The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-11
CHAPTER HI

Coral tWlrled the stem oI her empty cocktail glass, glanced at her wrist watch, and wished for the twentieth time that Hoyt would decide to go home. The cocktail party had been given at the country club for the young people home for spring vaca- tion. It had been pleasant enough. She had seen some of her friends for the first time in several months. Be- sides, it had proved an easy way to satisfy both her par ents and Hoyt, who were all angry at the way she had avoided him during the week.
 Now, however, almost everyone had left, it was nearing dinner time. and they should be off. How much longer was Hoyt going to stand drinking at the bar? If he kept on, he wouldn't be able to drive.
 She got up from the tcouch on which she had been sitting and walked over to the archway which separated the main lounge of the club from the bar. Hoyt, his hair rumpled, his face flushed, was en- paped in A chat with the barten- der. "Hoyt," Coral said. Don't YOU htink it's time we started back to town?"
 Hoyt turned to look at her. .Huh? Whats up. Whassamatter? His head dropped, and with vis- ible effort he strengthened IL. "Why, it's Coral" Did you get lone- some, baby? Have drink. Bar terder! A drink for Miss Crandall
 and one for yourself. Drink to our wedding, Jack! Whatll It be, beautiful?"
 Coral flushed. T don't want anything, Hoyt. We must be get tire home. It's almost dinner tip5e." She looked deprecatingly at the bartender. You mustn't nav any attention to him. I'm afraid he's not quite himself"
 "Whaddya mean. I'm not my seli?" Hoyt shouted. I'm per fectly okay. I'll have to teach you better manners after we're mar ried!"
 Coral moved forward and took him by the arm. Lets discuss that on the way hame. We really must be going"
 kt last, after more words, Hoyt permitted her to lead him out side. He climbed into the driver S seat of the big sedan, mumbling to himself
 wont you let me drive home, Hoyt?" Coral said, as he fum- bled with the keys. You're aW- fully tired. Let me do the work this time"
 Hoyt answered her, his words carefully precise. Now, don't you worry, little girl. You just trust Hoyt. Hoyt will get you home to mama in plenty of time for dln- ner. But don't you think 1t would be nice if you gave me nttle kiss before we start?"
 Before she could protest, Hoyts arms were around her, his not, liauor- -heavy breath in her lace. Desperately she twisted her head, and his kiss. greedy and wet, glanced her cheek. He thrust her away from him. 50, That's now YOU feel, is it? You think you're too good to be kissed. You're get ting a lot of high-hat ideas, Coral Crandall. Just because a fellow has a little drink and enjoys him. self, you act like martyred saint. Act any way you want to. l don't care. You can't get away from me. Don't forget, the weddings In June, whether you like 1t or not, You're gonna walk right out ot Elton, into the church and up the aisle with yours truly
 Without another word, he started the car and roared out of the driveway onto the main road.
 It was a 20-minute drive from the country club into Wheatland and Coraps home, and those min utes extended themselves into ter rifying hours as the car rushed through the spring twilight. Hoyt drove furiously, ignoring traffic regulations and the rights of others motorists. Coral's frightened eyes watched the speedometer rise as the powerful car lunged on It's way. Sixty sixty-five scventy-five, and up to eighty-fve. The car sWerved from one side of the road to the other, missing other cars by hairs breadth, hurtling through intersections in