Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1933-03-17

how she is, will you? I hate to go
off like this but Pm just going to
have time to make the date. It's
something | can't sidestep. -.
Yeah? Well, tell Paul to be a good
boy while Pm away. So long,
iLaurine. See you all in bout two
or three weeks"
Click. Steps across the floor.
The sound of steps approaching
the bed sent her pulses hammering
Curiosity and fear mingled in her
feeling as she looked up. She wa
so frightened that it did not occur
to her to pretend to be asleep.
She saw a man of medium height
|. -. thirtyish ruddy
blue eyes and blue tie tan
face and tan suit light
brown hair, combed back smooth
ly -. face rather wide acros:
the jaw short nose
mouth cut in clean curves like q
girls. Nothing villainous III
the mans appearance.
Hello, honey! How do you fee
this morning." He was smiling
down.at her with complete kindli-
ness.
Joyce swallowed hard, unable t.
answer. Under tie sheet size Glen
ched her hands trying to still the
trembling of her body.
A worried look dimmed the
smile on the mans face. He sal
down on the side of the bed anc
leaned toward her, putting his hands
on her shoulders.
"Why, what's the matter, dear;
Head pretty bad? Oh, l say, did
hurt you? You poor kid"
He drew back a little. Joyce had
Involuntary flinched when his
hands touched her.
The thought flashed into Joyce's
confused mind that if he fancied
she were really i'll, he might after
all not go away. And she must
have time to recover from the
shock and decide what to do. She
must be left alone. She would have
to speak; everything depended on
her making this effort.
"Oh, I'm Pm all right
she stammered hardly above
whisper.
"A look of relief came into the
face above her. "Whew, but YOU
gave me a scare. Frills,' he ex-
claimed. 'Sure you're all right:
Docs coming over to take another
look at you. Better stay in bed ano
get a rest. If your re all right, I've
got to dash to the city to get my
train for Chicago. But l won,
go if you're not. You don't seem
just right"
"Oh, no, really, I'm all right
she said hastily. II have a headache
It'll be all right
YOU'RE sure? Good!
Well, goodbye, honey. Take care
of yourself. You can always reach
me at the Blackstone, you know
I'll expect to hear from YOU"
He leaned over, took her fact
between his large firm hands anc
kissed her. After he had kissed he1
twice, while Joyce tried furiously
to recall the blush she felt burn.
ing her face, he added, hesitatingly
look here, Frills, I wish you'd.
go a little easy while I'm away
will you. I'll be worried about 20,
all the time if I think you're
pulling any more reckless stunts
lyou know. And"
"Oh, no, don't worry about mel
interrupted Joyce, wishing h
would stop kissing her and go a
way, II won't do a thing, I ]
know Pm going to feel like being
very. quiet for :. for awhile"
This sort Of answer was evidently
unexpected, Joyce decided, wher
she saw the surprise in his face
mingled with relief. In speaking
before, his voice had revealed a
note of apprehension, as if he
were afraid of the way his word,
would be received. "What sort Of
disposition can | have had?" she
wondered.
swell, goodbye, honey" hi
said once more, and kissing her a
gain, he stood up, "I've got to hor
off, I'll wire today from some