The Washington times., 1937-09-28

I shall stay with Marion for a
while"
Jim said, "Oh-I see!"
Marion had received her delight
edly. The older sister listened
avidly to the details of Nina's griev-
ances. Going to get a divorce"
Marion questioned.
WkNTS TO THINK
Nina looked startled, Goodness,
Marion, give me a chance. I want
a little time to think things over"
Marion laughed. 60 ahead and
think, but you won't find time for
much of it here. 1 prefer to enjoy
myself, and leave the thinking to
some body else"
Marion was right. There was not
much time for thinking. There
were always too many people drop
ping in. Too much excitement,
with Marion always in The midst
of it.
AS for Edgar, Marion's husband
Nina would have been inclined
to feel sorry for him, hao not his
aloof manner forbade any attempt
at sympathy.
He was a quiet, elderly man who
seemed conscious of the fact that
he did not fit in with Marion'S
young crowd. At parties scant at
tention was paid to him and, after
polite greetings, he usually diSap-
peared.
Just the man who pays the
bills" Nina could not help think
ing rather worried.
marion could be as sweet as
sugar with Edgar when she wanted
something, and at other times
she could be utterly careless. The
situation was very plain.
Edgar adored Marion, condoned
everything she did, was jealous of
her, too. But Marion did not love
him. How could she?
Yes, there were plenty Of dis
fractions at Marion's. There was
Barton Guest, for instance. On
that first evening when he met
Nina he demanded, why haven't
I met you at any parties before?
Marion, you didn't tell me you had
such charming little sister,"
For an instant Marion did not
look pleased. Then she laughed
lightly.
She is lovely, isn't she, Bert?
But it's hands off, She's mar.
ried."
Bart gave tragic groan. Are
not they alp
But in spite of that, Bart gave
Nina a terrific rush" She was
intrigued at first, and excited.
Then one night he kissed her in
the garden. When she broke
away from him he laughed.
ANGRY AT KISS
Don't tell me you're an old
fashioned girl! Nina, I'm crazy
about you"
Nina was angry. She was no
prude but she could not help not
liking the way he kissed her. She
had one sudden overwhelming
wish that Jim were here-one
sane, sensible person in this mad
house Of luxury.
There was not much time for
thinking-but Nina thought of all
these things as she stood outside
the library door, unintentlonally
overhearing words between Edgar
and Marion. Edgar's usually quiet
voice was raised.
I've stood as much as I'm going
to stand, Marion. Things can't 60
on like this. There's got to be a
divorce"
There was an exclamation from
Marion, and Edgar said, "I believe
I have grounds. You and Barton
Guest" His voice lowered so that
Nina could not hear.
Marion cried, You mean-you
mean you've dared to have people
spy upon me and-and Bart?"
Nina could stand no more She
fled.
Nina was far more shaken than
Marion, however, when the two
sisters met later. Marion was puff
ing at a cigarette, and there were
little lines beneath her doll.blue
eyes, but she was perfectly calm.
Nina said clumsily, I'm sorry,
Marion. I couldn't help hearing
what Edgar said"
Marion was silent for a long
moment. Then she replied slowly,
SO you heard? Well, don't worry.
There won't be any divorce.
I've Smoothed Edgar over. It's all
right. But it means that Bart
won't be able to come to the house
again. Rather a shame but"
She shrugged her shoulders.
Bart's dear, and he'd marry me
in a minute if were free, but I'm
far better off with Edgar than I
should ever be with Bart. You
can't have everything, Nina"
Nina said. NO suppose not"
and thought fervently, Thank
heaven I'm not in your shoes!"
But she must not worry now
about Marion. Marion had chosen
to marry Edgar for his money,
and to try to hide her flirtations
with younger men as best she
could.
That was her life. Marion had
made her bed. just as she, Nina,
had made hers. Nina knew now
that hers was the best, after ali.
She telephoned Jim next morn.
ing. She could get Jim at the of.
flee. She could not say much.
There was too much emotion chok.
ing in her throat.
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