The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-17
CHAPTER VIII

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 CHAPTER VIII
 His face darkened. Why do you keep putting me of? I've had about enough of that technic. Let's set the day right here and now. Or" he eyed her shyly, "have you changed your mind?"
 Cant we let it wait little longer?" she asked. Why couldn't he see she didn't love him? Why must he torture her so?
 "No, we can't" His voice was angry. T want your answer now. And if you don't give the right one, well. my father can call that $10,000 loan of your dads, and l don't mean maybe. I'll give you till midnight to make up your mind. If you don't know then, I'll know my next move. Coral, and don't think anything will change my mind"
 The rest of their dinner at the Tavern and the hour in which she and Hoyt danced to the blar1ng music of the colored orchestra be- fore they left, passed like bad dream. The food seemed tasteless, the music loud, and maddening in her ears.
 After he had made his threat, Hoyt seemed to forget all about it and insisted that they dance, ap- plaud and join the raucous merri- ment about them as if nothing had happened. But Coral was unable to dismiss what had been said. To her, those hours with Hoylt were end- less mental torture. Her mind whirl- ed as she ate and danced and even laughed mechanically. Vainly she sought a solution of her problems. Was there no way to postpone this showdown with Hoyt? And yet she know that no matter how long she put off the inevitable revelation, the consequences would be the same. Hoyt, in his anger and re- vengeful pride would do what he had threatened, have her fathers loan called and ruin him, or if that failed find some other fiendish way of making her pay for what he would consider betrayal.
 Coral was glad waen Hoyt final ly decided to leave the Tavern. The constantly heightening bedlam of voices in the room, the Strident cry ing of saxophones and trumpets tore at her nerves, and the savage rhythm of the drums became one with the beating of her heart, heavy and slow and suffocating. In the smoky blue air of the place there was a threat of trouble, kind of foreboding haze full of repressed passion and anger and violence. After Hoyt had paid the check, tipped the waiter and donned his coat they walked silently through the din to the door. As Hoyt opened it and she stepped out onto the walk, Coral heard a shout and turned just in time to see two men strike at each other fall, rolling together on the floor. A shrill femi- nina scream rose above the tumult, the lights dimmed even lower. A man, obviously the proprietor, was maknig his way across the room to the spot where the two men fought. Hoyt turned to go back into the room, but Coral caught him by the arm. "Don't, Hoyt! Don't go back , in there! Let's get away" She could bear no more. They must not be- come involved in this alien quarrel
 Hoyt was reluctant, but she pre- vailed upon him to leave. He looked at her curiously as he helped her into the car. What's the matter? Afraid I'd get hurt or something?"
 "Yes. And besides, there was no use in our getting mixed up in some drunken brawl, with people who seem to enjoy it. Besides, I didn't want to let you get your white tie and tails all mussed up before the Prom" She tried to make her voice light, to hide the fright and near-hysteria which lay so close to the surface.
 Hoyt smiled at her as the car pulled out of the driveway. As they started back toward Elton, he stretched his arm across the back of the seat and attempted to pull her to him. Why, Coral, darling, I believe you really were afraid I'd be hurt back there"
 I l.