The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-05-23

1 was n staid, engraved calling card and tho name it bore was that 0i Mr Ernest Caldwell Heath. Susar gaspcd.
 Let me see it," Aunt Jessie de- | manded.
 Wordless, Susan held out tho card. She would not admit even tt herself how keen her disappoint | ment was. Flowers like this should come from the one man, thu "hearts dearest" aB the Germani had 1t. From anyone else they were meaningless.
 "Well, must say it was real nice of him." said Aunt Jessie, g0- ing back to her mashed potatoes, "thOugh I'm not at all sure it's proper. He's a married man, isn't he 2"
 susan shrugged. "His wife's get ting n divorce."
 "Well, never! You didn't tell me that. You are close -fnouthed young one." Aunt Jessie said.
 Susan carried the flowers into the living room and found vases for them. They made n brave array filling the little home with light and color and scent.
 Ben dropped in at eight. bringing Il big box of candy. He looked lonely and Susan felt Sorry fol him. His relatives were all home in Iowa. Susan didn't know much about them except that there wat q stepmother. She felt sorry for anyone who was homeless tonight Aunt Jessie beckoned her out into the kitchen. Ask him to din- ner tomorrow" she whispered. Susan debated the matter. The cousins would be sure to be curious about Ben. They would put their heads together later and talk about "Sue's beau" .Sho would hate that But it wouldn't, after all, be Ben'f fault.
 "AIl right" shc snld, but maybe he won't be able to come. Maybe he has another invitation"
 Aunt Jessie smiled wisely. He'll come,' she said.
 When Ben arose, lean and dark In his shabby clothes, the girl felt Q surge of pity for him. He wasn't bad looking. really. Some girls would think that dark face distinguished. Susan sighed in- wardly. :.
 "You're awfully sweet" he told her with unexpected humility as she relayed her aunts invitation. He took her hand.
 Come for walk" he begged. "Just half an hour"
 susan said. "Whatever for?"
 "Oh, 1 don't know. l want to talk to you"
 Cant we talk here?" She didn't want to go out Into the cold bright Christmas eve with this boy. II was enough to be sorry for him Couldn't he 70 away and leave her with her thoughts?
 As If for the first time Ben's eye took in the expensive flowers He frowned.
 "Who sent you those?" .
 Susan thought, "I like his nerve " but she answered calmly enough My boss, Mir Heath"
 Ben glared. Susan put her hand on his arm and gave him q little shake.
 Don't be silly. He's very nice.",
 As If that touch had galvanized him into life the boy swept her in. to his arms. Rough. masculine HTIub tUey WGTSI Ebu1Iy pODoNoDhVV' Susan struggled. Furious anger weiied up in her.
 "You--oh, l hate you. Let me gow
 Ben tilted her face upward. She was tall girl but he lowered above her. His eyes were dark with emotion that looked like rage. susan was conscious only of | sense of outrage, not of fear"
 "pii--let--y0u---go---all--right," !" Ben panted. He pressed his lips to hers. It was all over in an in- stant. Then he was ninging him. self out the door.
 Susan put her hands to her hot cheeks. She tried to laugh but dis covered she was trembling. She was desperately afraid she was go- ing to cry.
 Aunt Jessie called from the other room, Ben gone already"
 The girl steadied her voice to
 I: ss coming to dinner tom0r-
 susan waited fraction of . sec. ond. Then she answered, Moves ---I don't know"
 M lTo Ds Ccntinned). ,..,