The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-05-18

sure t0 state sixe
 . single but because she's nc
 If I thought that, I'd fire her quick as shooting. She was darned decent about going on with the acs alone and - shducks are you sure she and Trafford--"
 "Why do you suppose he's gone to pieces the way he has? He was crazy about Madeline but he knew enough to keep his distance If she hadn't led him on. If you don't believe me, ask anyone In the show. And watch her with Con!'
 "I've seen them together but -A' I'll look into this!"
 Fortunately for Madeline, this conversation took place after an afternoon performance while she and Con were sitting Ut q table Tn a Chinese restaurant some dis. tnnce from the lot. Madeline had received a letter that day written by Donna herself, the first letter she had written since the accident. Madeline produced 1t proudly and waved it before Cons eyes.
 "Why the heck does she address you as Donna?" he demanded, ms face darkening as 1t always did whom the other girls name waa mentioned.
 "Thats a long story. darling: I'll tell you some day when I fcel like confesslng. Wouldn't you Ike to read what she has to say?
 "No. Maybe she'll write to me
 Madeline drowned. She studied the inlaid pearl of the table before her and her quick wits began to dance. "No, Con-" she said slow iy, "I don't believe she will. I don't think you'll ever see Donna
 "What makes you say that? She's coming back to the show, sin't she?"
 "No, she isn't"
 "You mean the injury was worse than we thought"
 NO. She---oh, Con, darling, I hate to tell you! know how you love Donna and I know how terri bly this will hurt you. But you knew you never had q chance with her, didn't you? You knew that, while she was fond of you and ale ways liked you, she wouldn't ever think of marrying you. You'll just have to square your shoulders and"
 Cut out the sob stuffl" he broke in harshly. "Spiil it!"
 "She's going to be married"
 TO the cousIn?"
 "Hes my cousin, not hers. Yes, they're going to be married" Con sat motionless, his face slowly growing winter and winter. His hands gripped the arms of his chair and the knuckies stood out in ridges. Then he laughed. Well, that's that! What do we eat-- chop suey or chow mein?" "You mean you don't carer" Madeline cried hystericafly. "You really don't carer"
 No woman is going to ruin my appetite" Con answered. But Madeline, trembling over the success of her flasehood, noticed that his food left the table un- touched. She suggested that they return to the circus lot before 1t was really necessary to do so. She had scored & triumph, but if Con should write to Donna to confirm her statement. the situation might not be so rosy. A long walk in a shadowy lane was more conducive to sentiment than a warm Chinese restaurant.
 Renfroe was waiting for them at the dressing tent. Come over here Madeline" he said. T want to talk to you."
 The ever-present fear of receiv- ing two weeks notice gripped the girl. She looked appealingIy toward Con. What's the matter Chief?" the animal trainer asked "You don't object to Madeline steL ping out with me once in a while do you?"
 "Not exactly. But she's the only girl alone in this show and shf has to watch where she steps. I've been thinking it over. It's a re- sp0nsibility they're talking. think you're q swell kid. Madeline but helli I broke the rule never to have single girls in the show when kept you on. It's too mucf l trouble and I believe"
 "who's been taiking?" Con de- manded.
 "Er - everyone. You and Mad cline are pretty thick. Then"
 "Why shouldn't we be?' l "Hush, Cou!" Madeline inter rupted with wan smile. "If Tn not wanted. 1'ii go. l thought wbeI I dld everything could after pool Donna was hurt it would be appre ciated, but I guess it wasn't"
 "sure I appreciate what you'v' done, Madeline. but-oh. If vol were older and maybe little nor straight -laced--"
 Listen here." Con caught tn other mans coat sleeve. "Yo' mean they're talking about Made line and me? Well. so tell th' lousy gossips we're going tc 3 married"
 "Con!"
 "And if that doesn't suit then seu eaa set nsw animal act--
 f