The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-20
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"Joan?" Sarah's voice repeated the word and the name seemed to echo in the room. Alive, vital, al- most as though the girl to whom 1t belonged was present. 'She is spending the evening with some friends girls from school who happened to be in town tonight" Ted explained easily, all unknowing that the mention of an- other girls name had taken away the merriment from the heart of the girl to whom he spoke. "I'm stopping for her. It's grand to have a place to pass time, Sarah. I've enjoyed tonight more more He paused, puzzled and Sarah re- flected that he wondered why 1t was that he had enjoyed that laughing, gossipy hour with the blinds drawn against the rain and the fire in a | cherry-red blind. But Ted loved Joan! She knew that. And he liked her. That was all. And she wouldn't let the old, mad pain come back and engulf her again. She wouldn't, wouldn't, wouldn't! She would sing, dance. flirt, be gay! For no one in the world deserved that gray hopeless | ness which came when girl put her heart in the pocket of a man who did not want it.
 You'll be late. Ted" Sarah an- swered easily. My clocks slow. But before you go. will you promise me something?"
 Anything you say" Hei was putting on his overcoat and he smiled down at her, boyishh smile that left little crinkles at the cor ner of his eyes and perked the cor ners of his lips. Anything at all"
 | That's dangerous promise. ' she answered lightly. q want 90 many things. and some of them would surprise you dreadfully, Teddy.''
 | The old name had slipped out. She had not meant to let it. But she couldn't recall 1t now. Besides, he had not even noticed it. It hurt worse because he hadn't.
 I'm having a party tomorrow night" Sarah talked on. "A big party with lots of people, here in this room. can open the doors into the rooms beyond. And want everybody to be gay! We've been sad too long. Now every things coming out right for every body. And you'll come and you'll bring Joan, won't you?"
 "Of course will" Ted answered That's grand, Sarah. What time ?'
 Mine o'clock. Ten o'clock. Oh any time. l don't care when. just so you come. Tomorrow night then, Ted!'
 The door closed with cheerful merry chatter and Ted's steps came back. as he ran down the stairs.
 I've must go now, too" Sue told Jack. Ready.
 1 "And you'll come tomorrow night, surely, won't you. Sue?' Sarah asked.
 I'm coming the first thing ir the morning to help" Sue an. swered.
 1 "I'm SO tired of everything be. ing busted up for everybody that l have to do something to get out of the rut," Sarah explained i'm. usual for my party. What coulG have?'
 There isn't anything unusua in the world" Jack answered. "It' n pretty good place as it is for mos
 of us."
 "Oh, yes?" Sarah laughed an, } shrugged her slender silken shoul ders. "Of course it is. Oh, I al
 most forgot to tell you. I say
 Clifford Becker in town tonight
 I wonder what he's doing here"
 Do you suppose his coming
 could have anything to do with Sy
 bil Lester being hurt?' Su'
 asked slowly.
 II don't now, but we'll' sool find out.' Jack answered. H' headed his car toward the Beckel
 home as he drove away iron
 Sarah's.
 NEXT: At Nancy Bccker's. ifSonv:.inht 1931 NEA Service Inc