The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-12-13

, would not for q moment have you think l was displeased with my quarters-after all, I understand that MT Peabody was the older man and relative" ("But you're furious that he had the better room-that's interesting!" thought Linda.) After returning from the dance found s:eep impossible. had heard you say the room oppo- site me was empty"
 Yes. You as.l,d me and I told you 50 o>during our drive back from the Club" Linda was disposed to give no quarter.
 "Ah, yes--quite so! ventured to tiptoe across, without waking anyone hope, and found the room as you said, empty and the door to the balcony closed. thought If and mine open the current through might stir the air q little."
 That's so," said Linda, honestly ing 1t" '. <. v -
 He went on more smoothly.
 Tt was growing light and l stepped out on the balcony to ad- mire the view and get the fresh morning air"
 Now, that" thought Linda, "is lame. You don't care for views and early morning air. That's more likc DOT old Cousin Amos rha apsodies. Did you meet him there ands are you unconsciously repeating what he said to you? The story weak ens!"
 Aloud she inquired placidly. "The railing?'
 "Well---I simply laid my hands on t."Again the glcam in his eyes He certainly disliked being called to account! His habit of authority was so firmly entrcnchcd that he probably believed he should never be put on the defensive.
 And you sa, 1t seemed quite sound and firm?" She flashed a con fiiding smile at him and sensed that he imperceptibly relaxed.
 Why yes--entirely so." Gradu- ally he became again the informa- tive, condescending man of affairs talking to pretty but rather stupid little woman, Naturally, l did not give 1t any violent treat ment."
 How did 1t seem later?" Linda. inquired blandly.
 "Wcll, of course the upper rail was broken through the center but otherwise"
 "Oh-then you went there, after Cousin Amos fell?"
 How quickly that ugly color came up! Linda, feeling literally in danger of having those dark, square finger go around her neck (again?) noted dispassionately and entirely without fear the rush of dark red that changed his whole aspect so markedly. Her shot in the dark had toI6!
 "Yes--yes, Mrs Averill. l did not know 1t was forbidden"
 "Oh, sorry!" She managed 10 preserve her casual, idle air. No ---of course not. I thought if you had looked at 1t you could tell me if you'd found anything of interest. me and elsewhere"
 He studied her face narrowly and then seemed to absolve her of any ulterior motive.
 We'll he said gruff1y. 'I was interested in the scene of the-ac- cident." Was it true or did Linda imagine hesitation like her own? "I stayed behind the others and looked about little"
 s"Was 1t you who so thoughtfuliy put back the upper raiiing?" She felt the form of her question should disarm him but again he studied her closely.
 Was the railing put back?" he, countered.
 She nodded.
 Perhaps did it. I really do not remember. 1 went on the balcony and might have absentmindedIy straightened anything that was aIniss."
 Why was he suddenly so cagey, Linda reflected Either he did or he didn't and If 1t happened as he suggested, then there was surely no reason to evade the question. She continued her attack.
 Did you find anything else of interest,""
 "Nothingw
 The answer came promptly. No hedging, none of the annoyance he had shown previously. It was al- most as if he expected the question and was prepared with flat nega- tive. "Trippingly on the tongue" thought Linda. Now why were you so ready with that? 'Nothingv Why not look surprised and ask what l expected he might hnd?"
 She laughed - an inaDe little eound that was meant to preserve her reputation as the brainIe4s wife of his business associate.
 'J'm sure don't know what you could ind! sou1In Amos was tidy anrf of naraan anNhnW--al6 If Yoll