Evening star., 1936-09-06
kosoxins Section

But have you forgotten tnat Margot
is pretty regular sort OF person, and
that she's rather interested in your
future?"
II know But it's deadly down
yonder. lived there for two years
when first joined the company. Heat
and insects and one bumpy tennis
court"
"And after three years. big future
for you"
And she'd be all washed up in
tennis"
Phyllis touched Jimmy's hand as it
rested on the wheel. They were headed
back for Southport now headed
toward the little home where Phyllis
and Margot had been raised.
You're grand guy. Jimmy Lester
which doesn't alter the fact that
you're not very smart. This tennis
inessdoesntmean anything, really.
Only thing that counts is you and
Margot. You claim she'd never get
over having to give up tennis. Well.
by the same token. you II never forget
that you passed up big opportunity.
It'll eat on you - always. Tell me:
Is the offer still open?"
Il suppose so," Jimmy's voice
sounded somewhat weary. Il told
them No, definitely. But Willie -
he's the president - said he wasn't
in any rush. Gave me another month
to consider"
"And you won't even write Margot
about it,"
Certainly not That'll be just be-
fore the Nationals - and / wouldn't
worry her"
PHYLLIS shook her head. You're
grand, Jimmy - but very irritating"
He didn't say anything, chiefly be-
cause there seemed to be no answer
to that sort of remark. Besides. he
was feeling lonely and kind of empty
inside and grateful to Phyllis for look
ing like Margot. and for her SYM
pathy and somehow when he
stopped the car in front of her house,
neither made move to alight. They
just sat there, staring at nothing.
1t was all very bewildering; SO be-
wildering that Jimmy had ceased to
think coherently He was tired of
thinking, tired of being alone, tired
of applauding the athletic triumphs of
a wife who was four thousand miles
away. He was at low ebb, mentally
and spiritually.
He looked at Phyllis. So like Margot!
And he didn't think very clearly then.
either. Just impulse. Sudden, mex
plicable, uncomfortable impulse. He
said, "Oh gee :. E" as small boy
might say it, and his arms went about
her and his lips pressed tight against
hers for moment -.
When he drew away his head was
clear. and he felt strangely disturbed
and apologetic and thrilled. He didn't
say I'm sorry" or indulge in any of
the usual cliches. He simply got out
of the coupe and walked around to
her side and held the door open. On
the veranda he said, Good night,
Phyllis" and she said. Good night.
Jimmy" and the front door closed
behind her and that was all, except
that he didn't sleep very we'll that
night, what with trying not to think,
and of avoiding implications which he
couldn't understand anyway.
He thought of telephoning Phyllis
the next day and apologizing; he
thought of sending flowers; he thought
of asking her to 60 out with him again
that night; he thought of lot of
things - and he did precisely none
of them. But he did meet her on the
corner of State and Fifth and she was
the same bright and cheerful Phyllis.
with unclouded eyes, and she said,
Jimmy! Guess what!'' and he de-
clared he couldn't possibly guess what.
She said, 'I'm taking my vacation
next week. Going north"