The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-24

'Oh, Alan-I'm so glad you're back! I'm so glad that you've come at last!"
 She was clinging to him. Alan's face became misty vision. Gypsy winked back the tears. She pressed her cheek against Alan's coat and felt the rough, woolly fabric. Slow ly. breathlessly, she lifted her head. And then a-tt /
 "Gypsy," Crosby's voice came cheerfully, heartily. "This is sur prise-I didn't expect to see you here! Say, you're looking great"
 "So are you, Alan!'
 The girls face was radiant. A slight hesitation, then Alan's kiss landed somewhere between Gypsy's right ear and forehead.
 Why, you haven't changed at aIl!" he grinned. Same turned-up- nose. Same crop of freckles! No sir. haven't changed a bit" He held her off at arms length and gazed down at her.
 Gypsy loved his teasing. She knew she hadn't a turned-up nose though Alan had always said so. She didn't mind the freckles which once they had quarreled over.
 "Alan-are you really glad to see ne?"
 ''Why. of course I am. Of course, dear! Gosh, but it's good to be home and know I'm going to stay while. Say-maybe I'd better have a look at whats happened to my bags-'
 She had to take rapid, short steps to keep up with him. The pano- rama of noise and confusion, opened luggage, chattering impatient trav- elers and unhurried inspectors be- came glamorous now that Crosby was by her side.
 "Oh, look, Alan! Look at that woman over there with the funny little monkeys!"
 Crosby followed her glance, nod ded. He was searching for we'll worn trunk and travelling bag.
 "There's man from India. The one with his head all wrapped up in a turban. Did you meet n1m, Alan? He looks as though he might be a prince. Or sultan maybe! No. that's wrong-they're in Tur- key. aren't they? Oh, it must be thrilling to cross the ocean on a boat. You've got to tell me all about it, Alan. And, oh. there are thou sand things I want to talk to you about! don't know where to start"
 Gypsy stopped, aware that the young man was not listening. He had turned and Gypsy's eyes wid- ened as she followed his glance.
 Alan was looking far down the pier. A woman stood there. She was dressed in sleek. rich black and her shoulders were wrapped in luxurious fur scarf. Even Gypsy knew that the costume. the tiny black hat were Parisian. The woman was smiling. She turned so that for an instant Gypsy could see her clearly.
 There was a fleeting impression of pale skin and red gold hair. A perfect nose and exotic lips. For the barest moment the woman faced them. Then she raised one gloved hand. waved and disappeared. .
 "Why-why who--why. Alan"
 Gypsy stopped, stared up at Cros- by. She noted the answering smile with which he received the signal. This was no stranger: this lovely creature was someone Alan knew.
 Fear. gripping and terrifying, fastened itself about Gypsy Me- "You-you know her?' she asked tremulously.
 who? What are you talking about? ?' "The woman in black-the one who waved? She's beautiful" The young man was casual. too casual, a person of more experience might have said. He laughed easily. You're seeing things, Gypsy. There are a dozen women around here wearing black. None of them very l beautiful. though, to my mind. I don't know which one you mean, The chill about Gypsy's heart half melted. Then it congealed z again.
 "I mean the beautiful woman who l just went away" she said. "She was standing there. Wearing furs and little black hat. She waved to you. Alan.
 Now it was Alan who seemed | confused though he tried elabo- rately to hide it.
 "Oh, you must mean Mrs Lang [ley." he said carelessly. At least if sounds like her. Funny--I didn't see her wave. Just a passenger I met on shipboard. Sorry l didn't get around to say goodby. She'll think me rude"
 Another day Gypsy might have doubted. To-day she so wanted to beIieve the explanation.
 Don't worry! She'll understand. Maybe I just imagined she was waviny at ycII. I've been go excited