The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-10-27
y 7 LII .... ~: ~: : :; (: :::::: IA.
.ooyioht, 1907, NEA Service, Inc

MANI .NN''"S'"
80 Copyright, 1907, NEA Service, Inc
The lightncSS had gone out of
his voice. 1t was intensely scri-
Gus, stirred by emotion.
They left the tcaroom and
went out into the warm. autumn
night. Alan Signaled to a taxi. In
the darkness of the cab, they
moved closer.
Let's ride around for awhile
Alan whispered. 81 want to cele-
brate eXtravagantly, rccklcsSIy.
If you only knew all the corners
I've cut and the pennies I've
saved" He groaned.
ION one condition." Jill said.
Il take bus home alone"
Great heavens, jill, Why
can't take you homc?"
I'm being awfully foolish" Jill
said, but, please not tonight"
She could feel his gaze upon
hen.
Jill was frightened. Tonight
with the sense of Il miracle upon
him was no time for him to see
the Wentworth town house. 1t
would take the edge off his eX-
pericncc to find he had not been
confiding his good fortune to a
Girl of average circumstances but
10 one OF immense wealth.
Alan spoke suddenly. All
right. Have it your way, JILL
He realized that Jill did not want
him to accompany her home. He
tried, reasonably. to Justify her.
There might be an old crouch for
father. \ nervous mother. A
living room badly in need of new
furniture. Foolish reasons. All OF
them. But girls had strange no.
lions about things.
The taxi ratified along, circling
about the city. doubling back on
tracks.
And then. suddenly, they were
both very quiet. 4 lump was in
Jilrs throat. 1t WAS happening.
He was falling in love with her.
She knew it without words. a
strong tide of feeling was rushing
from Alan to her. His hand, hold
ing hers, shook a little. There was
delicious feeling Of content
ment in the funny old taxi. jill
wished the ride could last for
ever.
But of course that $4,000 must
be saved for more practical pur-
poses. -
II suppose" Jill said, You'll
be leaving the city and taking
place somewhere else
Eyes. As soon as my month 5
up Saturday.
Passing along Banks street now
-. Southern street past the
Berkeley, which Jill remembered
was said to be the oldest apart
mcnt hotel Southern street
again.
"Where to now, sir" called the
perpleXcd driver.
Just drive"
The cab swung around and
Alan settled back. He took JilIs
hand again. pressing it hard. An
arm cncircled her shoulder.
Its coming Jill thought. She
didn't know just when, but she
was sure it would be only mat
ter of moments before Alan kiss
ed her, -.
But, abruptly, Alan was telling
the driver to stop. Its getting
late he said. you haven't any
business going back alone. But If
YOU insist. you had better start
They climbed out and walked
through the park. Jill could see
the lights of the bus coming
nearer. Soon she would be on it,
whirlcG under the tall ,arch, UNI
der the words written there:
Let US laiSe standard to which
the wise and honest can repair.
The event is in the hand of God
Jill didn't know whether she
had been very wise. She didn't
feel very honest. somehow. The
event, she hoped for him and for
herSelf-was in the hands Of
God.
She felt very small, very un-
certain and uneasy, standing be-
side Alan; watching the lights of
the bus come nearer.
1t stopped. A young girl with
gay. red feather in her hat.
tugged confidently at the arm OF
her young man as they clambcred
aboard. Two older people-an
acid-eyed woman and a jolly,
roly-poly looking man waited for
Jill and Alan to climb aboard.
Suddenly, Alan put his arms
about Jill, crushing her close in
his arms. Kissing her long, hard
and desperately.
"All aboard" grumbled the
conductor. doubtless envying
Alan.
The acid-eyed woman shifted
and mounted the steps quickly.
The fat man followed slowly, with
wiStful, backward glances.
Jill, released, ran up the steps.
From her seat she gazed down at
Alan with eyes like stars. The
bus clattered on. JilIs thoughts
sang with the stars.
The event was in the hands of
fate now. She sent up a little
prayer.