The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-05-26
CHAPTER XXXIII
' GO ON WITH THE STORY

It was. SaturQay a1ter deatn astounding proposal and Susan found the atmosphere of the office strained and embarrassing. She tried to appear as though nothing had changed but of course every thing had.
 At one o'clock after waring and Pierson had gone her employer came out and spoke to her.
 May I drive you home?" he asked,
 Susan felt sort of terror. The time for decision had come. She had tossed and turned at night, seeking an answer, but had found none. She had not dared to confide In Aunt Jessie.
 She went to get her wraps, paling at the prospect before her. This man was everything that was good. He was chivalrous and kind. He had wealth and position, But there was no use denying that she did not love him.
 Once during the drive she shiv- cred. The man turned to her abruptly, 4. That coat you're wearing isn't warm enough" he told her. "Td like to see you in furs. You should wear soft warm, brown fur. That would suit you"
 Susan laughed excite tedly.
 Let me give you these things the man urged. II haven't wanted to press you into a nasty decision but can't you let me know soon?''
 Susan trembled. It was as she had feared. She would not be able 10 put the hour off much longer. She felt trapped.
 Give me just another day" she begged. "Give me until Monday"
 The house was very silent us she let herself in with her key. Where wal Aunt Jessie? Saturday was usually her busiest day. Almost invariably she could be found with her head tied up in . towel, shak- ing rugs with fury and dusting with fine precision. Susan went into the kitchen calling her but thore was no answer. Then She thDug,et she heard feeble voice ff.m the direction of the bedroom and went there. Aunt Jessie was stretched out on the bed from which she had not troubled to re. move the counterpane. Her toweled turban lay on the chair where I had been carelessly flung. :.
 What on earth's the matter?' Susan asked. The world was strange place. indeed. when Aun, Jessie could be found lying down in mid-afternoon.
 The older woman's face looked oddly drawn. II have pain in my side" she panted. "A real bad one 6lt uIl af q Qtddanp
 Did you call pr Smith?" snid Susan, trying not to look as fright. ened us she felt.
 "No, I didn't and I don't believe I'll need him. Fix me hot water bag and I'll be all right. Youi lunch is in the pantry"
 Susan took charge, saying stern. ly, "I'm going to call him this min. ute" Somehow, being stern witt Aunt Jessie helped her to crowd back her unreasoning fears.
 The doctor came and by. tha' time Aunt Jessie was grooming 1T real earnest. After the examination he spoke to Susan. looking grave.
 I'm not sure about her." he sait Tt might be appendicitis but w' can't tell. I'd like to take her tt the hospital and find out"
 She won't go,' Susan said. "Sht
 "They all do,' the doctor tolt her, smiling. "and she'll go. DonN you worry."'
 1t took less persuasion than su' san had expected. Aunt Jessie'i pain was So great that her militant spirit was for the moment in abey ance. How strange she, looked How suddenly old and worn in tht narrow. hospital bed!
 II hate to leave you." Susan tolt her.
 "You go right along and don worry" Aunt Jessie whispered. "Gt to Rose and stay"
 Susan departed feeling utterl!