The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-10-07
BY LENoRE ITEALY

For all her de 'ermination to bt sensible about the thing, Jeann' l felt her pulses quicken when sht opened the door to admit Jeff Bar clay. Jeff Barclay! Shed never really got him out of her system never quite shaken of the memory l of the pleasant havoc with her emo- tions Jeff's presence once could play.
 Even when she married Frank it was with the lingering suspicion that his autumnal sureness would never be a full substitute for Jeff's I springtime ardorS. She opened the door to Jeff, hop ing she could accomplish the neces- sary composure.
 He took both her hands in his and made as if to kiss her. Jeanne drew back. She wondered where his wife was. He had wife-the girl he had married when he de- serted Jeanne.
 They sat over the tea things in the parlor and Jeanne studied him as well as she could and still keep up her pretense of being casual. T got your not" Jeff said, How did you know was in town? I came in only yesterday"
 Jeanne blushed trifle. She had sent the note on impulse; it must have seemed rather as though she were chasing him. She must be careful. She answered casually, T saw your name in this mornings paper under a New Arrivals list. :"
 T knew you'd never forget, Jeanne" he said softly. T knew you'd write me when you-"
 She interrupted, Why, of course! Why should not old friends have a reunion?" She was beginning to be confused. She picked up a mac aroon and nibbled it; she was de- termined to be casual.
 You needn't think" said Jeff, "that you can hide behind that macaroon. You aren't afraid of me, are you, Jeanne?"
 Mot in the least" said Jeanne coolly. He was the same old Jeff.
 What have you been doing since I saw you last?"
 Doing? Oh, nothing you'd care to hear about"
 She waited for his question. And you?"
 T keep very busy" she told him. Small things only-but they're fun. Housekeeping, gardening-you must see my garden!"
 Must I?" The ironic infection made her laugh.
 "Yes, you really must. Frank and I planned it together and"
 Frank" Oh, yes," he said in- differently, your husband"
 You've never met Frank, have you?" She'd steer clear of danger ous topics; nothing dangerous about Frank.
 "Yes, I've met him." Jeff an- swered, rather to her surprise. "Only yesterday, in fact. Funny, isn't it? My first day in town and practically the first person meet is yoIr husband. Out at the club, you know. I was out there with-with Stebbins, my lawyer" He had brought his chair around the table and was very near to Jeanne.
 You haven't changed much, Jeanne, for all your pretense of ma ronly dginity." He all but whis- pered the words. He was holding her hand now; she was letting him. Poor Frank!
 She managed to say, What did Frank have to say?"
 "He remembered my name. You must have used it rather often. He said You're an old flame of my wife's, aren't you?' I told him I was.''
 Ee paused a moment. Good enough sort he seemed. Rather dull, though, I should think"
 "He isn't dull," said Jeanne, with out much conviction.
 At the moment, with this po- tent charm so near, Frank seemed very dull. She'd have to change the subject again.
 "Tell me about your wife, Jeff. 70 never met her, you know" !
 "Oh, my wife!" The words came out with a cloud of cigarette smoke. She's not very we'll. Never has