The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1936-06-08

coat about her and tried to keep
out the freezing blast. The chill of
it cut into her bones. It wrapped
like an icy sheet about her knees.
Her ears were raw and aching. She
could have cried. Yet she was
happy. She was prayerfully glad.
In her pocket was letter from
Ricky. His second month finished.
For a second time he sent her $50.
This was too much. This left him
only $45 for his own living and
expenses. But he wanted to clear
the debt to Emily; wanted to get
by on his own.
He wrote: 1--WE hunch, my
sweetheart, that the stars were out
when you we're born. You've been
lucky for me. You'll be lucky for
yourself. Bless you, dearest, and
keep high heart"
He was right! God would be good
to her. She stood before her mirror
and critically surveyed her figure.
No one could guess. Not soul yet
knew. Her job would last. And
they'd get by-oh triumphantly!
This trusting young hope made
the blow. more crushing when 1t
fell.
In the middle of February Nom
grew desperately i'll. In spite of
frantic opposition, Nell called for
doctor.
The doctor was a stern young
man with aggressive jaw and quiet
speech. He was appalled, that Nom
had been neglected. He wanted to
send her to hospital: have X-rays
taken.
Nom said: mo! I'm staying
here"
"Is she very sick?" Nell asked
frightened.
"she is indeed. Very little can
now be done"
The doctor called four days in
succession. He said to Nell: isn't
there someone who can relieve
you with her care? After eight
hours in an office, the atmosphere
in that room is none too good for
you. When do you expect your
child?"
Nell Strengthened with a visible
shock. He added hastily: II beg
your pardon. I had that impress
SION"
She leaned against the closed
door of the small front room. She
fought desperately for calm.
You're right-of course. Is it this
apparent? Do you think everyone
knows I am to have child?"
rs it necessary for you to keep
it hidden?"
Eyes. I've got to hold my job.
That's all the money we have"
She was utterly staggered be-
cause the doctor had perceived she
was to have a child. She lay
awake half the night and was
little white wreck when she ar
rived at the office next day.
In the dressing room Sigrid
Karen put her arm around Nell.
She said gently: "You look aw-
fully drawn and tired. Something
troubling you, Nell?"
why. no! I feel simply fine"
Really, Nell? Then I'm glad!"
A little thing like that made
her uneasy and suspicious. An
other day Mildred Martin said to
her: II don't see you in my neigh
borhood any more. Did you and
Dick come to the parting of the
ways?"
Nell looked at her astonished.
Mildred went on evenly, challeng-
ingly: Didn't you know I lived
in the apartment across the
street? I used to see you two over
the Week-ends."
Nell feared she would faint.
About two weeks later-a day
of splendor and sunshine at the
end of February, Nell was called
into the office of Miss Kinsell.
Miss Kinsell was in charge of the
stenographic staff.
Nell came out from that inter
view with her hope withered and
her pride in shreds.
Miss Kinsell was agreeable. She
talked about the heavy losses the
company had taken in the collapse
Of the Grenville Indemnity Com
pany.
Ito Be COntinued)
Copyright 1895, by King Features
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