The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-11-16
CHAPTER xxvI1r

Joan sat down on the edge of Pats bed. Pat, darling" she said, "what are you crying about?"
 She threw an arm about the other girl. Like 8 child, Pat pill lowed her head against loans arm. silly of me to cry" Pat whispered brokenly, when there's no req son."
 "But there must be a reason. Please tell me, dear!"
 Could Pat be grieving about Jerry Forester? No, that did not seem likely. Pat had seemed per- fectly happy for weeks. And it was just as unlikely that Pat was homesick. She adored the excite ment of New York. She was never tired or bored.
 Suddenly Joan belived she un- derstood. It must be that Pat was in love. How blind she had been not to understand! All at once Joan saw that Pat had changed. She was more subdued now. There was a becoming reserve about her.
 "Who is he?" Joan asked.
 There was a moment of silence. Joan felt Pats arm grow tense against her own. Then came Pats usual cheerful voice, Now won't you listen to Mrs Detective!"
 'Pat, dear, forgive me for saying this, but hate to think you might seriously care for Vance. I've thought from the first that he is Jerry's type. I'm sorry if I've hurt you"
 "Don't worry" Pat said. I'm using my head now. I have to.'
 Then it was Vance. Joan was amazed at the revelation in the grim young voice. How selfish she had been. So absorbed in her own unhappiness she had failed to re- member thaht others had problems too. She had known of course that Pat was seeing a good deal of vatice Nicholas but it had never occurred to her that Pats interest was so deep.
 Pat" Joan said slowly. II can't quite believe it. Of course he's good looking"
 "Well, if you had had eyes you would have noticed that I was giv- ing him all my time."
 q did notice, but I didn't think 1t meant anything"
 No use worrying, Joan. Guess I've got antoher case of puppy love, as mother would call it. I'll get ovor it, I suppose, but it's painful while it lasts like humps and measles"
 Joan sighed. If she and Pat were only at home tonight! Nothing about this new life seemed real. Memories of those weeks at home, memories of Bob seemed hundred times more genuine.
 Unconsciously Joan had hoarded every memory, every gesture or Bob's. She could still see the steadiness of his eyes, the little trick he had of drawing his brows together, frown that was not frowning at all just concentra- ton. the ominous set to his chin when he was angry and the teas ing smile which revealed his firm, white teeth.
 She must not allow herself to think of him. This absorption was shutting out every one. Even Pat. And Barney, too.
 Barney had seemed troubled and preoccupied lately. He had ceased to question her about the date for their wedding. Perhaps he had been hurst by her lack of en- thusiasm.
 Pat said in quiet voice; Joan, when are you and Barney going to be married?"
 Joan's heart humping, her mind veering frantically away from the decision again. 'T don't know. Why?"
 And then Pats sober voice "Well, I think you ought to set a definite date"
 So Pat had noticed that Barney was troubled. After a long moment Joan said slowly, "Yes,I guess we should. We'll make it soon, Pat And announce it later. I don't want a lot of fuss and excitement You know how popular Barney is We'll just walk off some day and be married"
 Pat was laughing queerly. "l was just thinking" she said, "tha' my last chance has gone to be maid of honor and walk down the aisle with you-and Barney"
 Lying in the darkness, Joan bat. tied with herself and won. She would put aside the dream exist ence in which only Bob was real She would think of practical things home, companionship, protection
 I'm going shopping this after noon," she told Pat at noon nex1 day. "As Barney to let you of early. I want you to come witt me-"
 You want me to help"
 "Of course, Pat. Don't you want tor"