The Washington times., 1936-05-18

II know families that are hun
gry."
Don't think Of them, dear. We
can't do anything about 1t. The
$40 I've spent wouldn't do a darn
toward solving this depression and
it would rob me Of the happieSt
time I've had in about three years.
Gotta let the old world crash to
ruin since it wants to. Nero fid-
died. Well dance!"
She answered slowly, reluc.
family: II suppose that's true. 1t
shouldn't be-"
you're right. I shouldn't have
more than I need, and q darling
like you forced to pass up all the
bonbonS. I ought to divide with
someone who isn't so lucky-with
you, for instance. Why don't you
help me set the world right, Nell.
and go fifty-fifty on my $40 billS?"
She said fippant: Baby.
could use them!
He whispered, exuberant against
he rear: Go to it. old dear. All ]
have Is yours. Better or worse
and all thatI"
It was late when they reached
home. Soft Spring night with q
high pale moon and deep out
spreading quiet. The quiet went
about them as gently as a sea.
Ned stopped the car. He took
her hand and held it, musingly in
his. He pinched the tips Of her
fingers. He said in a light, 1nconse-
quent tone: "Sweet Of you to go
out with me, Nell. i've wanted you
to see that show. Whenever I
see anything good, I'm wishing you
were along. I wish you could have
the best time q girl ever had.
Trips on big liners. Deck chairs
under lovely tropic moons. I've
pictured you so. I'd like to give
you things that like"
She looked in his face with
warm, impulsive thanks: You've
been q prince to me ever since I
came to that office!"
i've wanted TO We. You can't
imagine how much I think Of you,
Nell, I'VE known how you had to
skimp and the plucky fight you've
made. I've known when you were
sick with worry. I've thought Of
sending you out . few OF those
$40 bills-putting them anony-
mously in an envelope. I was
afraid you'd get wise. Nell! I
meant what said about sharing
my sheckleS. You know how ser
iously I mean it. But you don't
know-you can't know how truly
good I'd be to you. I wish you'd
think about it-pleaSe."
She crept softly into the room
she and Emily shared. Dawn made
q gray light across Emily'S bed,
touching with fire the shaggy au-
burn hair which fell in q long
braid over the coverlet.
Nell undreSSed in the dark. She
got down between the chilly
sheets and for q while lay staring
at the ceiling. Notes Of music
echoed in her thoughts. Bright
splashes Of color. She said de-
family to an image waiting in
the back Of her mind: II had a
good time, had a dazzling time!
Ned is right. I need joy. want
It'll"
She crouched lower in the bed
hiding from q memory. Memory
Of a lake and gently whispering
pines. Memory Of a voice pleading
tempestuouSly; blue seeking eyes
and q mouth closing with hot
young fervor on hers. Memory Of
Ricky.
She turned her face against the
pillow, covering and sick with de-
Spair. She wanted luxury. Natur-
ally. Wanted soft, exciting happy
things. But she would go into q
hole in the ground; an unlighted,
dismal hole. It would be filled
with radiance; it would be the
happiest spot on the earth if
Ricky were there; if Ricky's arms
reached out: Ricky's lips closed on
hers. How shatteringly she knew
it. Only Ricky-thiS was all she
asked Of life.
ITO be cOntinued)
copyright. 1885, BY King Features