The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-06-14
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER XIII

Sly, sly little witch, this Terry Murray! She amused Joe, tickled him, stirred him and kept him al- ways aware of her as every woman wants her man to remain aware and she did it as if he were the fount and source of all favorS and delights and she simple sup plicant on his bounty. She gave nothing, ostensibly; and not giving, could not cloy. Her begging was outrageous and incessant. and in receiving her need, she gave back a measure overf1owing.
 He knew all this, by shreWd, in- s.inctive recognition. But to know it only led into further mysteries he was not faint to solve. They might bother anyone. Was it spontaneity or art? Was it the love she pro- tested, or was 1t the cunning she would have practiced on any man who fell into her hands? Though these questions prevailed, he had not the right to answer them if he knew. She had needed help; he had given help. He could never ask it back. That was all, that was enough.
 But was it enough, disregarding his own conscientious declaration? There were times always, al- ways there would be times! :. when he walked alone in spirit in an endless search through infinite places where there was no one any more, though he must always go looking, always alone. Quietly and secretly then he groaned little in his quickened being, hungry with a hunger that would never be ap- peased.
 One day she surprised him by bringing up an unexpected subject of discussion. She had been listen ing, serious and thoughtful, to his gossip of the shop. She said sud- denly, Joe, how does man be- come foreman in place like that?"
 "Why he studies, works for it."
 "Studies what?"
 ~Blueprints. how to read them ard all. Books. He gets himself made pusher and gets line on the foremans work"
 'Where do you get such books?" "There'S a school downtown, for ore place. Union Trade School
 Her big eyes were ShreWd and her brows were knit. Couldn't you go to that school at night and get yourself made pusher and become a foreman?"
 "Sure!" But he was little taken aback. But what the hell, baby? I'm doing pretty well for young man. Give me time"
 She did not argue. She thought and said, You've had enough school to do it. You have way with you with people, you can give orders and make them respected. You're smart and quick, you can pick up a thing and know all about it be- fore I can get around to finding where to start. It's just a natural for you, darling"
 He grinned. Whats working on you now? Money again?"
 She looked rueful. Tt takes lot to get a house."
 "One lot for every house, baby, the arithmetic is correct. Don't be such little gold digger. We'll get you house."
 She was a little distressed now, and required reassurance that she was no gold digger, Whereupon she was content and the subject was dropped.
 But it came up again. That small and intense persistence had found a new field for action.
 Then one day an acquaintance accoSted Joe in the shop was from another part of the plant; he mere 1y paused to gossip for moment. His eyes were Watchful and cunning as he talked. He only talked for a few minutes when Joe Sprang to his feet, scattering lunch and box and all, his fist clenched for a blow. He did not deliver it because the fellow apologiZed profuSely and avoWed the innocence of his diSin- terested intentions. Joe looked at him a moment with set face, and then turned his back on him and picked up the fragments of his meal. The fellow departed softly and the incident passed.
 But that night after he had wash ed and dressed and eaten dinner and smoked a cigaret. Joe told Terry he was going out for while.
 Terry had been talking at great length uninterruptedly for some time, but at that she came to him and placed herself firmly on his lap.
 What is it, Joe?" she asked soberly. T could see it when you came in. Tell me what it is?"
 Nothing" he said curtly. I'm just going out for while."
 Please tell?"
 He lifted her firmly to the floor and stood up. His manner was calm but determined. He got his hat and made for the door. Terry sprang at him. Are you mad at me, dar- ling?"
 No" he told her. "I'll be back
 Kiss me"
 He kissed her He kissed her tenderly, so that she knew it was nothing she had done. Yet he was hard. She could not deter him, and he went out.
 He walked to the corner where
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