The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-12
CHAPTER x


 had been so angry before in all her life. She told herself that she simply despised Roger Breckner. So he thought it was ridiculous, did he, to pretend to be engaged to her? He had laughed at her, accused her of being jealous. Jackie forgot that she had called the very idea of their engagement ridiculous, too more than once. She did not know any thing about jealousy, since she had never been in love. She did not know much akin hatred and love can be.
 She did know she wished she could square matters some way with Roger for having got her into this mess. She would like to make him suffer for it, as much as she had. She would like to turn the laugh on him.
 Well, one thing was certain, the moment this flight of his was over, Jackie would put an end to this whole crazy business. She would not keep this farce up any longer. Even if she had to tell Evelyn the whole truth about everything.
 Dear me-" Evelyn said, toward the end of the long evening, T do think Roger has behaved very strangely toward you, Jacqueline. Why, do you know he has danced practically every dance with Mrs. Meirose! He is dancing with her now-see them, darling!"
 of course see them!" Jackie snapped. How could she help her self? She did not have to have her attention called to the fact that Roger was dancing with Beryl Mel rose. She had been very much aware of it all evening. She knew he was doing it on purpose. because he thought it would make her jealous.
 "It does not look very well when this is your engagement party" her mother murmured.
 "Its really yours," Jackie said.
 "Mine!" Evelyn exclaimed. "Oh, l see what you mean, darling-be- cause of myself and Paul. You know, I believe Paul thinks it odd, too, the way Roger is behaving :"
 "I don't give a darn what MT. Scott thinks about anything!' Jackie said. Then she turned away, biting her lips hard. She was not biting them because it was an ef- fort to keep back the prick of tears from behind her eyelids, or down the big lump filling her throat. But she was tired, the silver slippers pinched her feet, her head throbbed from trying to hold it high, her lips felt stiff from keeping them in curving smile. Besides, she must be careful what she said or her mother would no longer believe in this ridiculous engagement. To have Evelyn find out now that it was all pretense would be more than Jackie's nerves could stand.
 
 Roger and Beryl Melrose came up to Jackie after that dance. I'm afraid I'm going to have to say good night" Mrs. Melrose said smilingly, extending her hand. Its been such lovely party It was so sweet of you to ask me-"
 She actually sounded as though she meant it. but of course Jackie could see through her. Tt was nice of you to come," she returned politely. It was just lovely of you to spoil my whole evening, she might have added. But she had no intention of letting this other girl know that.
 "Of course I'll see you again" Beryl said. You'll be coming to the field to see Roger take off. You must be genuinely proud to be engaged to him!" AS she said this last, she turned her big dark eyes toward Roger, with look that, although Jackie did not know anything about love, could be easily read.
 Why. Beryl Melrose was in love with Roger! Really in love with him. This knowledge was like an icy shower descending upon Jackies head. She did not know why it should be like that. It could not make any difference in her young life.
 "Of course I'm proud of him." Jackie said. She had not meant to say 1t. But she just did. She, too gave Roger a look; a shy. smiling one that seemed to say how proud she was, more than any words. For suddenly Jackie had been seized with an idea of her own! She really would put on an act She really would make people believe in this ridiculous engagement. Even Roger himself!
 Then she would indeed have the laugh on him.
 He was looking at her in his pug zled masculine way. You sounded as though you meant that" he said. 'I haven't done anything to be T D