The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-02-23

| kitchen.
 Listen, darling, don't be mad. Honestly, Pm terribly sorry" Tom was frankly puzzled. She had been her old, laughing, delightful self these past few days. Now she had disappeared into her shell again.. was cool, distant, removed from him.
 "1t's quite all right" Her po- liteness was the variety reserved for the perfect stranger.
 She had the table set with her prettiest lace and linen cloth, her best china. Her red dress was demurely cut, leaving her rounded arms and throat bare. She had never looked prettier. There was an apricot flush on her cheeks and her eyes burned bright. ! "Sweetheare .' But she eluded Toms arms. "I'm busy" she said aloofly. Will you see if the baby's all right? thought I heard him stirring"
 70. K" Tom wore a faintly puzzled look. Gypsy had never been in this particular mood be- fore.
 The little dinner was com plete success so far as the guest was concerned, at least. The soup was 0 canned green turtle variety with sherry. Gypsy had bought it months before in a moment of unwontcd extravaganza and had been reserving it ever since for a | special occasion.
 It lent touch of elegance to the meal, simple affair of breaded pork chops and sweet potatoes and string beans.
 Tom. who knew how his wife had been treasuring the green turtle soup, lifted his brows in mild surprise as that course ap- peared. But Gypsy chose to ig- nore his faint marital signals. Two months ago they would have exchanged glances of delighted recognition. Tonight she ignored all his overtures.
 Under her surface gaiety her thoughts beat a ceaseless tattoo. Hunt frankly envied their domes- ticity and said so, and Gypsy smiled brilliantly and said noth- ing. If he only knew!
 It was almost twelve when he rose to go, with apologies for having stayed so late. He held Gypsy's hand for a fraction of a moment longer than courtesy de- handed. Admiration shone from his eyes.
 Its been great" he told her. "Will you both come and dine swith me some night and see a play"
 wed love to-" She felt surge of genuine liking for him. He was simple, direct and honest. You felt he'd never let you
 Let down let down : {. as Tom was doing. When he re- turned from seeing Hunt to the elevator Gypsy was already at the dishes. He came out into the kitchen and took her by the shoulders.
 Look here, baby. you're dead. I'll pile these up and you can leave them for Elsa"
 She slipped out of his grasp. She whirled, facing him. Take your hands off mel"
 Was it really she who said those ugly words? They echoed in the qu1et room.
 What's the matter, darling?''
 She flung herself back to the sink, running hot water into the enamel pan, winking back the fierce hot tears.
 You're asking me that"
 Toms tone was patient. inquir- ing. Honestly, if | knew what this was all about! I didn't know you were going to be so burned up about a guest for dinner. Be- sides, thought you liked VI
 That's got nothing to do with it," she said thickly and pain. fully. Hunts grand. I'm fond of him. It's you
 What have I done now?"
 Oh, this can't be us 1t can1 be, ran Gypsy's wild thoughts Quarreling shouting at eacf other without dignity or lov' or tenderness.
 "I saw you today She gav' him n level glance. She contin ue1 to wash cups. metlculousl! and dalntlly. without being con Aclous of whnt sho was doing.
 "saw me? Where?" He red denod slightly.
 . with Vera Gray"
 "Ah, thatI Honestly. sweet hnnrt, would have told vol about 1t before if we'd bee alone" But Hho would not le 1, Never mind iylng." she saI' e "It doesn't matter. only knO' I"haro l Hlnnd now. I'm Durko