The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-17
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII
 "You should know better than that, Bret answered Comics ques- ton. His dark eyes looked into hers Now they were completely unguard- ed, all barriers let down.
 So that, looking into them, she saw what she had wanted to see and all her anger was melted. Her own eyes grew soft and shining That's all that matters" she said simply. It seemed to her, ill this breathless moment, that 1t was She had forgotten that she was Constance Corby. Forgotten that Bret did not know who she was That the day must come when she must tell him. She had forgotten Eloise's bitter accusation. Just as now, looking into each others eyes, they both had forgotten the other girls existence.
 They did not notice even when she got up quietly and slipped from the room!"
 Two long strides brought Bret to Comics side. He took her hands in his. Dearest" he said, and his voice was husky, you know that don't care who you are, or have been, only know that you're the only girl in the world for me. And that I love you.'
 And I love you, Bret Hardes- fxy Cn19poin Please" ,"r> she whispered aren't you going to kiss me?"
 Now she knew why she had changed places with Katie Blyn, why she had left her golden world, why she had been born! This was that lovely, secret romance that she had sought. This was the hearts desire that Bret had wished for her
 Fetch a wrap of some sort" Bret said, after he had kissed her, without any more urging, and most completely. We'll take a walk, darling. Climb up to the top of the hill by the little church look at the stars. Hurry! I want to tell you again how much I love you!"
 And you're the gentleman who claimed he had no time for TO- mance!" Connie chided gayly.
 "You're the lady who predicted I'd learn!" he reminded.
 Upstairs at the door of her room Connie encountered Eloise. Her pale face was streaked; her eyes red and swollen. T wanted to tell you I'm so1ry," she murmured. T didn't mean to say the things I did. I know you're not a thief, Miss Blyn. I know I had no right. It's just ." Her voice faltered, she turn ed her head; she could not go on.
 Connie put her arms around her, drew her close. T understand" she told this girl whose defeat was her triumph, who had given her heart into the same mans keeping. Better than you think I do. Come in a moment, Eloise, please. She drew the girl on inside, closed the door behind them.
 From the big oak bureau Con- nie took the emerald brooch, the ring. the exquisite gleaming pearls. "They were my mothers" :" she told Eloise, for that was true. "She left them to me. I want you to have these pearls" AS she spoke she clasped them around the slender white throat. "They look like you Eloise. They are like you. See - look in the mirror Aren't they becoming? AS trans lucent and lovely as your skin, a fitting compliment to your gor- geous hair"
 "Oh, but I couldn't accept them!" Eloise stared at her mir rored reflection. The pearls did indeed become her. Why! she could look like a princess, too, had she had t-e fine raiment. Never in her life had she looked like this, hoped to own anything so beauti- ful.
 "Of course you can accept them. I shall be hurt if you refuse" Connie said. T want you to have them, Eloise. I want to give them to you"
 Little enough to give, when she had so much more. Though Con- nie was not thinking of her mill lions. She was thinking of Bret who waited downstairs to walk with her to the top of the hill, to tell her again that he loved her.
 "After what I said about you -" Eloise marveled. Her eyes filled with tears once more. After I've been hating you all this time, wishing you'd never come here I know now I was wrong. You're sweet and kind, even though you are different"
 ''Then> we'll be friends?" Con- nie smiled at her. You'll be my little sister, as well as Bret'S.