The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-18
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER XII

Connie had "her hour" for little while. Her lovely secret romance. Each day she told herself that the time must come when she would tell Bret the truth about herself. But each day wore on into the next, with her courage somehow failing her, her decision wavering.
 Bret'S bridge rose and expanded and spread; so that soon it would be a creation completed in steel and stone, as well as in mans mind. So different was this life to Connie, so complete her happi- ness and contentment, that after wards she was to wonder if it really had been, if perhaps, she had not really been someone else, during those feeting months, that were over and done. all too soon.
 The first faint breath of spring descended into the low valley, warming the little sleepy village into new activity, awakening the somber dark hills, brushing the tips of the gray trees. Wild things ventured out to sun them selves, to water at the springs; birds twittered and trilled and be- gan to look about for a place for their home-making. And Bret in sisted Connie wear high-topped boots for fear she might come across a rattler or copper-head during their walks.
 ."I'll make a hill-billy of you, yet" he told her jokingly. He was very gay these days, was Bret. Gay and maSterful and tender.
 When are you going to make up your mind to marry me, like a sensible girl?" This was another thing that Bret said, more than once. T can't see why she shouldn't get married right away. Except perhaps, that it might be better for me - to wait until the bridge is done. You sec" he adopted his bantering tone, T don't want to let you take my mind completely off my work"
 Connie said she wished she could. But she did not mean it. His bridge had become as import ant to her as ito him. According to the contract it must be finished within another month. With luck, it would be. Just as with luck again-she might have that much longer as Katie Blyn.
 She told him, laughingly, that she wouldn't give him his answer until that time. When your bridge is finished" she said, then I'll be sensible and make up my mind. We'll decide about being married"
 That made postponement easier, more acceptable. When Brets bridge was done Connie must tell him who she was, as well as when she would marry him.
 She was not to be allowed that pogtponement, however. Perhaps Fate, if there is such a lady, had de- cided that she had been kind long enough.
 That following Saturday Eloise and Connie, in Bret's car, went shopping together. They had driven over to a nearby town, a larger one where the stores could more Satis- factorily meet their demands. Their purchases had been completed, they had even indulged in fancy sun- dae at the elegant marble soda foun- tain, when Eloise stopped suddenly in the street.
 "Oh," she exclaimed, q forgot - I'll have to go back. I promised I'd bring home Charleston paper. Bret will be disappointed, and Mother will never forgive me, un- less I do. You go on to the car, Katie, and I'll be with you in 8 minute"
 "Take your time" Connie laughed. Eloise had appeared as dis tressed as though she had commit ted sizeable offense. Connie and Eloise were close friends now. They had had many happy hours together chatting as only two young girls can of everything under the sun and above it; they had, indeed, become like sisters"
 They chatted now, driving home again, of the latest fashions, as predicted in the store windows, how ridiculous the spring millin- cry was going to be with its tower like crowns, profusion of feminine flowers and feathers and bows yet how altogether delightful-as to whether Mrs. Parsons would be pleased with the luncheon set Con- nie had bought as special sur prise, whether or not EloiSe