Evening star., 1935-07-10
INSTALLMENT vi.

time this week, will |
you, Paul?" Jessie said. |
"Why?"-surprisedly.
"Why? You know as we'll as I do"
Don't be that way. Be nice"
use your head, Jessie. I'm mar
ried. now"
We'll, why brag about it? What
of it?"
"oh. nothing. Only we don't play
that way"
She made an impatient sound. I'VE!
Don't go Lindbergh on me, big boy
I'm an old friend. Will you call
me?"
Il said no."
Pardon me. I was sure you said
no. Well-Ill call you then"
"All right, if you want to hear
me hang up"
She came close to him and put
hand on his arm, clutching his
sleeve when he would have moved.
Paul." she said hint of wist-
fulness in her voice. Are you tell
ing me that we're through. Just
because of that-wife of yours?"
He stiffened. I'm telling you," he
replied. firmly, that I'm shooting
straight with her. And that's that"
The girl stared at him a moment
In the dark. Then she leaned slightly
against him, her hand slipping up
to his shoulder, her face very near his.
Don't be an idiot, Paul" she en-
Joined. Just because you went ga-ga
over some doll-faced blond's act, is no
reason why we should be washed up.
You've done it before, but you've al
ways come back. The only difference
this time will be the-alimony."
He shook his head. This time it's
different. Jess" he insisted. I've
had break, and I'm wised up. The
playin' around is-out."
Then you really mean it, do you?"
He geStured. you know I mean 1t"
And you won't see me?"
mo"
fingers dug into his arms f1ercely,
compelling his attention, her body
tense, quivering.
so you're running out on me-" she
tntoned, breathing convulsively. Civ
ing me the air. Throwing me down
for a finger-waved dame that you
married when you fell for her little
country girl stuff! Don't spray me
with that model husband line, you-
you poisoner! You think you're
through with me-but how wrong you
are! You seem to forget that hold
a first mortgage on you. and-well-
don't! That's ALL"
He started slightly. Explain your
self" he requested, a trifle uneasily.
You don't mean that you'd
"Oh, don't l." she retorted. from
ically. Listen, Hot-Shot, remember
you asked for this: Give me the run
around and I'll bring little Paul down
from Omaha, and don't think I'm
fooling!"
He gasped. She felt his muscles
contract and his hand jerked spas
medically as he shot an apprehensive
glance up and down the hall.
"Jessie!" he stammered. "You
wouldn't do that! You told me I had
squared that all up. And you mar
RED that other guy!"
II know. had to have some dough
and you didn't have a dime. But
don't misunderstood me. I'm not
kicking about what is past. I'm not
kicking about your marriage. It's this
'good-by forever stuff that you're
handing me. that takes me in the
wind. You can be the model husband
If you want to; 60 to it; but you'll
lave to be nice to Jessie, too, and I'm
telling you something"
He groaned. JESS" he muttered.
thickly. you haven't"
Certainly not. ! told you that I'd
never tell any one. There's just us
and Puny."
He ran a hand uncertainty through
his hair. The room seemed to re-
volve slowly about him. The girl
watched him intently.
Listen, Paul." she added, her man
ner softening. Don't take it so hard.
And don't worry about Puny double
crossing you. I know he doesn't ap-
rrove of your marriage; but he won't
talk. And neither will I-unless-"