The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-06
CHAPTER V

At the end of ten days, during which, try as she might. Jackie could not help feeling "jittery," Roger got back safely. That sick empty feeling left her; Jackie was even glad that he was coming out for dinner. If she had known what the dinner was going to be like, she might have felt differently.
 It began well enough, with Evelyn presiding smilingly at one end Of the long, candle-lighted table, with MT. John Paul Scott at the other end, and Jackie across from Roger.
 T think we should make a toast to these young sweethearts, don't you, Paul?" Evelyn suggested, raising her wine glass. Can you think of something appropriate? Aren't they quite the most radiant sweethearts you ever saw?"
 Jackie almost choked on her sip of sherry. "Sweethearts' she sput- tered. Why, we oh goodness, Mother, do you have to say such things?" The glance she threw at Roger appealed for his support. She wondered if he had any idea all she had been through these past ten days. But of course he hadn't. He did not know her mother.
 Lets make 1t just to Jackie, Roger responded gallantly. Shes sweetheart, even If she isn't mine yet His glance was full of significance; 1t held admiration too. For Jackie did look like a sweetheart, her hair 50 golden, her eyes twin-flames, her neck and arms golden, too, in contrast to the fluffy transparency of her white dress.
 That's just what we want to talk about" Evelyn said. "Now tell me, what are your plans, my dtar boy?'
 "Plans .? Rogers look was blank.
 "Ycs, plans. When do you two sweet children intend to be mar ried?"
 "Mother!'
 "Now, darling" her mother si- fenced Jackie with one of her patient smiles. We do have to get such details settled. Don't you 1 agree, Paul?" Her bright glance flew down the table to receive his nod of agreement. Paul, perhaps it would be just as well for you to ask Roger a few questions
 Really, Mother ." Jackie started to protest again. Heavens! this was even worse than all she had been through alone with Evelyn.
 "That's all right" She had not sent Roger any wild look this time, but he came to her rescue, anyway. Ask me anything you Ike" he said to MT. Scott.
 Mir. Scott put down his fork in his deliberate manner Well, now let me see, just what are your plans, Roger?"
 "Plans? Nothing very definite, I'm afraid, Roger answered. Aside from what I'm doing now, instruct ing, some test flying, a bit of map ping, now and then"
 Nothing else?" MT. Scott did not look impressed.
 He hopes to do something really big some day" Jackie broke in eagerly. She saw chance to interest MT. Scott, who certainly had plenty of what-it-toook for such matters, in Rogers secret ambition. Roger would like to make some stratosphere flights" she explained. Tests for speed, altitude That's the coming thing in aviation Only, of course" and now Jackie gave MT. Scott a smile almost equal ing Evelyn's in sweetness. nell have to find Santa Claus"
 Santa Claus" Evelyn looked completely bewildered at the turn the conversation had taken. But thought we were discussing plans | for your childrens future"
 So we are," Roger assured her Jackie means Id have to have a backer,' he explained to MT Scott. Someone specially inter- | C6IcQ
 "The future of aviation is one 1 thing I am not interested in," MT 1 Scott said concisely. He slid down about 25,000 feet, as though he had fallen from the stratosphere, in Jackie's estimation. "The main thing" he said to Roger, "is whether you can provide adequately for Miss Jacqueline."
 If you mean can I take care of her." Roger began. T guess I can take care of my self, thank you" Jackie flashed.
 There, there, children" Evelyn gave them each a placating smile. Paul is merely trying to be helpful. It might be he could do something to help you"
 "Why, yes, could. Though, it's a pity" MT. Scott murmured, that you haven't had any train ing along any other line except flying"
 I'm not looking for any charity, thank you," Roger replied stiffly. And his estimation scared upward.