The Washington times., 1936-12-29

him? Loved funny, irresponsible,
selfish Freddie? 1t was too fan
tastic when she could do so much,
much better! It came when you
didn't want it-unhappily-as she
herself we'll realized.
Darling, if you want him you
shall have him. You know he's
been fond of you for years. Why
wouldn't he, when you're so aw-
fully pretty and so sweet to him?
Where would he get anybody half
so attractive?"
A CLEAN Of hope appeared in
the eyes that we're like wet del.
phiniums. AIMS consolation was
sweet.
But there are plenty Of other
men who would fall in love with
you, Bernice, darling, if only
you'd get your mind off Freddie,
Twenty-one's very young to be-
lieve yourself permanently in
love-"
She thought: What of myself?
Sure of it at nineteen!"
But it was all over with Paul
Bradley. Or was it mere vanity
on her part to imagine she had
ever attracted him?
II don't want anybody but Fred
die" Bernice declared.
But Why"
Bernice turned astonished and
reproachful eyes upon her. Cant
you see how amusing and clever
and good-looking he is?"
Thought Ann: I'm blind and
deaf, evidently" But all she said
was. "Ain't love grand?"
1.-The trouble is that so many
other girls are after him. Rich
widows, too. They simply deluge
him with invitations. Tears again
threatened.
Then why not show Freddie
that you've plenty of other admit
ers?"
If only Bernice could have her
heart turned in another direc-
ton!
st shall always care for him.
and no one else," Bernice's lovely
mouth set obstinately.
That carking question in AIMS
mind again? Just how far had
matters gone between her sister
and the young interior decorator?
Instead of opposing things, might
it not be better, in the circum.
stances, to help them along?
You see. darling, Freddie hash t
grown up yet. I'm sure he's fond
of you. but he's an irresponsible
boy" Ann said gently.
Hes twenty-eight. He's a man.
He can make good money if he
works. lift I were his wife, 7
could make him work." said Ber-
nice with a touch of resentment
Thought Ann: Sublime Opt
mist"
What would father say?"
THAT he only wants me to be
happy"
The telephone rang. Bernice
flew to it's summons.
Come right over, Freddie!
Merry Christmas, big boyl"
A wonderful thing was love!
Ann had a strange dream that
night about Bernice.
It harked back to the Skating
Carnival. Her sister was with
Freddie, skimming towards huge
Danger! Keep off" sign.
She skated frantically after Ber-
nice and Freddie. The latter
turned to meet her, tried to stop
her, saying Bernice was an excel
lent skater, and knew where she
was going.
But at that moment the ice
broke under Bernice, and she dis
appeared!
Ann woke herself with a smoth-
cred scream at o'clock in the
morning. The luminous hands OF
the little travelling clock on the
stand between the two beds pointed
to that hour. She switched on the
light. Bernice's bed was empty.
ALL SGOlS 10 NldlIG IOOLu.
Claire was in bed.
Father and mother likewise IN
their own room. An eerie stiffness
lay over the apartment.
Where was Bernice? No ball or
big party was scheduled for the
past evening. Nothing, anyhow,
that would go on to the wee, small
hours.
Back to bed went Ann, but was
unable to sleep. Bernice was her
charge. Even though she was two
years her junior, Ann was by far
the stronger character, the more
resolute of the two sisters.
At a quarter after three, Ann
stole to the cupboard in the en-.
trance hall. Closing the door care.
fully behind her. she lifted the
telephone from it's shelf among the
coats and umbrellas. and called up
The Laughing Pig"
Miss Delafield?" a waiter re.
peated in a foreign voice.
ITO Be COntinued)