The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-27
CHAPTER XXIII

CHAPTER XXIII
 It seemed to Jackie, going back to Roger, that the cab would never reach the hospital. Oh, what If Beryl had not come after her, kept her from leaving? Then she would never have known the truth about Roger. never would have known that he loved her.
 This last thought was so tre- mendous that Jackie's heart peat faster than the spinning wheels. Beryl had said that 1t had been Jackie's name that Roger had called out in his delirium, that his belief that Beryl was Jackie had saved his life. Roger had not been merely acting then during their trial engagement. He had loved Jackie all the time, as she had loved him. The cab pulled up in front of the hospital. In her excitement Jackie nearly forgot to pay the driver. She did forget her bag, so that the driver had to run up the steps with 1t after her.
 You sure are in a hurry, lady! he said You may want your baggage, you know"
 Jackie thanked him, accepting the bag. Before she opened the hospital door, she set 1t down a moment. She opened her purse and took out Rogers flying pin. With fingers that trembled she fastened it on the lapel over her heart. With head held high, cheeks flushed, golden fires danc- ing in her eyes, she hurried down the long silent corridor to the closed door at the far end.
 As long as she lived Jackie knew she would never forget the light that sprang into Rogers eyes, that illuminated his whole face when that door opened and he saw tha. ,e had come back to him. It was a tcautiful light. It told her, more eioquently than any words, that Roger loved her.
 "Ycu missed your trainW Roger Aid. Hills tone was gay. He tried to be casual but his face still glowed.
 The nurse murmured something then about an errand she would attend, closing the door quietly as she slipped out of the room, prov ing that she had feminine anC an understanding heart hidden be- heath the stiff starchness of hel crisp white uniform.
 Yes I missed it." Jackie said On purpose"
 "On purpose!"
 of course" She crossed over to the bed, drew chair up close beside it. She snatched off her hat, tossing it aside. so that once again the sunshine streaming in through the window made bril- liant halo of her golden hair. T decided didn't want to go, Roger after all I decided I was wrong about everything. That's why came back"
 What made you decide that?' Roger asked. His glance wal searching, questioning.
 Jackie's gaze did not Waver before 1t. Because love you, Roger" sht said simply, honestly. The light tha' came into her eyes made her very lovely. So lovely that Roger had tt turn away moment before he coult answer her.
 You you don't mean that, he said. His tone still was gay and casual, except for an under current of eagerness that no effor could suppress.
 T never meant anything s' much in all my life" she went on I've been an awful little fool Roger. Pretending I didn't wan anything to do with love, building such wild, impossible day-dream of what I would do with my life Putting on an act, make-believe know now that nothing matter except love. love you, Roger and I'm not ashamed to say 1t. came back to tell you. I'd like t' tell everything - the whole worlt --that!"
 But you just told me-only short while ago - that you hat been putting on an act" Roge said. He would not look at her he had managed to suppress al eagerness now. T suppose this i just another one, Jackie. In fac I'm sure of it. You only thinl you love me or at least your' only saying 1t. Because you fee sorry for me, because cracked up, because I'm not much goot any more
 Don't say that!" She got t her feet, bent over to silence hin with a finger held against his lips Oh, he was so dear - so near t' her. She would have liked to hav' drawn his head down against he breast, liked to have shut out tha look of pain in his blue eyes, hold ing him close against her heart Its not that. I'm not sorry fo you. Why should I be? Soor you'll be just as you always were we'll forget all about all this your crack-up, the hospital ..
 You don't know what your' saying!" His voice was harsh Pity is akin to love, you know Hasn't Beryl told you the trutf about me?' He looked at he now, into her eyes a look tha would not let her glance away.