The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-25
CHAPTER XXI

Well, that was that, Jackie thought grimly, as she waited impa- tiently in the little station for the noon train. That was the end of that ridiculous trial engagement. An end fin which the last laugh was bitter sweet, indeed. For Jackie supposed that the last laugh was on her. She had thought she could laugh at love, refuse to have any part Of it. and now it was laughing at her.
 Only this laughter was terribly close to tears. It was aching misery, filling her whole being, an ache that would turn to dull emp tiness, no doubt. in time. For this farewell was the end of every thing for her. It would be as Evelyn had said: Jackie knew she never again would love anyone as she loved Roger. First love was the sweetest; the saddest, too.
 She knew now, of course, that Roger did not love her She had been little fool to think that he had ever. He had been only stag ing an act, even when he had played up to her act, at the end, even when he had kissed her that night in the garden, when he had asked her to wear his pin.
 She opened the palm of her hand and there, cradled in it's grasp, was Rogers pin. In her flight from the hospital she forgot that she had still clutched it in her hand. She had tried to give it back to Roger. But he had re- fused to accept it. He had said he would like her to keep it. AS though she would need anything for remembrance! She started to pin 1t on her lapel, again, over her heart, as Roger had. But no, she could not bear to do that. She opened her purse and put the pin out of sight.
 The little station took on an air of impatience, a furry of excitement Within few minutes now the noon train would come laundering in. The platform would quiver, the building shake; people would press forward, porters would scurry by, the station- master would sing out his rhythmic chant, All aboard, all aboard. East bound train, stopping at Bellefonte, Lewisburg, Harrisburg =. All aboard ."
 It could not come too soon for Jackie. She still felt impelled to flee; she still wanted to run away, and keep on running, if only It were possible, as far as she could She wanted to hide her head, her injury from teh world; she wanted to give in to this aching misery, to let it sweep over her, carry her away. She wanted to cry in her mothers arms.
 Yes, she could tell Evelyn everything now, knowing that she would understand, knowing that she would give comfort and for giveness as well. Her mother, who was wise and kind and dear
 The rumbling of the approach ing train, first distant, faint murmur, grew louder and louder, swelling in volume. The platform quivered; the building shook, Jackie picked up her bag and pressed forward with the others, as the train came to a stop. She was about to put her foot on the first step when suddenly someone caught her arm. swung her around swiftly.
 Jackie wait! Oh, I did catch you stop you in time :" It was Beryl Melrose, clutching Jackies arm, holding her back. A strange Beryl indeed, flushed, hat less, hair wind-blown, dark eyes bright.
 Why did you want to stop me?" Jackie asked. Had something hap pened to Roger? Had he taken turn for the worse? But no, she had left him only a short while ago. You can't stop me, Beryl Please!" Jackie tried to pull away. People were pushing past, getting on the train; in minute or two it would pull out again.
 T had to stop you" Beryl said. She still spoke with difficulty, her breath coming in short gasps You can't go, Jackie. Not until you listen to me-" She still held firmly to Jackie's arms, as though, if necessary, she would detain her by force.
 I've got to gop Jackie said Why must Beryl try to stop her now? Beryl had known she had said last night she would leave on this noon train. Beryl had even agree dthat would be best
 "All aboard! All aboard!"
 That was the last call. All of