The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-12-29

in my life before. I wish it could be like this always, but 1t won't, of course. Ann, Larry belongs 10 an aristocratic Kentucky family. They haven't forgiven him and he's too proud to ask favors."
 "But Carol, you shouldn't con- ceal your marriage from your mother"
 You mustn't tell her," Carol said. Not until Larry finds job of some kind. It frightens me when l think of what she might do-break mp our marriage in some way. I couldn't risk losing Larry. I'll be 21 soon. And then we hope Larry will have a job in a few days"
 "How in the world did you manager"
 II left the train at the first sta ton and came back on another. l sent Bess a night letter and she's been helping me by posting letters I've sent her to mail to mother.
 q don't mind being poor" Carol continued. "I adore it. I've learned to cook and sweep and dust and make beds. And every night we put our heads together and figure how to bolster our diminishing funds. And every night Larry comes home from trying to get jobs and I fuss over him and keep him from getting discouraged"
 Ann looked at Carol, brimming over with her new-found happi- ness. Ann was thinking of Peter. How different her experience had been! Imagining herself in love with someone else and now fight ing to win Peter from another woman. Hopeful one day and less hopeful the next
 Carol, reading the wistfulness in Ann's eyes, said impulsively, I've gave you a raw deal. hope you can forgive me-"
 1T didn't blame you," Ann said generously. Ut was all so queer and sudden. Carol, I'd love to help a little-flnancially."
 Its sweet of you, Ann, but I'd rather not. had some money with me when I left home. And Larry hsa had some odd jobs. You'd smile if I told you what they were, so I shan't. But things will break and as soon as they do we'll tell mother"
 "I must rush now"
 "Stay for dinner. I'm broilins
 "I'd like to, but Peter would be calling the police. It must be after seven."
 You mustn't tell Peter. Not anybody, yet, Ann"
 Ann agreed, doubtfully. She went away really envious of these two, facing their problems togeth- err and so terribly in love. If Peter were at a corner grocery replen- ishing the larder and she were getting ready to cook his supper in bright, clean little kitchen how happy she would be. r Peter had arrived at the apart ment before Ann.
 q was worried" he said. You have never been out so late be- fore"
 Ut was foolish to worry" Ann told mm. If only she were not pledged to secrecy about Carols marriage. Peter would under stand and know just what to do. He would find position Larry Ames would fit.
 "I was afraid you'd been kid- mapped"
 "Imagine anybody wanting mel" Ann said.
 "Imagine!" He came over to her, lifted her hand and slipped a ring on her slender finger. Ann stared down at the magnificent stone and then raised her eyes to his. There were tears in her eyes.
 Peter said, moved, You funny kid. You knew I planned to give you a ring, didn't you?" Its the most beautiful ring ever saw in my life" But there was no happiness in Anns voice. Suddenly she turned away and went Into her room. Ann was thinking, "He keeps loading me down with gorgeous things but he. doesn'tl owe me. He's fond of me and this is his way of showing it. But he doesn't love me-"
 She looked down at the glowing stone. Yes, it was the most beau tiful ring she had ever seen. But 1t didn't mean anything. Only that Peter was frightfully rich and gen- orous.
 He waited but she did not rec turn fOi long time. When she did. her face looked pale. Then he remembered that Ann had no. explnlned why She had stayed out so lnl', long past the uHuni dinner hour. He hated the ugly path hiF thoughts were travelling. Ann was