The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-24
CHAPTER XIX

Roger, l nave SODe,nlng to tell you," Jackie said that next morning when she arrived at the hospital Roger looked so bright and cheer full today, so much more like him. self. His head was no longer sWathed in bandages; he wore his gamin- grin, his blue eyes had lighted up as she came into his room. T decided yesterday-that I had better go home today"
 That's why you didn't come tC scee me then?" Roger asked. Ii her sudden announcement was a surprise - or disappointment - he did not give any sign of either He smiled at her now, so that his eyes crinkled at their corners in the old way; he motioned toward a chair. Aren't you going to sit down?" he asked, as though he would tease her a little. Aren't you going to take off your hat SC may see your pretty hair? You aren't going to run away this min ute, are you, Jackie?"
 "No," she answered, though in her heart she wished that that were possible. If only she could have run away without having td say goodby. A goodby that was the most difficult one she had ever had to say. That might be forever. But even that was not the something she had to tell him. That was going to be the hardest of all. This thing that she had decided she must do.
 She sat down obediently, taking off her hat, as he had asked her to- The sunlight streaming through the window blazed across her hair mak- ing a golden halo of her flushed, young race. The same warm sum- shine that only yesterday had caressed the bent dark head of Beryl, kneeling at Rogers side.
 "Im sorry you have to go," Roger said now; the same phrase that Beryl had used when Jackie had told her she was going home. Then, amazingly, he added almost the same words, too. But maybe dlpCI dll. IL ID DCOO, lily loVC. Jackie's heart gave little twinge at the old familiar, mock ing words. How often she had told Roger in reply that she was not his love - and now she never could be. Now it was indeed a mockery.
 "That wasn't what I wanted to fo1I JooLio cold Sl,a get this over as quickly, as pain lessly as possible,
 What is it?" Roger asked. You may tell me anything. I guess l can take it - now" He still wore hi5 gay grin, but his blue eyes were serious.
 "Yes you are almost well now, aren't you? You ought to be out of the hospital and hob bling about on a crutch before long!" Jackie tried to be gay, too. She did not see the look that swept across Rogers face, wiping away his grin, making his eyes more sober. A look that would have denied his quick reply.
 "Ill say! Crutches nothing! Do you think I'd bother with such things, Jackie! Oh, yes I'm sure to be out of here now before long"
 Taking wings again, expect!' Jackie added. For she knew that one nasty crack-up would not stop Roger. He would never be happy, unless he could go on with his flying.
 '"That's right" Roger said al most too cheerfully. A forced cheerfulness that again belied the flash of pain in his blue eyes, But what was it you wanted to tell me, Jackie-besides goodby?'
 "Just that you are free,' she answered, hurrying on quickly, Free - of your ridiculous trial en- gagement, I mean. It really isn't necessary to go on with it any longer, Roger. I can explain things to Mother. She and l understand each other better now. And she is going to marry MT, Scott, anyway"
 And you still feel that you don't want to marry anyone at least not until you're old and bored and feeble?"
 Maybe not even then" Jackie forced another little laugh. So Roger was not even going to pro- test, or try to hold her to his idea. He wanted to be free, then. There could be no doubt of that. Jackie had tried to tell herself that she must expect this, but it was not any easier to accept for all that.
 T see,' Roger said. He turned his head away moment, as though the sunlight were too strong for his eyes. But when he looked at her again his eyes were smiling. That's all right, Jackie; I understand. It didn't turn out so hot, did tiny swell idea? Though there was little - while - just before went away - after that night in the garden standardization I thought |. '. But I guess you were still only putting on our act" He changed his tone abruptly, as though he realized there was no use in re- membering,
 But Jackie remembered. AS though she ever could forget! And because remembrance was so sweet and yet so sad, she said, "Of course it was an act! You see I had an idea too, Roger. I thought I'd see if couldn't even put it over on you our engagement, mean. thought I'd turn the laugh on you