The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-12-08

derment it was perfectly clear that he was not talking of his feminine visitor but of the maid who had failed to clean the room.
 Ann heard herself saying clearly, Please don't say anything at all to me. I couldn't possibly bear it. And nothing you would say could make any difference"
 Tony had stared at her had seen something in Ann's eyes that had sobered him completely and thor oughly. He said harshly. "The trou- ble with you, Ann, is that you have a monogamistic mind!"
 The words did not register. Ann was walking out of Tony's place, closing the door. She was walking quickly, dazedly through the snow
 Putting distance between her and something that was hateful and hurting.
 How far she walked, she did not know. A long way, she was sure, because her hands and feet were chilled, and she was in the center of town. In the center of all the lights and glitter.
 She passed several restaurants where people were coming ana going. Before one of the smaller places she stopped. She and Tony had eaten there number of times
 Ann went inside and ordered pot of coffee. Two cups of coffee would give her strength to go on, wherever she was going. She would find a movie where she could sit In the darkness. She would stay there until the telephone in Sarah s apartment had stopped ringing or Tony became tired of camping on the doorstep.
 She never wanted to see him again Going off on Christmas Eve and getting drunk, forgetting that he had ever thought of an engage ment ring. Spending the money for her ring on bottles of Scotch and in. Waking up at'a late hour this morning and sending a hurry call to the drug store for the big gest, most expensive box of candy perhaps while that girl was still in his apartment. And then forget ting to bring even that to her.
 The waiter set the pot of coffee before her and Ann poured out a cupful. She drank it slowly, poured out another cup with shaking fin gers.
 A man at table across from her was staring at her out of somber eyes. Ann resented his stare until she saw 1t was Peter Kendall. Peter Kendall, looking laggard and sober. She smiled at him. It was queer smile without mirth in it.
 He did not smile, but he got up and came over to her. '"Well, how's the gamer" he asked. Have you lost your job, Ann Hollister?"
 "No. But I've lost something l prized more." ...'-
 Trough, isn't it?". He spoke as though he understood. Ann remem- bered then that Peter had lost something too. Just what she had lost-faith and confidence in the one he loved.
 That accounted, for the hard, set look on his face. and his bitter eyes.
 "Maybe shouldn't say this but I'm terribly sorry. for you, Peter Kendall" Ann said impulsively.
 And I'm sorry. for you, Ann"
 Her old humor broke through the dark wall of unhappiness. That makes us even, in more ways than one"
 7"It's hard to believe someone could let you down. There was no gallantry in his tone. Just a sim pie statement of fact, as Peter said it.
 "It was just that I expected too much of someone, I'm old-fashio1- ed, guess"
 Suppose" Peter suggested, that I order something for both of us to eat. You look all in. Then I'll drive you home. You must eat something-likea a good soldier"
 Feeling his eyes on. her. she forced herself to eat a little. Peter Kendall did not seem to be hungry either.
 It was strange how parallel their troubles were. Stranger that both had come to this small restaurant in the heart of the city.
 Peter said he was leaving next day.
 Any place. Far away" Ann thought Peter was lucky to be able to leave. She, would have to stay here, to see Tony every day to wait while her heart was aching
  bring some healing of the wound, Peter must have read some of these thoughts in her face. Why don't you go away?" he asked, Wouldn't it help2" II couldn't go far. And couldn't afford to give up my job. {" "Not." Peter drowned. his eyes on her drawn face. Things are not as simple as that" s.
 "I wish they were" she said. "I'd like to go to the end of the world" Peter paid the bill. took Ann by the arm and led her out to his big roadster.
 Lets drive around the park" he said, tucking warm rug about her.
 ''The park? All right" Ann agreed without enthusiasm. Peter laughed. He was thinking that last night Vaieria had said. .Tet'S ride in the park tom orrow.