The Washington times., 1937-03-16

Bernard, rather, Denise - kind, |
faithful, moderately intelligent"
Her laughter, as always when 1t
was just friendly and gay, as If
they were good friends. warmed
him. do they have night clubs
here, Gilbert? I'd like to dance"
"I'll see."
The Intourist directed him to a
Gypsy cafe. where the music was
excellent of its kind, and a fan
tastic assortment of the prole-
tariat seemed to be enjoying them
selves in a manner not unlike that
of the bourgeoisie in cafes with
music the world over.
He was interested and diverted,
besides being pleased that Denise
seemed to be lighter of heart than
since before that cablegram came.
Even so, he was surprised that she
seemed altogether unwilling to go
back to the hotel, in spite Of the
rather firing day she'd had.
1t was past 3 before she said,
finally, May as well leave, I sup
pose" and said nothing else all
the way to the Metropole. :.
On the stairway, walking up the
single flight to their rooms, he
saw two tears caught on the edge
of her long lasheS. There, she
was grieving again for that man
who had so quickly forgotten her!
And what to do to help her he
did not know. Probably she did
not want him to notice even that
she needed help.
He unlocked the door Of her
room for her, and said, lightly:
"Sleep well. 1t was an amusing
evening, wasn't it?"
In the strangest voice, she said:
Come in minute, Gilbert"
Under the old-fashioned chan
delier, she turned and faced him.
She was trembling. Il wanted to
tell you that-that if you love me,
it's all right"
He took a step toward her. He
struggled with the greatest temp
tation of his life. Those two tears
that he had seen slid down her
cheeks; but her mouth quivered in
smile.
It took him a long minute to
find his voice. Denise, my dear
est, it isn't quite as simple as that.
Whether you love me or not is i'm
portant too."
She struggled: he could see her
struggle, for composure. He took
her hand then. "Everything's all
right. Denise. Only for both our
sakes, tell the truth. Don't pre-
tend"
She said shakily: Il don't feel as
you do, Gilbert, because can't
really feel anything at the mo-
ment. Only-I thought if it would
make you happier" She grew
confused.
He moved his dark head once,
in sudden violent gesture of ne
cation.
Leave me my pride, Denise" J."
He saw-that was the most bitter
thing-that she was relieved. But
suddenly she did something so
spontaneous, so impulsive, that he
was comforted. She put her slim
ans around his neck. She pulled
his head down and kissed him.
When she looked up at him
then, her smile was almost steady.
I'm saying thank you. I suppose
I did just want to escape thinking
things out. But, Gilbert, you are
so nice, really"
He said, Thank you. darling"
Then he said, Good night" and
went to his own room, happier
than he had been in weeks. After
that night, he kissed her formally
every morning. every evening; and
sometimes, for a breathleSS mo-
ment after that kiss, he heSitated.
But though she kissed him gently,
he was aware that some reluctance
held her still.
And he said 10 himself, over and
over: Not until she loves me
not because she's sorry for me.
or feels under obligation. For the
sake of the chance I think we have
again, not until she's ready"
ITO be cOntinued)
Downright BY Ursula Parrott
Distributed BY King FeatuFNA Incl