The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-17
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of course I was" Then as he at- tempted to draw her to him again, Please don't ,Hoyt. Not now. l need to think. About us," she added as she saw his face darken.
 His voice was harsh. Just as you say. But I wouldn't think that the situation required much coming over, things being as they are. The answer to your question, my sweet, is very simple" His voice was Sneer- ing. Its 'us,' as pou put it, or . |. They drove silently for awhile, then he spoke again. And just in case you're thinking that my father may not do what I ask him to and thus save your father, it might interest you to know that Dad agrees with me absolutely about the whole mat ter. As a matter of fact, he'll can- eel your fathers loan on our wed- ding day. On the other hand, as I think I've mentioned before, he'll call in the money the day you grad uate in case you change your mind" !"
 Coral did not reply, and Hoyt volunteered nothing further. She was surprised that Hoyt drove cau- tiously on his way back to town, and for all her scorn of him she was grateful. It gave her time to think, to plan what to say to him when midnight came and he de- manded his anwer. With all her forces of concentration she at tempted to solve the problem logi- cally, to look at the situation, her inner eyes unclouded by prejudice or fear. But even logic did not seem to help.
 Wearily she shuffled the prob lem around in his mind. "There is no answer" she told herself. There are two courses open to me, and l can take neither" Which obligation was the greater, that to her par ents, or that to herself and David? Whose happiness was most im- portant? Her conscience drove her toward her parents claim, but her heart begged for the happiness which she and David saw before them. Yet, wincing at the thought, she was forced to recognize the fact that the moment, David did not seem to want her ever again, did not seem to care what happened to their love and marriage.
 If it was true, though she could not believe it, that he no longer cared for her then she would marry Hoyt willingly. Without David there could be no other love, so what did the rest of her life matter? But David did love her She knew it. He would not stay away forever. As the car stopped before the entrance to the gymnasium Coral formed the one plan which had arisen from her thoughts. She must see David be- fore midnight, when Hoyt expected his answer. She must see him, find out where she stood, how he really felt toward her. For the moment her worries left her. David would know what to do. He would help her
 Hoyt got out of the car, came around to help her alight. He look ed at her mockingly. Have you made your decision?" he asked. He looked at his watch. Its 1:30. Just 90 minutes more. An hour and 8 half. Do you think you'll know the answer then?" His coice was jocu- lar, but his eyes were hard, the lines around his mouth cruel and set.
 Coral lifted her chin, her eyes flashing. You're very sure of your self, aren't you? Would it surprise you if I anwsered in my favor in- stead of yours? Suppose you think about that for the next 90 minutes. !" She laughed, a laugh brittle with anger. Two great minds with but a single thought, MT. Marquis. There's something almost romantic about that, don't think" She walked proudly i -lle building ahead of him.
 She was little surprised when she found Hoyt waiting for her outside the cloak room. She had half expected him to leave after her outburst. They walked together into the ballroom. passed down the receiving line and began to dance. She replied automatically to the greetings of her friend, her eyes seeking David. What if he had not come to the Prom after all? She saw Jimmy Bayliss, Donna's escort for the evening, dance by with someone else. Donna was dancing with Jay Saunders. Then her heart skipped a beat. AS she and Hoyt danced near the stagline she saw David standing there. He was at the dance and alone! Frantically she tried to catch his eye, but he did not see her, deliberately it seem ed. Why, why, did he act this way?
 Then she felt hot flush rising O-----------------