The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-31
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER XXIII

when COnnle reached the pier where "The Constance, her million dollar yacht, was docked, ready for 8 midnight sailing, she thought at first that Rodney was not yet there. There was no one in sight, no sound except the swish of waves tapping against the sides of the big white boat, whose lights Shimmered in myriad reflections upon the dark water. Then as she started up the plank, Rodney stepped from the shadows.
 My dear - you did come! I was afraid you wouldn't. I couldn't believe it, really I can't believe it now" He caught her arm, held her of. as though he would feast his eager eyes upon the reality of her presence.
 "I'v e been waiting long while" he said. Though I knew you had said midnight. I've been waiting all my life for this mo- ment, Connie dearest"
 "I'm sorry she said, in a voice that sounded weary and tired, ito have kept you waiting, Rodney I'm sorry for what have come to tell you. Rodney, dear - want to thank you for trying to be of some use to me, for being such an understanding friend, for waiting so terribly long But, Rodney, came to tell you; I'm not going"
 Not going!" He dropped her arm, stood staring at her. He was so taken back that he looked a bit foolish. Here they were, just the two of them, at midnight, as they had planned, half way up the gangplank to the yacht that was to take them away together - and Connie stood here telling him she was not going.
 No. I'm not going" She waited a moment. We could go in and talk. But I haven't much time to spare. I'm going away, but not with you, Rodney"
 T don't believe I quite under stand you" He drew himself up; spoke stiffly.
 T don't expect you to. But I came to try to help you to under stand. I didn't want to run away from you again, Rodney. I'm never going to run from anything again. I've found that isn't the way to escape, the way to find freedom-or happiness"
 q still don't understand you," Rodney said. "Only this afternoon you asked me to meet you here. You made all the plans. You said you were going to divorce Bret. Going to marry me, afterwards"
 q know" Connie said. She laid a hand on his sleeve; her eyes were full of a sort of pity, her smile sweet and sorrowful. T don't blame you, Rodney, for taking it this way. But
 least, as I said, didn't run away
 ain. You see I'm not going to di-
 rec Bret. That wouldn't do any
 od. I would still be married to
 n, Rodney. He would still be my
 sband. Nothing could change that
 even if were married to you"
 You are talking like some
 dy's grandmother" Rodney said
 ortly. Then: I'm sorry, Connie"
 never forgot his good manners. "But told you today you couldn't do this to me second time practically jilt me at the altar! You know r d marry you, take care of you, spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy"
 I'm sure you would," she said. "But as I just told you, I'd still be married to Bret. I'm going to be married to him always. Even if l never saw him again, even if he does hate me now, won't let me try once more, this time to work at our marriage. No matter what happens, Rodney dear, Bret and l are husband and wife; we belong together"
 You never belonged together. It was all mistake. He'll always be different. Not of your world. Or you of his ."
 '1Then we'll have to make still another one," Connie said You see, Rodney, there's something else-the strongest thing in the world, bigger than any of us, than all the money, our foolish inn pulses and desires, than logic or reason. It's love, Rodney"
 You think you love Bret them"
 T know I love him. Oh, was foolish enough for a little while to pretend that I didn't. I'm great pretender, didn't you know that, Rodney?" Her laugh rang out on the still nigh. air, rippling, edged with an acid bitterness. T