The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-10
CHAPTER VIII

CHATTER VIII
 Jackie knew that her mother had not meant that she ought to try to stop Roger from making his strato- sphere trial flight because of the danger and risk involved. Evelyn did not know anything about that. But she did understand human nature. And the danger involved when an- other woman came into the picture, especially such an exceptionally at- tractive woman as Beryl Melrose.
 It was Roger who phoned Jackie that next day to ask her to postpone her flying lesson once more. He told Jackie that the plans for his flight were prac- tically fin the bag. He seemed so steamed up about this that his conversation had been almost in- coherent and decidedly sketchy.
 It was only afterwards that Jackie realized he had not men, toned the fact that he, too, had gone into New York the day be- fore. He had not said word about having lunched at the Colony
 Not that she cared, Jackie told herself rather more emphatically than was necessary. Not that it was any business of hers where Roger went or with whom he lunched. Their engagement was only ruse, anyway.
 But he had not said when he would be able to give her her les son, or when he would see her, or phone again or anything. He had merely mumbled something about being "tied up" for a while.
 Jackie supposed that meant more luncheons with Mrs. Melrose--and ended with vague "so long, be see- ing you"
 Several days had passed and he had not called again. They were the longest, dreariest days Jackie had ever known. Oh. the sun was shining brightly enough. Too brightly. There wasn't cloud in the sky. Perfect flying weather. Which, of course, was the only reason why Jackie sat around the house, waiting for the phone or the doorbell to ring. She sup posed when Roger got time to give her another lesson the sky would start to rain cats and dogs. It was enough to make anyone feel low to have to miss these heaven ly spring days that should have been spent trying ones wings, in- stead of cramped up indoors.
 
 Finally Jackie could not stand it any longer. She decided to drive out to the field, even though Roger had not given any sgins of being alive, or of remembering that she was. Maybe, since she was soloing now, she could take the ship up, even if he was not there. If so it would not make the slightest difference to her. whether he was or not.
 Which was rather a contradic- ton considering the way her heart leaped into her throat and her pulses started racing madly the moment she saw him. He was standing by the side of a plane, a silver ship that Jackie did not remember ever having seen at the field before, talking with someone. It wasn't until she was within hailing distance and had made mistake" of calling his name that Jackie realized second later the person he was talking with was Beryl Melrose.
 Jackie would have gone into the hangar, but Roger motioned for her to join them. T want you to know Jackie Dun, Mrs. Mel rose" he said, flashing his engag- ing grin. "Jackie's one Of my best students; she's nutty about flying. And" his grin broadcned as he gave Jackie an open and knowing wink, incidentally Jackie and l are engaged"
 T am very glad to know you indeed" Beryl Melrosc said cor dially, extending her hand. She was even more attractive than at a distance. She had the most beautiful big brown eyes Jackie had ever seen. Her skin was like a gardenia petal. But what Jackie noticed - and enVicd - most of all was her poiSe.
 For some reason JdcKlc lclI all hands and feet, as though she did not know what to say, or how to act. Maybe 1t was because of Rogers remark about their en- gagement. Jackie felt she could have slain him gladly for making it. Certainly that wink had not been necessary. If Mrs. Melrose had seen 1t, what on earth would she think?
 Roger seemed to have forgotten that he had promised to see this en- gagement business through to the bitter end and that they had agreed tiAy must behave as though it were a reality before other people.
 Sorry l haven't had time to phone you" he said now making matters worse, instead of better. Haven't had minute, have we, Beryl?"
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