The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-05-04

I
 Want to get out?" he asked.
 Marcia nodded. They walked over to the edge of the bluff and sur veyed the distance.
 Jackson Creek at the base of the hill was a narrow, wavering stream. Beyond the countryside was a sweep of greens shading from dark to light. Occasionally the bright red or yellow of barn or farm house stood out against this back ground. The neat fenced fields of corn seemed to make pattern of great squares. W Marcia sank to the rock. Sit down, Jim," she said.. .-..
 He dropped beside her. took out his cigaret case and offered it to the girl. She declined. Jim took a lighter from his pocket, applied the flame to his own cigaret and leaned back, smoking intently. | | The situation was hardly roman tic. For an instant Marcia eyed the young man disapprovingly, then she said. drawing nearer: Like old times, isn't it? Do you remember the last time we were here?"
 Jim nodded. Haven't been here since."
 "You liked me then. You didn't want to send me away" II don't want to send you away now. Stay here! There's no reason for you to leave. If anyone has to go I can be the one to do it." Marcia's fingers stole over his. "Please don't be cross, Jim,' she coaxed, when I'm only trying to do what you want me to-, I've tried so hard, dear! knew it was wrong to telephone this afternoon but I hadn't seen you for a whole week and the house was full. of those women talking and sewing and making so much noise. had to get away from it. And I didn't think there'd be any harm in see. ing you for just a few minutes-!
 But it's just as I've told you" Jim repeated. We mustn't go on with this sort of thing! No matter how harmless it seems it's wrong"
 Marcia was quiet. Presently she raised eyes that were wistful, ador- ing. "Tell me."-her voice was a whisper-"if it weren't for hurting her--would you care the same way? Would you. Jim?"
 Jim sniffedi out his cigaret. He was not looking at the girl. I'll always be fond of you.' he told her. 1T haven't the right to be anything else."
 'IIl never forget that" she told him solemnly. "It's going to help a lot" Suddenly she buried her head against his shoulder, her arms chung to him. "Oh, Jim" the girl cried, T love you. love you so much!"
 His arms were around her. Her warm nearness was a challenge. He held her closely. Then Marcia lifted her head and Jim's lips crushed hers in long kiss.
 They looked at each other. then Jim's face was drained of color. wed better go back" he said. He helped the girl to her feet and they started back toward the roadster. Several times Marcia glanced at him, puzzled. She could not read the expression on his face.
 When they were settled in the car she asked him cautiously, Jim are you sorry?"
 I'm fool!" he told her harshly. It was the only answer she re- ceived.
 All the way to the city he drove recklessly. It was fortunate there was little travel. The sun, hidden all day, suddenly emerged from the clouds and shone low in the west. It was nearly six when he let Mar cia out at the cottage. "Good night" she said, smiling and extending her hand. Good night, Marcia It did not occur to Jim that though 1t had been a farewell drive not once had the words "goodby' been said.
 That evening he seemed to make an effort to be considerate of Gypsy. He praised the dinner and later suggested trip down town to see the new Fairbanks picture. Gypsy was grateful. It had been a day in which things had gone wrong.
 She was in the kitchen next morning when the telephone rang Matilda was mixing pastry dough.
 "I'll go,r Gypsy said and hurried into the hall. It was Jim.
 ''That you. Gypsy?" he asked. Say how would 1t be if I asked Harrison to come to dinner tomor- row evening? I've just found out he's leaving town next week for quite a long stay. We've never had him out, you know. Do you sup pose you could manage it?''
 "Why, of course. I'd love to have him come"
 "AlI right. I'll fix it up for to- morrow evening then. It's the only chance because he has ict or other arrangements. What time
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