The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1933-06-23

man grew more suave, more def
"sir" with an air of one paying
tribute. Monnie bit her lip and
once, catching his eye, shook her
head ever so slightly in reproof.
The look he gave her was one of
purest mischief. His intention was
| unmistakab1e.
Whatever became Of that beau
tiful young woman I met with you
at Cannes last March," Mackenzie
inquired abruptly in pause dur
ing which he was dummy.
Charles, laying down his cards,
stared across at him. Whom d'you
mean?"
with deliberation the other Sc
lected and lighted a cigaret from
the case extended.
''She was an American, I believe.
Yes, I'm sure of it. Married to an
old Roman title. The Contessa di-
something or other. Wonderful red
hair and black eyes. Devastating
combination"
Charles had gone white. In
stinctively Monnie knew this was
the woman DR. Waterman had re-
ferred to--the one who, directly or
indirectly, had been responsible for
Charles breakdown. Did Macken-
ale know? If SO it was a direct
challenge, She held her breath,
waiting for Charles reply. That old
pain that was like a breath of ex-
| element held her in it's grip. Why
could she never hear of Charles in
connection with another woman
without experiencing this pang :?
| He was nothing to her - could
never be.
"The Contessa di Fraioli;"
Charles was saying coolly.
| Exquisite creature" sighed Mac
kenzie, squirting through the
smoke. Broke a number of
hearts, understand"
IT believe So" Charles voice
sounded merely bored. Monnie
dared not look at him, was pre-
tending to be absorbed in the cards
she held.
Are we playing bridge or are
WEI" Kay's impudence brought
them all back, and the game went
on. The tension had not been
loosed but the wires on which all
Of them seemed, this night, to be
strung, quivered a little.
It was 10 o'clock. Now it was IL.
Charles Eustace, CLEAN Of
diobolical amusement in his eyes,
coolly stayed on. At last Mackenzie
rose.
| Monica, this has been delight
full but ] must be getting on"
She went with him to the door.
Most unfortunate" he said in
q lower tone. II shall have to rush
the engagement tomorrow will
not keep. But when can see you
AGAIN." Then his voice altered.
He was no longer the annoyed king
of finance, irritated at some de-
lay, but the eager sutton. Monica,
you know what want to ask you.
Have you changed your mind about
marrying me? didn't want to
rush you, after that unfortunate
affair in the autumn. But now
well, we can make q fresh start,
both of us. What do you say?"
Her head was hot and her hands
cold. What was wrong with her?
The acceptance she had meant to
give him trembled on her lips but
she could not utter 1t.
"I-I'll write to you," she prom
Used. The car, cleaning and
hooded in cromium. painted under
the street light. He could not
linger. He had to be satisfied with
that. But his smile was confident
He took her slim hand. Huskily
. he said, you're the loveliest thing
ALI a man could desire. ! prom
Use you you won't regret It,"
For an instant his lips brushed
. hers, the merest,. fleeting contact
'I'll telephone you from Chicago
, on Thursday" he said. ''Don't
bother to write--and don't disap-
! point me-
, Mrs O'Dare came fiuttering into
the hall to make her farewells
Mackenzie's manner with her was
II perfect. Monica, closing the door
, in the visitors wake. could hear
, the rise and fall of Charles voice
and Kay's ready laughter. Sud-
denly she was angry with Charles
How dare he behave so badly?
That very day he had insulted her
, lpast bearing and then he had
!. turned up, bold as could be, to ruin
her evening. What did he mean
by such behavior?
II "Aren't you going back In
lovey?" This from her mother.
II think not. Pm tired. I'll &c
straight to bed"