The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-12-23

ana kAN4s1 sss eAAAApH S~~ ~Ee ted the Duchess weakness. I've al- ways been her exclusive property But during the holidays she loves QiyinR away things -often the very things she prizes most. When l come back. she1i be % tickled that she'll hand me to you all tied up with Christmas wrappings and . sprig of mistletoe .. Well, was 1t prom ise?"
 "Yes," said Linda breathIessly. Tt was Q promise"
 T can get a license in five min- utes, and we'll 60 to old Judge Bald win. He'll keep his mouth shut |. Be ready and waiting, darling"
 But 1t was five when Barry knocked ct Linda's door.
 T had to--use some rhetoric on Judge Baldwin" he explained, glancing ct his watch. "4ut he un- derstands now. He-Gosh but you look sweet, Titanial"
 If I could only have had more time, Barry" Linda said, glancing down ct her dress.
 She had slipped on Q slim tail- ored frock of white wool and Q small white felt hat. They were not new; they were just-white. And suddenly Linda longed for every- thing that made a bride lovely.
 In the lower hall Barry stopped and picked up square white box from a side table.
 Almost forgot" he said, offering 1t to Linda.
 Opening 1t, she found Q fragrant nest of white violetS. She cried Q little from pleasure as she took them from the box and pinned them to her coat.
 She was still wiping her eyes, witf Barry's arm about her shoulders when the front door opened abrupt | ly behind them. Turning, they faced Miss Chattam, standing as if rivet' ed to the doorstep, her tense pos ture. very much that of pointing setter, her quick, pale eyes picking out every detail of the little scene Linda's moist lids, Barry's arm about her shoulder, their air O startled conspirators.
 T didn't ring" she explained @! Linda hastily detached herself iron Barry's arm and turned to adjus her hat at the mirror over the wal table, because I didn't want to dis turb your grandmother, Captain Trent pr. Mclyor just told m' she is ill. r." she hesitated as theI continued to stand without speak ing-"is there anything I can do2"
 Not a thing in the world, Mis- Lydia. Won't you-that is-"
 As Barry vacillated between hos pitality and irritation, Miss Chat tam interrupted swiftly, "Oh, couldn't think of staying. jus called to inquire"
 She was obviously as anxious tt be gone as they were to see the las' of her.
 "There, by the grace of God, calculated Barry as the door click ed behind her, "goes the best oilet tongue in 20 counties. I say by the grace of God because it's e miracle some one hasn't fed hel poison long before this"
 T wonder" faltered Linda, "hov much she saw
 Docs 1t matter?" Barry laughed and kissed her.
 It was almost dusk as they went out into the frosty air.
 "Listen," Barry said while they were driving around the little town park. i've arranged everything. When we get back, there1l be tele- gram waiting for yoW calling you away on urgent business-the best excuse could think up at the mo- ment of writing. The boy is on his way with 1t already. I'll take the 6:30. I'll say 'adois' to Grandmother, take the later train, and meet you in the city. We can manage several hours together"
 You mean I'm to-see you start?"
 She wondered if she could bear that.
 Not a chancel Even the Duchess can't stick that field at night l can't leave you, Linda-so soon, 1" he begged.
 And so 1t was arranged.
 At the edge of the park stream of holiday traffic held them up. From a waiting car that slid into line beside them, a drawing throaty voice called Barry's name; and Rita Blanchard's pale, narrow face, with its full red mouth and intent, avid dark eyes appeared at the nearest window.
 Don't forget you're coming over for cocktails, Barry" Rita called