Evening star., 1935-07-24
INSTAILMENT Xxx.

lance, for plausible explanation.
Paul's on-sppearance became a
subject for conjecture, for discussion
In small interested groups. The situs-
ton rapidly became acute, and through
1t all Carol hovered, like figure Of
Justice, silently accusing, the corners
of her mouth contemptuously trt-
umphant.
The cause of Paul's delinquency can
be easily imagined, but its occurrence
on this particular night was fatalistic.
Leaving the Viennese with Bud, he
had been stopped at the door by Jessie
Whiteford.
Many happy returns of the day.
ol' playmate" she haoe him smlllngly,
graceful figure in her close wrapped,
"a able-trimmed cloak.
Thanks, Jess" he returned. and
would have hurried past but some
thing compelling in her quiet de-
meanor arrested him. Bud waited,
plainly impa tient. and the girl glanced
ct him with a little smile of under
standing.
Run along, Buddy" she said care
lessly And have a good time at the
party We may-drop in later"
Paul stared at her, his manner
hesitant, fash of CONSERVATION in
his face. Bud ignored the girl.
Comm, paul?" he inquired, curtiy.
Jessie was watching Paul steadily.
He dropped his eyes and took another
step, but again stopped.
"Tll-I'll see yon tomorrow, Jess,
ne finally got out, mindful OF the
listening Bud. L"
She stepped close to him and looked
him souarely in the eve. He was re-
minded of cold steel. Just as you
like" she said quietly. You'll go
with me or III 60 with you"
There was 40 mistaking her mean
ing. Paul slowly turned to Bud.
Go on up to the house" he said.
'Tell 'em I'll be there in few min
utes.'
Bud came back to them. his face
Redeemed in annoyance. He eyed them
scornfully. "Whaddays mean-va few
minutes!" he retorted. Come on-if
you're goin'. Man, your wife is giving
you birthday party! You amt
lost nothing around here. Let's go''
Jessie's eyes were still on Paurs
face She smiled little sardonically.
He shifted his gaze TO the stormy
figure Of Bud
III be therein few minutes,
he repeated firmly.
Bud wasted no more words. He
whirled and the door slammed behind
him despite the efforts of the hy-
drsulic check to prevent such con-
tineency. For a moment the two IN
the entrance were still. Jessie SEEM
ingly amused at the dramatic exit
they had witnessed.
I've got Freddy's car" she said.
pleasantly. Let's go ridns-m the
rain. want TO talk TO you--then III
drop you of at home"
In the misty street in front OF the
building, Jessie swung the long, yell
low car out OF its place expertly. The
headlights threw twin white shafts on
the wet pavement ahead, outlining
objects eerily in the blustery dark
ness The girl drove slowly, aimless-
ly. with a light touch on the wheel
Paul lit a cigarette for each OF
them. then glanced expectantly at the
profile of the driver. dimly revealed
by the glow from the instrument
panel
well" he invited. Say it. Jess
I'm in somewhat of hurry, you
know"
She smiled composedly, eyes on the
beam of light ahead, That's so" she
agreed, thoughtfulIy. Il mustn't spoil
-Ina's party. Still-really. it won't
make q greet deal of difference
whether you get there or not"
why not?' he demanded.
She whirled the wheel and they
turned into the Paseo. Because"
she answered him. you're only going
back to tell her-good-by.'
For a moment the faint whirr of
the motor wa, very distinct. Then
Paul exclaimed shortly, You're crazy!
Listen, jess"
"Wait!" ordered the girl. DO you
mean that you're not going to tell
her about-us2"
He drew deeply on the cigarette and
blew the smoke out in cloud. L
mean Just that" he said coolly.
Then you won't keep your prom
tse?"
No" ne tolc her fatty Not this
one. When l made that promise at
Taneycomo, 1t was made under duress,
you know. Theli. didn't know exact
" what to do so l played for time.
but now-Ive made up my mind"
The storm he expected did not ma
terialize He waited, strengthened by
his own temerity, faced with the
thing he had so long avoided, yet
marveling at the calmness within him.
Jessie drove for some time in ST.
lence. Finally. she spoke. SO you
think you owe more to her than to
me-" she decided quietly.
Yes" he sajd. Il owe her-every-
thing. She's my wife"
L see,' mused Jessie. by the mere
reading of a ceremony-by standing
before a minister with one woman,
you pay your debt-to all women. l
congratulate you
resenting. NV debt began-with that
eeremony-to the woman who was
willing to gamtle herself on the prom
ises that 1 mace her. 1 wanted her
to believe me. I'll always want her
TO believe me Because know-that
] can't do otherwise"
Really? / never suspected such a
fine sense of duty hidden beneath
your rough exterior"
Don't laugh, Jess. You know /
mean it. Just give me q chance"
Jessie stared through the misty
windshield for a moment. then swung
the car around a corner. She settled
back In the seat with a shrug Of
shapely. fur-clad shoulders.
Yes" she admitted, Il know you
mean it. That's what hurts-you've
finally found some one you really care
for. You love her, don't you. Paul?"