The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1936-09-10
TO-DAY Is OUpS I


CHAPTER XII
~But it's not q question Of that"
Judith insisted. "He-he's really
in trouble because of me. And
and we were together so long,
Eden"
YEARLY Eden drained his glass
set It down firmly on the little
table. When he faced Judith again
he was smiling. "Shall we have
dinner now?" He touched her arm
as tmpersonally as though he had
never moment before professed his
love for her. "And shall we try
Johns Rendezvous again, or do you
think it might be bad luck?"
All the way to the restaurant he
talked gaily Of insignificant things,
but beneath the brittle surface of
his gaiety there was an under
current Of despair he could not
hide from Judith.
In the days that followed, the
newspapers were full of the poll
teal scandal which had involved
Steve. For months there had been
rumors Of graft in that admins
tration, and now the lid was off.
Slowly and carefully the newspapers
had been gathering their facts, de-
termined to rid the town of cor
ruption in the city hall-and now
that the barrage had begun they
were sparing nothing. There were
columns of testimony, of charges
and denials, and there were count
less photographs. To Judith's mind
1t seemed that the newspapers were
filled with nothing else-and when
ever Steve's name was mentioned
his name stood out for her as If 1t
had been set in boldface type.
Since the dinner with Eden
Harris she had heard nothing from
the young doctor, and more than
once she wished for his light heart-
ed but sensible counsel. But through
his friend and lawyer, John Crosse,
Bob kept her posted as to the pro-
gress of the investigation. He as
sured her that Steve's position was
clear, and that he was being in
Volved more as a material witness
than anything else. But Judith
wondered If Bob could be lying to
save her feelings.
She would never forget the night
that she found Bob Bent had not
been lying. Over and over she had
told herself that once Steve Fowler
was absolved from blame, it would
mean a turning point in her life.
During the weeks of Steve'S trouble
she had felt drawn to him more and
more. She realized now how diff
cult, how perhaps impossible, 1t was
for woman to forget a man when
for four years their lives and hopes
and dreams have been inextricably
interviewer. And on the night that
Steve telephoned excitedly, 1--WE
grand news, Judith, and I'm on my
way oVer!" she thought to herself:
We were never apart at all. I've
got to face that. We weren't ever
apart.
Within five minutes after the
telephone call, Steve burst into the
apartment without knocking, rushed
to Judith and took her in his arms.
For long time neither spoke, but
stod clinging to the other there in
the center of the room. Then
Judith drew away gently and said,
"..ell me about 1t, Steve"
'It's just that I'm relieved of
airy part In the thing. You can
read all about 1t in the paper to-
morrow" He took her in his arms
again. THE important thing now is
that we're together, Judith. AS far.
as the company is concerned, the
deal is completed, and I get my
bonus. And I get raise, too. We
can marry any sine, darlirg" He
held her of at arms length, his
eyes searching her face happily.
How about tonight?"
ooh, not tonight, Stevel" Judith
laughed shakily. Ell always want
ed nice wedding, Steve, with
lots Of flowers and and
friends"
He kissed her again. "Sure, dar-
ling" His expression grew trium-
phantly serious. you see, Judith.
You see how right was all along?
I kept telling you that the thing
to do was wait and that everything
would be all right"
"Yes," said Judith slowly. "You
were right, Steve"
He took up his hat. "I'll have
to run along. darling, and get some
sleep. I'm pretty tagged out after
all this tussle. Why don't you let
me stop by for you In the morn
ing and we can have breakfast to-
gether?"
"That would be fun, Stephen"