Evening star., 1938-01-12

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She nodded. "Yes, Roger met U.s."
He swept her with his searching
gaze. You're looking wonderful, Iris.
believe your trip was good for you."
"Oh, 1t was. We had, a splendid
time. And Patti Is pleased with my
results"
What have you been doing with
your time?" she asked after he ordered
her favorite luncheon.
you know, the usual. The thea
ter, Lake Placid, a few concerts, teas
and playing nursemaid to the deco
rators. Miriam's just about ready to
give her housewarming."
Then you've been quite busy. You
look well, Dana"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Why
shouldn't /? The only thing I'm
afraid of Is that this soft life is going
to be too much of q strain on my
figure"
A sudden sharp. bitter voice startled
them out OF their tete-a-tete. Iris
had not seen her approach. Elsie
Meyer stood looking down upon them,
her crimson lips curled sarcastically.
80 sorry. Dana, that you had to
break your engagement for an un-
pleasant business appointment" Her
black eyes flashed. Il might have
knoWn-only it isn't another blond
this time. hope, Miss Barton, that
you understand Mr.. Curtis better than
either Miriam or I seem to-" She
turned upon her little heel and walked
quickly away.
Dana's face was crimson He half
rose, and then sank back in his chair.
I'm aWfully sorry, Iris"
Iris said sympathetically, Don't
apologize. Dana. I know it's rather
upsetting to have scene in a public
place"
Dana looked at her quickly. Was
there trace of sarcasm in her voice?
Was she still remembering his words
with Roger at PATHS?
He was silent during the rest OF the
meal, only answering her questions
perfunctorily. He placed her in a cab
and directed the driver to her apart
ment. He said, "I'll call you tomor-
row."
Iris smiled. please don't bother,
Dana" she said gently. 1T really
doesn't matter in the least. You see,
don't care any more what you do.
The luncheon with you was the final
test. And 1t hasn't bothered me at
ALL" She leaned forward and kissed
him lightly on the lips. Il shouldn't
worry too much about 1t, Dana"
And she looked back as the cab
turned the corner. He was still stand
ing there looking after her.
How free she suddenly was! For
Dana she felt only slight pity.
She tried to conjure up a picture
Of him as he had been last year. And
instead of teasing black eyes she could
see only the steady gray-brown ones
OF Roger Vashe.
Scarcely without reasoning, Iris
selected her ice-blue satin dress for
the evening. Again she wore her
FURNISHED curls in halo fashion about
her head. She wondered If Roger
would remember
Her eyes told her that he had. She
answered his tap on the door, and
suddenly found herself trembling.
His eyes sought hers questioningly.
He was older-looking and thinner.
She had not noticed it this morning
She led him in and motioned to-
ward the big easy chair. Lets not
go out tonight. You don't mind, do
you?"
He sank gratefully down in the
depths Of the chair. 1T will be q
heavenly change"
Marie had lit fire in the CRATE
and they looked into the blue flames.
Iris curled up on the divan and
watched Roger light his pipe. He
silently smoked for a while, and then
the pipe grew cold.
Iris suddenly grew afraid. Sup
posing it was too late, perhaps he
had met another girl while she was
gone. The thought was unbearable.
She rose and hurried swiftly to
his side. Roger" she said in a
small, frightened tone.
He half rose. then he pulled her
oOWn into MS arms
She buried her head against his
throat. She felt his lips upon her
hair, then he lifted her face to look
into her violet eyes.
Iris, don't unless you mean It," he
said in low voice
"Oh, darling, I do. I've known all
day." she confessed. Prom the mo-
ment saw you at the pier" That.
then, was the reason Dana could not
hurt her at lunch. why she had not
thought Of him except as an old
friend; = rather boring one, at that.
Roger held her closely. How
peaceful it was. How steadily his
heart beat against her own. This is
love, 1t said, you shall never be hurt
again. She lifted her lips for his kiss
(Copyrisht. 1889
| 1.-THE end)