The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-28
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER XXI

"Yes, decided not to go to Ber- muda," Connie said to Rodney Brandon. over cocktails in the small private club at which they were lunching together. Bret staged a scene, refused to go. Though that's not my only reason for giving up the trip" Her pretty face took on a look of determination. I'm going to di- vcrce Bret, Rodney"
 ''You are!" There was no mis- taking the eagerness that lighted Rodney's eyes. He leaned across the little table, intimately. Oar ling I, well, perhaps, I shouldn't say this - but I'm glad Bret isn't the man for you. Your worlds are miles apart. You made a mistake in marrying him. There's no reason why you shouldn't put an end to it."
 That was what Bret had said - that their worlds were miles apart. It re-echoed in Comics heart; or in the empty dull aching space where her heart had been. She knew why Rodney was glad. He thought that when she divorced Bret that then she would marry him. And most likely she would. She and Rodney belonged to the same world; they were alike in every way. Except that she did not love him.
 "It's going to be difficult" she said, twisting the stem of the glass between her slim fingers. She scarcely had slipped the sherry. She had planned this luncheon for 8 purpose. Rodney must help her in what she must do. Bret says he won't let me get divorce. But I think he'll change his mind. I shall tell him that if he won't let me divorce him, I shall force him to divorce me"
 "How can you manage that?" Rodney's slow smile was full of admiration. Things were working out just as he had known they would when Connie first had run away from him. He had not run after her. He was sure, given time enough, she would come running back. 'Is there anything I can do?" he added now. You know if there is, you have only to de- mand it."
 q hoped you'd say that" Her eyes met his a quickening mo- ment; then dropped before his gaze. She knew what she meant to do; she had planned it craftily, after the first swift rush of furi- ous anger had died down and she has resolved that she would show Bret she could have her own way no matter what he did, no matter if it broke his heart-and hers. T hoped you'd help me-"
 "You knew I would. Haven't I told you I'd stand by always your humble henchman? What is it you want me to do, Connie dear?"
 She wondered why Rodney failed to stir her to any deep feeling. He always was so agreeable, so perfect; she could count on him to do just as she wished without question. T shall tell Bret am going away with you = that you are my lover," Con- nie said.
 Even Rodney had not expected that. His eyes widened; then he reached across and caught her hand, held it. Do you mean that? You would go away with me? Force him to divorce you You must hate him, Connie. You must not care what he thinks of you"
 T don't" Her answer was brief She did not say whether she hated Bret or not. Perhaps she did not know. The diving line between hate and love is so fine, silken thread. It might have been hate, or love, or pride, that caused her to follow the course she had chosen.
 You'll do it, then, Rodney?"
 "You know you need not ask. And of course we'll be married jusa as soon as Bret does the de- cent thing and divorces you"
 "Yes of course" She sup posed they would have to be. She was not thinking that far ahead, however. This was another wild