The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-16
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0 t9ST INGA 9eftlcef tUcs last word. If only Hoyt wouldn't take things so much for granted. But she smiled and returned his greeting. "You look very hand some yourself"
 As they walked to his car, Hoyt said, I've made reservations for dinner at the Crossroads Tavern, outside of town. Not knowing the neighborhood I asked Donna for tip this afternoon and she recommended this place. It's ap- parently the only spot for miles where a fellow can get not only food but something besides water for his burning thirst. Is that all right with you?"
 Coral hesitated. She had never been to the Crossroads Tavern in all her four years at Elton. She had stayed away, not for any prudish reasons but because she felt she simply would not care for it. The wilder campus set fre- quented the place and there had been some ugly stories about the parties there. ITO tell you the truth, Hoyt. I've never been there"
 How come? Is there anything wrong with the placer" he asked.
 Not really. But there was some scandal or other about it two or three years ago. It's a little on the wild side, guess"
 "All the better. Saving your ladyship's presence, college dances are likely to be a little dull. If I get a good start maybe we can put some life into the prom"
 Corars voice was still doubtful. "T don't suppose you could cancel your reservations, could you?"
 Hoyt laughed. "Oh, Coral, what's the mater? I don't know a thing about the place, but I'd be willing to bet that there's nothing or mo- body there to hurt you. Let's find out, anyway. Come on"
 I'm silly know" Coral smiled and added, You're probably right Let's be off"
 They climbed into Hoyt's pig black sedan and drove off through the twilight. The ride to the Crossroads Tavern was tanner reproduction of the ride home from the country club few weeks before. Coral kept silence as long as she could, but when they missed hitting truck at an inter- section by nothing more or less than miracle, she cried out in- voluntarily.
 Whats the matter? Scared?" Hoyt asked her, grinning from be- hind the wheel.
 T am, and I don't mind admit ting it," Coral said. Please don't drive so fast, Hoyt. You may be used to it, but these narrow es- capes scare me silly" She tried to make her tone light, but the nervous quiver in her voice be- trayed her real emotion.
 Say you really are scared, aren't you?" Hoyt said in surprise That's no way for you to feel The only fun there is in driving is in driving fast. I'll show you what I mean" He pressed his foot down on the accelerator and the car leaped ahead. Coral covered in her corner of the front seat and shut her eyes shouses, telephone poles and other automobiles sped past with dizzying rapidity. When at last the car came to a stop in front of the Tavern, she opened her eyes, her face white, her hands shaking. Without a word | she opened the door and got out l of the automobile.
 She walked wordleSSly toward the entrance of the Tavern and for the first time Hoyt seemed to realize the genuinenesS of her fears. He caught up with her at the doorway and put a hand on her am. I'm sorry, Cor al. No fooling I didn't think you really meant it. You know, most | girls just want you to think they're feminine and easily scared. should have known better about you. Say you'll forgive me. Please, Coral"
 There was no use making a scene, Coral thought. She smiled at him shakily. T suppose you didn't understand how I felt, Hoyt"
 T was a silly ape not to un- derstand," he said boyishly. T should be horse-whipped for frightening you"
 Well, as far as that goes, sup pose it was stupid of me to be so but ever since that aw- ful accident that hapepned in front of our house at home last summer, I've been jittery. Let's not ak about it any more, only, please drive a little slower on our