the snow from his clothes, he
entered the building. The elevator was
where in sight, and he YEARLY climbed the two
flights Of stairs. The thought of good hot
dinner revived his spirits, and entering his
own apartment he called, Hello there! Din
neT ready? I'm as hungry as wolff"
TN just minute, Matt" came voice from
the kttchenette, and in a few moments Thelma
came into the room. She was pretty little
thing with her short, curly brown hair deep
blue eyes and laughing mouth. Her bright yell
low smock gave the plain little apartment
impression of life and color, and Matt, putting
his arms about her. kissed her lovingly
",
ing involuntarily but this coffee will warm
you up"
AS they ate, Thelma prattled on in that
frivolous manner which Matt used to think
20 amusing. He stin liked TO hear Of her
days happenings, but sometimes the apartment
gossip a bit firing. He answered her in
monoSylIables. His mind was occupied with the
idea Of a diplomatic conversational approach to
the offer he had received to go to Yucatan
She had fatty refused to go when he had
preached the subject to her a week ago. and
he dreaded another stormy scene. She was
pretty, and he did love her. The fight between
his ambition and his desire to make her happy
must be brought to close tonight. How he
wished she could see his side Of the argument
Matt, you're not listening to me. I've asked
you the same question three times" her voice
sounded childishly hurt.
He started. Excuse me, dear. was think
ing about the Office. Hope this will be my last
week" he ventured
"Oh, Matt, you're not thinking of that offer
again, are you? / thought we settled that"
You mean you settled it. still want to go
and Mr.. Blanford asked me to think it over
again. I'm to give my answer tomorrow" This
was his final plea, and he plunged headlong.
"Thema, why won't you consider it? It's a
big promotion for me. Even If it's not so pleas
ant for you down there we're young and two
years won't make much difference in our lives
and things won't be so hard when we come
back" Even as he spoke his heart sank, for
he saw her eyes harden and thefe was de-
termination in the set of her jaw.
II won't be buried for even a few years in
that mosquito-infested country" she stormed.
IT'D die of lonesomeness down there with all
those natives. You don't love me or you