The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-02-19

graclously that he was presently himself again. And afterward, she applauded his play; she praised his bids, she laid on him such Q fiat- tering unction that Dane was be- fore the evening ended, completely ct hs ease. When the last rubber was over, she bado him come with her to tho pantry to fetch cheese and crackers and beer: and left Priscilla with Bob.
 "Keep Bob amused, won't you Prisp she directed. T don't want him in the pantry. He's just 6 nui- sance when he tries to be domes- tic."
 "oh, Bob and I will get along" Priscilla assured her; and Bob said, 0 little thickly:
 "sure, Kay don't worry about mel But you'd better keep an eye on Danei"
 The door swung to behind them and Kay said: Cheese in the ice box, Dane. Get e platter and a knife, while find the crackers. The beer is there, too" Dane caught her arm above the elbow. "Wait Q minute, Kay" he said softly, and held her.
 "What Is it?" she asked.
 Dane frowned. "You know, I owe you an apology" he told her. Eve felt mighty bad, ever since, about that night ct New London. had you wrong, Kay. I blame myself"
 "Why, Dane," she assured him, that's all right" She laughed at him. "You mustn't feel badly. If 1t hadn't been for you, I'd never have married Bob, would I? Well thenl"
 "Just the same," Dane insisted, grinning, T played the handsome scoundrel to the simple village maidp
 "Oh, you weren't such a william as you thought" she told him. You weren't Q devil, Dane. You really played Cupid, didn't you." She freed her arms and reached over his shoulder to touch his back. T should think you'd have nice little downy wings back there. I'll bet they'd be becoming to you!"
 "It's pax then, is it?" Dane asked.
 "of course"
 Not mad at me any more?"
 Mot a bitl" Her eyes were mis- chievous. "On the contrary" she assured him. But now do get the
 When they returned to the others he said softly at her shoulder: Were friends, thenl" And as they came into the ,iving-room she called back to him:
 More than friends, Danel"
 Bob, she made sure, was watch ing her, had heard. He met her eyes. but he only chuckled at her words.
 An hour later. when these folks had all departed, Kay began to clear away the debris in the living room; and Bob sprawled in the big chair, contented and at ease. She waited. but when he did not speak she said at last, provocative ly:
 Tt was great to see Dane again. I'd forgotten how nice he was."
 Bob nodded. "Sure." he agreed. Danes all rightl"
 "He was so contrite," Kay ex- plained, laughing as though at some secret memory. He fairly went down on his knees to me in the pantryl I had to reassure the poor man.
 Hope you did" Bob told her cheerfully.
 "Oh, ike an angel" Kay de- clared. We kissed and made up and he felt a lot better after wards"
 "0ood party he said. and yawned. "We1l have to do 1t again. I think 1t rests me to take a night of, once in q while. A few drinks. and cards. and talk. and forget sur- gery."
 "Of course" Kay assented. "WeW do 1t right along" And she added. not looking at him: Dane wants to drop in for tea here to- morrow afternoon. I told him you wouldn't be home: and that made him dead set on coming. He's really rather nice. You don't mind. do you?"
 "AGind?" Bob protested, in hon. est surprise. Lord. mo-"
 There" said Kay. putting the cards away. T guess I can leave the rest of those things till morn ing" And she asked; Ready for bed?"
 T may read . while he dc. cided. i've had too many drinks to go right to sleepl"
 Good night, then" Kay told him: but if there was an ultlnlatum in her tone. Bob appeared uncon- sclous of it. She waited. watching him appealingly. He had opened . book. and she said againf Bob. m0r,n ninhtl"