The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-08-30
AY RlE s

John Anderson had been standin very near to one another.
 T hope we don't intrude-" Bea trice said; she looked at Anderson coply. T heard you were bot down here, so we thought we sim ply must find you if we had t, walk hundred miles. And we'r simply starving"
 Sondra seized upon the oppor tunity to escape
 I'll make you some fresh tea it won't be a minute" she flet to the kitchen, furious with her, self, more furious with Beatrice.
 To come so unexpectedly-al most as if she were spyingl
 Beatrice spoke behind her.
 Can't I help? I've left tn. boys to talk to MT Anderson. Yol might have waited to be intro duced, Sondra."
 Sondra had hardly realized that Beatrice had not been alone; she had hardly realized anything ex- lcept the fact that she had been caught unawares at what was per baps the most tragic moment of her life.
 Beatrice seated herself on the kitchen table and lit a cigarette
 T do hope We haven't butted in at the wrong moment" she said. Were you having a lovers quarrel, darling?"
 How absurd: of course not"
 Beatrice laughed. Well, it look ed like it." she said frankly Poor MT. Andersonl Well, one can't say he hasn't been faithful to you"
 T don't know what you mean, T Sondra protested She had re- covered herself now. He lent me this cottage. and he came down for the weekend. Hes stay ing up at the hotel"
 Darling, you don't suppose I thought he was staying here, do you?' Beatrice asked. And do tell newly on earth don't you marry him now he's free?"
 Perhaps because I don't want to, and the kettles boiling. You'll find some more cups on the dress CT"
 It was an immense relief to Son. dra when Beatrice collected her boys as she called the two ra- ther vapid youths she had brought with her, and said goodbye.
 T do hope we haven't butted in," she said for the third time to Anderson, as they parted at the gate.
 Anderson made some casual re- ply and went back into the cot tage.
 Sndra followed him and for moment there was unbroken si- lence. then he said abruptly: Well. l must be off. It's getting late. I won't have to nave my clothes dried"
 Sondra was aimlessly clearing up the tea things.
 When will you come down again?" she asked.
 He hesitated. T will let you know" ha said at last.
 Gha raicad lofiot,t ssrTrl, | means you don't intend to come any more, suppose"
 He looked at her gravely.
 Don't you thing it will be bet ter if I do not?"
 She broke out stormily, Because you're afraid of the truth, SUD- pose, is that it? Well, I'm not afraid. I've made one muddle in my life by being afraid-by hiding things-one ghastly mis- take, but this time it's going to be different-that time L." she broke off, and he asked quietly.
 What do you want me to do. 
 Her eyes fell. T don't know" she whispered.
 He laughed rather wearily. And neither GO I. You're a married woman, and your husband is on his way home, believing that you will be glad to see him, Sondra. You him of your own wish and will, and I don't think either of us can do anything except say goodbye"
 T thought you loved me-
 You know I love you"
 And yet you're content never to see me again.
 ''Not--content."
 She laughed. You don't seem to be vsry distressed about it any way-calmly telling me that we must say goodbye 5. perhaps it's what yol wanted-that I should be the one to suffer-"
 Anderson moved, crossing to where she stood, and looked down at her with eyes that were rath- '~~>>~~~-~>~>~ :,