The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-04-21

A ,tranger seeing them for the first time would nave realized al once why all of Clinton had dubbed the two the Perfect Couple" and had waited so long in sympathetic interest for their much postponed wedding. For Doris Hudson and Rodney Blake were living proof of the old rule that "opposites at- tract" she being as fair as he was dark, as tiny as he was big, as calm and measured in her judgment as he was impetuous - in fact, the direct anthithesis of the man to whom she had been engaged for the past three years.
 Sitting beside him now, she pushed back q black curl from his forehead and with her hand turned his face so that he met her candid, intent gaze.
 Rod, darling, you don't think that l WANT to give you up, do you?" she asked gently.
 For answer he caught and kissed her fingers hungrily.
 I'd better sit here, so we'll be sensible" Doris said smiling, talk ing her former chair again. You know, Rod, I've been thinking and thinking-about us," she continued "wondcring what to do. And Dr Graham's visit to-day decided me"
 What has Dr Graham got to do with us?"
 "Evcrything, Rod he said mother would never walk again"
 T'm so sorry, Doris, for her. and for you. You've been such a sport through 1t all. But I'd be like her own son to her. She'd have two of us to care for her after our marriage
 Rod, know how much you want to help! I know how good you arc! But l can't-1 can't let the two of us be weight around your neck"
 But you wouldn't bel"
 Rod, you cant imagine the care that 1 must give her. I have a cot in her room now. And it will be this way for years, dear"
 "TT'S THE TYRANNY
 OF THE WEAK"
 ''Its devilish. It's the tyranny of the weak! She should not sac rifice your youth! Your beauty"
 But you will understand, Rod, why this is the wiscst thing for both of US to do." Carefully she slipped her engagement ring from her finger and dropped 1t in the palm of his right hand. He made a swift movement to replace it, but she closed her fingers over his and firmly held them there.
 Rod, 1t is loyal and fine of. you to want to wait for me, and don't think that am not tempted by it. But it Is not sensible, and it is not fair to you. I'm not even going to have time for our evenings to- gether. My salary as secretary won't cover all of mothers extra needs so I'm going to do some night work. Luckily Dr Graham has q friend who is writing q novel I'm going to do his typing."
 "Doris!" A new voice, quaver- ing and weak, penetrated into the room. The girl rose quickly, her finger on her lips.
 "Go now, Rod, while I'm in mothers room," she said brokenly, "1t-it will be easier!" With last bright smile she left him.
 Next day-Sunday-foun Doris a dejccted little figure before the streaming window panes in her bedroom.
 Other Sundays, she reflected, had been dream days. Thcre1 been walks in the sunshine, movies in the rain. Pleasant teas in front of the fire, too, with mother made comfortable, and Rod reading aloud. And there had been plans.
 Dreamstuff! Scattered and spent like last summers sunshine.
 Doris turned from the window and opened the heavy cedar hope- chest that stood at the foot of her bed. Sadly she fingered her treas ures. Orchid sheets with slips to match-lots of skipped lunches had gone into them! Candlewick spreads