The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-07-31
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"He wanted to know If he could see her, and when 1 told him she wasn't having visitors he had me wait while he wrote another note" Miss Conley held out second square envelope toward Jo. but Hubby adroitly intercepted it.
 q think I'd better read this one first,' she said, sitting the en- velope with a chubby finger. When she had finished reading the note she heaved relieved sigh. We're saved!" she told Jo. Look at this.
 Jo took the notepaper on which the ink of Fragonet's bold strokes was hardly dry, and read:
 Dearest Jo: The nurse says
 you are unable to answer my
 note, and that no one must see
 you now. have word from
 the studio that have to take
 the night plane south-but the
 comapny will be on location
 here at Crest Lake within
 few weeks. The nurse tells me
 that by then you will be com
 pletely well, which I hope and
 pray may be true. Until then
 yOu LuSL DCLlCNV AAy AOVS
 for you.-Peter."
 'I'm afraid" said Hubby when Jo had finished reading Fragonet's letter, "that you're going to have trouble getting rid of that man."
 By the following week Jo Darien was up and about again, look ing as though nothing had ever happened to her. But inwardly she was more than jitery. She had hoped that she could have a talk with Douglas Marsh immediately, but he had gone into the hills on another of his periodic hunting trips. His mother was studious in her contempt, but she made no open remark as she had on the day of Fragonet's unfortunate love- making. So, having no instruc- tions to the contrary, Jo assumed that she still held the position of hostess at Crest Lake Inn. The guests were unanimous in welcom- ing her again - especially Todd Barston, who assured her that he had held back from the hunting party just to be present when she "blossomed forth again." Ever Babs Montgomery was cordial, and she seemed genuinely relieved tc see that Jo was none the worse for the accident Babs herself had caused.
 For two days Jo avoided joining the groups who went down to the lake each afternoon for a swim | fxsyA a1tn dtf not see Bret Paul except at dis. tances too great for recognition ol conversation. But finally she could no longer make excuses for avoid ing the lake. and one sunny after. mon found her and Hubby pfung. ing in from the shore.
 Jo made directly for the swim. float, thinking. II might as wei get it over with''-and when Hubby saw Jo striking toward Bret Pau she tactfully altered her course. Just before reaching the float Jc kicked her 1.-the body beneath the surface and emerged not yard from Bret Paul's tanned legs. His eyes squinting against the bright sunlight reflected up from the lake, Bret seemed not to notice the white bathing cap so close to him. Finally Jo asked, "could you save a lady, MT. Life Guard? ?" Bret looked at her, broke into a slow smile of recognition. But it wasn't the old smile of Bret Paul's. It wasn't Jo noticed with a little pang. the special smile he had always had for Jo Darien. This was the smile Bret Paul had for anyone who came along.
 Hello. Jo. I'm glad to see you out again."
 What do you mean-'again' P Jo asked. treading water by the float. How long have you been at Crest Lake?"
 He seemed faintly astonished at the question, and when he an- swered it was in an odd. cold tone. I've been here long enough to get used to it."
 His manner angered Jo and when she attacked again her voice was fiippant and curt. Saved any body yet" she asked.
 Just one." Bret said.
 "A girl. suppose
 He nodded. his eyes still scan- ming the water far beyond Jos bob bing head. Jo kicked toward the float and grasped It's edge. while Bret assisted her in a fashion that was nothing if not perfunctory. More angry than ever. Jo seated herself facing him. and said quiet ly. 'Is there any particular reason for you to act like this. Bret? Un- less. of course. you came down here for the express purpose of insult Ing me-"
 ''i came down here for just one