The Daily Alaska empire., 1934-04-09
Chapter 24 NORMAN'S DEMAND

JUDITH think you forget
 my firm represents the Bev. ins-"
 Forget 1t" Judith's laugh was hysterical, "Pd like to oh, how I'd like to. But with Lampere treat. ing me like an unmentionable and you dancing attendance on those two women like legal gigolo-"
 You've gone far enough Judith. l hadn't meant to make this Bevins fortune an issue between us, but you're forcing me to it. They warned me you would. I'm beginning to be- lieve they know you better than l do.
 ''I'm leaving for Galveston again. I'll have to fly back to make court, had hoped to take you with me, but under the circumstances I think you'd better stay and think things over. Talking only brings on trouble.
 This Bevins affair will blow over and then you and 1 can settle back into our normal way of living"
 Norman" Judith sat up in bed, alert, what do you mean, the Bev- ins affair will blow over?"
 You'll see."
 Judith sensed that he knew some thing more than he was admitting. But suppose it doesn't?" she coun- tered.
 "It will"
 Judith jumped out of bed, show cred and dressed while Delphy pre- pared a tray for them. Under the stinging fay of water, Judith prom ised she would take Clias advice and wait until Norman had had his coffee, before, as Clia, would say. starting anything"
 She did wait. With breakfast over and Norman glancing at his watch, she spoke.
 Norman. want you to tell me now, what you meant by saying the Bevins affair would blow over"
 "I :. can't"
 Alright, then, tell me this. If it doesn't blow over. what will be your attitude?"
 Norman glanced at her, dark eyes unrelenting. lips in a thin, stern line-"I shall have to ask you either to give up the Bevins money. or me"
 Prepared as she was. Judith couldn't repress start as he said this. There was no comfort in the Knowledge that the man who spoke was some grim-yisaged stranger whom she'd never before seen. Nor did it comfort Judith any to know she had behaved like fish wife, using Mathile as an issue while she was only "barb in the flesh."
 Norman" her eyes begged for understanding, though her voice was cool. q want to apologize for what I said about you and Mathile. 1 was jealous and hurt. Slim San ford flew me down so l could be there in time for dinner with you, then found you were all ready through and she was with you.
 q truly believe it happened as you say it did. only, that's it just as 1 said that night on board the trawler .. we don't think alike. You thought more of acting the gentleman than you did of how your public meeting with Mathile would hurt me. The realization that she probably planned the whole thing doesn't make me any the less bitter"
 "NOU mean she connived with my
 l mother?" he began heatedly
 ''No indeed" said Judith, "youI mother is, above all. sporting. She wouldn't play that way. She wa; probably so intent upon her tourna ment she wasn't aware that you and Feel were two of the three prin cipals in the Bevins case"
 A rare smile crossed Norman's face "Im glad you see that" he said, "she really likes you a lot Jude."
 He looked at his watch q wish didn't have to go, but then" his face had frightened, "by the time get back we can start fresh ant Mathile won't have any further cal on me-"
 "Norm," Judith stepped close I'm leaving too. I'm making a triI to the dam, leaving this evening""
 Judy .. Judy you can't do that l tell you. Not now. not at thii time"
 But it's a good time to go, Nor man, you'll be away"
 His arms were holding her tight a desperate tensity in them "Ju dith, remember the night l said tha all one needed to make a perfec marriage was enough love? Haven you enough love to give this uI for me?"