Evening star., 1932-05-22
s1.n.....


germs"
II wouldn't be afraid to take the risk"
smiled and then she smiled very considerably
and said: "Oh, I wouldn't think of having
you"
\ /E sat here a little while in silence. Golden
w silencel Then I got bold and reached
over and laid my hand on top OF hers. han
expected her to draw it away as other women
had done on similar occasons-but she didn't
I can't begin to tell you how wonderful the
emotion was that surged from her fingers into
mine and right up my arm to my heart.
was kind of disappointed that she hadn't
wanted to kiss me, but this was the best thing
to it. And you know. you don't always respect
a woman so much who encourages you to kiss
her the very first night you are ever out with
her alone
could feel the pulse in her hand. or maybe 1t
was my own pulse. But realized that 1t
would be impossible for me to sit there forever,
holding her hand as would like to have done
The intermisson was nearly over and when the
music commenced again she would probably
want to 60 back in there and dance some more.
realized that must do something; not just
sit there stupid-lke. I was just. too.
well. too tinid, guess. Maybe she had
changed her mind and was actually waiting
for me to ask her again for kiss. Some
women like to be coaxed, you know
So. mastering up courage, SAID: wen, now
about it?"
How about what?" she asked.
How about us kissing each other now?"
She smiled, but I could that she stin
didn't want to do it.
"I love you," I murmured squeezing her
hand Just a trife. "I love you" I repeated
fervently and then I raised her hand chlvai-
rously to my lips.
"You believe me- don't you2" asked.
why, of course, do" she answered with q
sweet smile.
I'm really serious" said. II want to get
married to you. Shall We do it?"
I'll have to think it over" she said but
that was as good as half promise and I felt
as though the battle was already half won.
Our conversation was at this point inter-
rupted by the orchestra which was commenc-
ing to play again, and we returned to the ball
room. didn't get another chance to talk with
Phyllis till the next evening just after dinner.
The sun hadn't quite set yet and the sky was
full of beautiful, gorgeous colors when came
upon her sitting at end of the veranda,
and looking. I thought, rather lonesome.
Lets take a little STROLL" suggested, after
had said good evening to her.
She smiled and said she would like to and
so we walked out of the hotel grounds and
took the pretty little path which led down
around the shore of the bay
We sat down on an old rustic wooden bench
under cocoanut palm near the waters edge
and looked at the sun going down into the bay.
It was very beautiful sight. But looked at
Phyllis more than did at the sunset
She seemed so kind of pensive, so wistful, as
though she were worried about something
and finally I could stand the suspense no
longer.
"Are you worried about something?"
She didn't answer for moment. Then turn
ing her beautiful, soft eyes toward mine, she
said "Yes, am"
Tell me" I said sympathetically. I
couldn't bear TO see that sad expression on her
pretty face.
IT'S my brother" she said. huskily
"Dale?"
She nodded.
"Ten me about your brother" There was
an interval of silence and then she turned to
me with the most pathetically sweet smile I
have ever seen.
IT have never had any patience with people
who foist their troubles on Others" she began.
"It's not only one Of the worst forms of selfish
ness but"
"You are not foisting anything on me, dear
GIRL" assured her smingly, and again raised
her nly-white hand chivalrously to my lips
Nov let's hear about your brother. He's not
In jail, is hep"
"Oh, no, nothing like that" She paused
and again that far-away look crept into her
eyes as she turned them toward the sunset
Hes been sick for a long time-nearly two
years. That's why I am here trying to
recuperate-my health broke down under the
strain of constant nursing" There was a
catch IN her voice and her lip quivered little
before she could control herself enough to go on
Dale was getting better we thought" she
went on, but letter I received today says he
has taken a turn for the worse-" Again she
paused and her beautiful shoulders heaved in
a big silent shrug. Il feel that brother could
be cured permanently" she said in low
vibrant voice-"if we could afford"
"An operation?" I hazarded, when her voice
failed her again.
Phyllis nodded. But 1t is a very delicate one,
and there are only a few surgeons IN the
country who can perform it successfully and"
she added with sad smile, they are very