The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-11-24

would go ana leave ner alone.
Don't wait up Henry. II won't
keep him but a moment"
Still the man hesitated. I'm
all right. Don't worry. It's nice
here by the fire" Her voice
trailed off.
The man stood there helpless as
Karen covered her face with her
hands. IF there's something I
can do, Miss Karen"
There's nothing-I must see
Mr.. Dick tonight, that's ALL"
A LONG WAIT
But the sobs would sweep up in
spite of her, and tears rolled help
lessly down her cheeks.
you mustn't, Miss Karen!"
II know-please leave me now.
Pleased"
Her voice and eyes beseeched
him and he could not refuse.
IF you want me, just call, Miss
Karen. My rooms just beyond
the kitchen"
Karen's voice stuck in her
throat as she tried to thank him.
When he was gone and she was
alone, her tears seemed frozen.
She sat there huddled in the cor
ner Of the sofa, weaving slowly
back and forth. It couldn't be
true!
After a long time she took out
the paper she had tucked in her
dress and read it through many
times. It was quite clear. A short
story. About the marriage next
week Of New York's popular bache-
Tor judge. There was a dinner
party at Marcia Vests home to
announce it. Now! Tonight!
And he had not told her!
She got up and threw off her
coat, pacing up and down the
room. He had talked to her at
o'clock. How could he have done
this to her. Why had he not told
her? Why? And he had planned
their day tomorrow-to-no, to.
day, now! Planned it!
She dropped onto the couch
again. The pain in her chest hurt
her, it was so intense. The tick.
ing Of the clock sounded loud
through the room. Such a nice
room. She looked around it as
though she had never seen it be.
fore. And Marcia would come
here. Karen buried her face in
the pillow. She could not beal
this thing! She could not!
How long she stayed there BY
the fire Karen never knew.
IN DICKS ARMS
The fire died to embers, and she
was very cold. She must have
fallen to sleep when she heard q
Key in the door. She awakened
with a start. terrified, wondering
where she was. When she remem
bered she gave a little moan
Then Dick was standing in the
door. She could see him there
motlonless, listening. She tried tt
speak his name, but the whisper
died in her throat. Then he saw
her in the corner of the sofa.
Karen, Karen!" He gathered
her shaking figure into his arms
and held her. my dear, my
dear!"
Holding her there, he found hel
lips. The girls slim figure SHOOK
with sobS, sobs so deep and tree
they terrified Stoddard.
you must not, Karen!"
Then he got up for moment
took of his coat, wrapped it about
her and took her in his arms
again. For a long time he let hel
cry. There was so little he couIc
say.
The lines in his face were deep
He could not stand much more.
Karen, you must stop anc
listen to mel" he begged. At last
from fatigue she quoted down
Dick got up, and she moanec
when he left her. He went into
his bedroom and came back g
moment later with a damp towel
AS though she were a little girl
he wiped her tear,stained face
smoothed back her hair. There
now"
In his arms again, the tears be
gan to slip down her cheeks.
I'm sorry, I can't stop! I'm
trying, really"
He kissed her many times, then
very gently put her head on hi.
shoulder.
You've got to listen, sweet.
didn't know about that newspaper
story. Not when I called you
You've got to believe that"
She did not answer.
You do believe me?"
II don't know!"
You dol" He kissed her again
and this time it was Dick who al
most broke down. Darling, ]
can't give you.up. I know thai
toight!"
He groaned. I've been walking
for hours. I've tried to find vol
every place. 1 called your home
until didn't dare call any more y
AS he talked he chafed her cold
hands, tried to bring a little
warmth into them. Il love YOU
Karen. I've never loved anybody
else like this!"
She could not answer. There
was despair in his voice, and she
knew there was no hope for her
She had known from the begin
ming, from the moment she had
heard.
| AFTER telenhnr,nd ,,o,,