Evening star., 1934-05-06
Reluctant DeCeiVer
ByAlma Tally
One of The Star Magazines
First-Run Stories.
Illustrated by Il. G. Skrcnda.
Stories.
Illustrated BY II. q. Skrcnda.

give him a look like-like steel on steel or
something
She sat up straight and looked at him, and
he looking at her But it wasn't like steel
steel at all And he asking her about
dinner this evening, and she was saying that
she had an engagement and that she couldn't
break it. But presently she supposed that she
could. and the first thing she knew she was
at the telephone being awfuly sorry, Howard
but some friends from out of town.
IA /ELL! thought Carol again. as she crept
w into Betty's big bed. Almost she felt
that she heartless. smiling into this pillow
that had been wet with Betty'S tears Pride
did such terrible things to people pride and
love And L dreadful pride which had
induced Betty to leave Jack, after quarrel
and take this apartment of her own A dread
fui pride, which had plunged Jack, after the
separation into affair with Lois. And now
Jack in Montreal and Betty was in Flor
ida, and both OF them were wretched, and un-
less their friends could stop it Betty would
get divorce. with evidence she had found 1t
was all pride, and it was all little tragic
Carol lay there brooding over Betty. who had
always been kind. Never for a moment did
Betty reveal how she felt that Jack had loved
Carol first But sometimes. under Bettys
sweetness. Carol could almost sense that she
was leaning backward being overly gracious TO
show that she wasn't jealous and that what
past past.
But 1 never could have loved Jack Carol
told herself drov silly and then she thought OF
this evening and then she fell asleep
The next morning there we're two dozen
American beauties with card marked Tony"
His friends. he said. called him Tony and she
said you couldn't blame them.
They went somewhere every evening and
Carol wore orchids gardenias pinned to the
shoulder of SIS dress. in which Tony said
she looked like a billion dollars.
They sat before the fire in Betty's big living
room, and watched the flames leap.
The husky bass of a boats siren came to
them through the fCggy night. Always, Carol
thought. she would love the sound of a foghorn
because it would remind her of Tony. Yet this,
she thought. was the way that Betty felt about
Jack. and now
"Brooding. darling?" said Tony.
Il thinking about Betty
You're devoted to her aren't you?" Tony
kissed her hair
She's been wonderful to me-" said Carol.
There nothing that she wouldn't do for
Betty.
Isn't there anything their friends can do to
keep your Betty and Jack from getting di-
vorce?" said Tony. There was a faraway look
in his eyes.
Il wish there were,' said Carol. Jack doesn't
want one. but Betty thinks she does. I'll stand
by her, whatever she decides"
"Of course" said Tony. He kissing her,
suddenly almost if he afraid that he
would never kiss her again. He looked at her
then, grayely If you had to choose between
your friendship for Betty and me-what then?"
Tony, darling what question: Whatever
has Betty got to do with us?"
Il want to come first, whatever happens
he said
"Of course. you come first" she said.
They were going to be married in month.
RI rEel
mind in a blaze of happiness. Riding up Fifth
avenue in bus on her way home from the
office she wondered If all the other passengers
could sense her inner radiance. 1t was one Of
those beautiful May days. and there was Joy in
her steps she walked along Fifty seventh
street to her apartment.
The elevator man was sorting out the mail
Some letters for you Miss Sloane he said, as
she stepped into the lift. On top was letter
from Aunt Harriet.
She had written joyously to Aunt Harriet
I'm going to marry Worthington Hobson. And
thank you with all my heart for sending him
to me-"
This would be Aunt Harriets answer bless
you, children. I'm so glad She opened the letter
in the elevator She read the first paragraph.
and something deep down within her turned
over and was numb
I'm puzzled about your engagement" Aunt
Harriet had written in her illegible cramped
hand THE very day wrote you about WORTH
ington Hobson. his mother was taken with
pneumonia and he had to postpone his depart
ure. He leaves soon as she is much better"
Carol did not read on She felt all at once
very dizzy; her head was leaping and jumping.
Il took Mr.. Hobson up awhile ago and let
MIN ln, the elevator man was saying. He
said he'd wait for you there"
And she wanted to scream at him, HE isn't