The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-08-14


 Bret-the old Bret who might have been her friend
 Jo shuddered, remembering last night when she had stood before the window of the little cottage and watched Bret take the Saun- ders girl in his arms. q never want to face him again." she said, half-aloud. Never ." Perhaps it was true that, whatever he was, Bret deserved her gratitude for having saved her life. But even gratitude can be devoid of respect, and Jo decided that a note to Bret would do better now than facing him. .st
 She was still deep in thought when she reached the Inn and hardly realized that she was at the veranda steps when she heard Douglas Marsh's pleasant voice above her. E
 Good morning, Jo Wonder if I could see you when you've changed?"
 There was something strange in aAAS JCos oOAASthAAS OO tVCOS Al1Co at once and which made her say, Tt won't take long, will it? You might as well talk to me now"
 Marsh looked startled. You you know what I'm going to say?" Perhaps not exactly. But ob- viously it's not pleasant" She drew the robe around her throat and stood facing him. "It's really my fault that you've found your self in this difficult situation" she said in low tone. You've been wonderful - and should have left Crest Lake long ago. should have gone when this trouble with Frago- net first came up."
 "Jo, want you to realize that T."
 She nodded quickly. 1T know. And I don't blame you. There must have been a lot of talk. Too much for comfort, and know what your mother thinks"
 You see, after all, she's getting along in years, and I don't like to excite her more than necessary Somehow she's quite convinced that you aren't straight. Jo. And while it's absurd. and" He stopped his voice trailing into si- lence. Then, desperately, II want to do what's right. you know. A months salary in lieu of notice and if any time you need help
 "I don't want months salary. Jo said. But do appreciate your kindness"
 She felt somehow sorry for Douglas Marsh, but she felt re- sentiment, too. that he should be so quickly dominated by Babs. For Jo was certain that it was not en- tirely Mrs. Marsh who was behind this.
 And, Jo ." Marsh resum ed, T want to know where you'll be, because intend to see you again.
 Jo laughed a little bitterly. "If I'm not presentable here at rest Lake I'm not likely to be present able anywhere else, am I? Besides -I really don't know where I'll be. unless it's Hollywood"
 "Hollywood?" Marsh's eyes wid- ened. You don't mean Fra gonet?"
 Not necessarily. But I've a1- ways wanted to see Hollywood - and he's asked me to go with him on the plane. Is there anything so wrong in that?"
 He turned his eyes to the lake Perhaps not wrong. And God knows I haven't much right to meddle in your affairs after telling you it would be better if you left | Crest Lake but"
 Then" said Jo, putting a hand on his arm, suppose we both stop worrying about 1t. I've really liked it here, and you've been more than fair"
 He took her hand quickly. "Jo |. ." Whatever he had wanted to add never reached his lips. He stopped. squeezed her fingers hard and said. "Goodby, Jo-and lots oi luck, always"
 Jo nodded, finding her throat suddenly dry. finding her tongue unable to answer. She withdrew her hand and hurried into the Inn ran blindly up the stairs. At her door she found Mrs. Marsh. stand ing resolutely as if she had been waiting for her minutes.
 ''Did my son have a talk with you. Miss Darien?"
 "Yes just now" The old lady nodded solemnly "Men are blind sometimes. I was sorry to have to tell him certain facts which he seemed to have missed. but"
 10 could stand no more. She turned fercely her back against the door of her room. You told him lies!" she almost screamed "Y0u told him nothing but lies!'' | lTu l,e Continuedl