The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-10-31
go,uottenL SWEETHEART

by the long walk in the wind. was
in disorder. There werev deep,
weary shadows under her eyes.
Her shoulders. under the mans
coat, sagged farlorny.
Jim's face showed strain, too.
His hair was rumpled. His eyes
were bright and. feverish. Search
ing the faces on the porch. he said
contemptuously, "A royal recep-
ton. Don't say you were really
alarmed about usi"
"The gas ran out" he added
slowly. And then, as no one
spoke. "Now. some darn fool
Taught"
"But evidently your liquor
didn't" This from Charlie,
Comedy isn't your role" Jim
Nobody but damn idiot
would drive Off without enough
gas in his car" said Bob.
Lay off, will you, Weston?"
said Jim dangerously.
Bob stepped forward but Bar
bara caught his arm, please,
Bob, you are making It hard for
"Come on in" said Enid. striv-
ing for gayety. II have dance
with someone"
Joan slipped out Of !, the big
coat and handed 1t to Jim. I'm
going up" she said. Good
night
She went inside and UP the
stairs slowly. AS she reached the
top she heard Carols voice, Il
shouldn't have invited her---Bar-
bara warned me. Blood will tell,
you know. what could you ex-
pect from O girl whose father was
O thief and O suicide?
Joan put out one hand steady
ing herself against the railing.
Wave upon wave Of humiliation
and shame poured through her.
Shame most of all for herself. She
had brought this upon herself.
trying to be like the others. seek
ing cheap popularity. Trying to
win Bob when he wanted Bar
bara!
AS she entered the room the
group moved apart quickly. Carol
said stiffly. "You must be tired.
Is there anything ! can do for
your"
Nothing said Joan steadily.
Hurry, Sally said to Enid
Don't dawdlo SO. We're wasting
a heavenly waltz" Enid busted
powder on her face and followed
without q word
"They know I heard" Joan
thought. But 1t really makes no
difference to them"
Joan began undressing mechani-
cally.> Once, passing the mir
~ dnnN ohn n 80 ~ ufpt
with tragic eyes, all the blood
drained from her face. She felt
tears against her lashes.
And three days before she had
driven from Mamphis. sure OF
happiness ahead.
Someone knocked ut the door
but before she reached 1t an en-
velope was slipped through. Joan
stopped and picked 1t up. On the
envelope was written "Joan," and
inside was brief message.
"I've been damning myself for
letting you in for this. I'm fed
UP With the whole bunch and leav.
Ing for Memphis about seven in
the morning. I hope you can for
give me. Joan. I'll call you to-
morrow night at your home.
jim"
Joan stood looking at the mes
sage thoughtfully. 1t was Jim.
not Bob. who was concerned about
her. Bob had gone back to dance
with Barbara. He was completely
Indifferent to her unhappiness.
Probably he bitterly regretted
bringing her here. Carol - when
she thought OF Carol Joan's heart
contracted again. Carol, with the
veneer Of friendliness removed,
her eyes angry and hostile.
Joan went to the window. let
ting the cold air blow against her.
Her face seemed to be burning up
with fever but her hands were Icy.
Below a brooding silence lay
upon the garden, shot with silver
blooms. 1t was there Joan and
Jim had talked with friendly. care
less fashion only yesterday. 1t
seemed years ago. Jim had been
sweet from the start.
ITO BE COntinucd)