The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-04-18

him in a voice that was not as steady as 1t should have been. At least I want to be-"
 He laughed rather unpleasantly. "Only you'd rather never see me, is that it?"
 "You know that's not so, Rolf! It's just that-well, 1 think it's better for us not to see each other. You remember what Betty thought that night she came to the house I don't want to cause any trouble!'
 "So that's it!" There was a pause and then Rolf went on more seriously. But really do want to talk to you, Janet. It's import ant! I've got to talk to you. Listen, will you meet me this evening"
 "I can't do that" Janet inter- rupted quickly.
 The man went on as though he had not heard her. Will you meet me at nine o'clock" he asked. "Ill come to the oak tree back Of the house."
 "But you mustn't ask me to do that, Rolf. I can't"
 The yellow bus appeared at the corner q block away. Janet saw it with wave of thankfulness. 1T won't be there,' she told him firmly. There's no use of you coming!"
 He said, "Ill be waiting for you,' and touched his hat as the bus came to a halt.
 Janet stepped into the vehicle and found seat. She knew that her cheeks were flushed and her heart was pounding furiously. "But I won't go!" she told her self over and over again. "lf he comes I won't be there" We'll, that was settled ana settled in the right way. Rolf should know that it would never do for them to meet secretly. She wondered what he wanted to talk to her about. Not that 1t would make any difference. Shc review ed he conversation, assured her self that her attitude had been the right one. But what was Rolf so anxious to talk to her about? A dozen times during the after noon that same question arose once back in the big brick house she felt secure again. There was no use denying that seeing Rolf had been a temptation. It was a tenn ptation but she had risen above 1t. It was a comfortapte feeling to know that she had been able to master the situation. She could be very calm about the whole affair now. If Rolf came he would simply find that he had been foolish. Janet knew that she would spend the evening with Mrs Curtis, either reading to her or possibly playing cards. Therc was a new game Mrs Curtis had learned at Silver Bay of which she was very fond. Even If Janet had not decided against It, 1t would DC quite impossible for her to meel Rolf.
 And then something happened to jolt her assurance. The evening began just as Janet had been sure it would. She and Mrs Curtis had dinner and afterward their coffee was served in the living room. They were still sitting there when the telephone rang. Janet said, 'I'll answer" be- cause it was Lucy's night off. She | arose and went into the library. | moment later she was pack to gay that Mrs Thornton was ealing to ask if Mrs Curtis would l like to see a new picture at the ' Century. If she would the Thorn tons would stop for her in 20 min
 utes.
 why, of course!" Mrs Curtis exclaimed. "Tell her - no, wat! I'll go myself" A
 | At 10 minutes after eight .tne
 bell rang and Janet answered;
 MT and Mrs Thornton entered
 and at the same moment Mrs Curtis, wearing hat and coat. came hurrying down the stairs.
 "I'm all ready" she said. "I'm so glad you telephoned! We'd
 better go right along. suppose
 Goodby. Janet"
 They were off Tin whirl of chif- fon and. lilac perfume and the heavy scent of MT Thornton's ci- gar. Janet stood for a momeh'
 and watched the car drive away
 Then she went back to the living rom and turned on the radio. A dance orchestra, playing one
 of the tunes she had heard often
 at Silver Bay, came on the ar,
 Listening, Janet felt irritated and
 snapped off the switch. The song
 died in the midst of piaintive
 tenor chorus.
 Janet picked up q magazine ana
 tried to read. The words parad-
 ing before her eyes were mean.
 ingless. She could not keep hef intention on them. The house
 seemed quiet. So quiet she could haar tho lick of the clock across