The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1936-11-20

special delivery stamp to it, he had
dropped it in the apartment house mail
chute. He knew that there was an
early collection. His letter should be
in Grace's hands by 9 o'clock at the
latest. With a deep sigh of relief he
had put on his bathrobe, thrown him
self down upon his bed and slept for
the first time since parting from his
fiancee hours ago..
ALI today he had been jumpy. He
remembered, too late, that he had not
her reply to his office or his apart
ment. AS hour after hour passed, while
he tried to concentrate on business,
he told himself that, of course, the
message would be waiting for him at
his apartment.
He had been at home for an hour
now. And no reply to his letter had
come.
Again he glanced at his watch. Six
o'clock! Mrs. d'Arcy'S dinner, to which
he and Grace were invited, was sched-
uled for z, as it was to be followed by
the theater.
He had begun to pace the room
again when he reached a sudden de-
cision. He would not be in suspense
any longer. Striding to the telephone
at the head of his bed, he gave his
fiancee's number. He caught his breath
as her voice answered.
why, hello, darling!" with an audi
BILE gasp that denoted excitement or
pleasure, Il am SO glad that you called!
I have been hoping all day to hear
at the office, for I know how busy
you are. I suppose that is why you
have not telephoned me?"
"Why-why-yes-partly," he stam-
mered, but got no further.
20 that was all right, oarling-
only" with her pretty little laugh. II
do like to hear from you, and the day
has been blank without a word from
you. But, dear, of course I understand
that you were awfully busy. And !
shall see you soon at Mrs. d'Arcy's.
By the way, do not think of coming
by. for me. I know you have been de-
a taxi around to the d'Arcy's. You
are feeling all right, dear?" :
Surely, perfectly well" He heard
himself speak as If he were another
person. Anything unusual happened
today?" He tried to make the inquiry
casual, and felt that he only succeeded
in sounding agitated and queer.
Nothing unusual-except your ST.
lence," Grace replied. II shall see you
later, dear. I must be getting dressed.
Goodby!"
Instead of replying, he returned the
receiver to its hook and sank back
upon his bed with q groan, his
thoughts in a whirl. Where was his
letter? Why had it been delayed?
Would it, perhaps, be handed to Grace
within the next hour, before they met
fingers trembled so that he could
scarcely put the studs into his shirt
front.
As he entered the darcy drawing
room a glance at Grace assured him
that his letter had not yet reached her.
| She was talking to her host, wide blue
eyes raised to his face, lips wreathed
in a smile that showed her exquisite
teeth. David drew in his breath sharply
never seen her in this dress before
a silver tissue that chung closely to her
perfect figure.
A moment later she had turned to
him, her hand outstretched, her eyes
overlooking with tenderness.
Hello, David!" she said softly as
he took her hand.
claimed, as he greeted David. What
wouldn't I give to have a beautiful
girl look at me like that! You sure
are in luck"
IT know it," David heard himself re-
join promptly. What else could he say?
he demanded inwardly. The d'Arcys
knew of the engagement, for it had
been announced six months ago.
Seated opposite Grace at dinner. he
talked animatedly to the woman next
to him. If Grace resented it-why, it
was just too bad, that was all! In spite
Of himself, he found his glance stray
ing to his fiancee! She wa SO beauti-
full that he wondered how any man
could keep his eyes off her. Still he
felt tied, bound. She did not know yet
that he was free. When she did know
OF course the letter has zone aStraY,