The Washington times., 1938-01-12

doesn't hep"
Il guess he knows I thrive or
responsibility"
Being secretary to an impor'
tant buyer of a department store
must be interesting work" he said
"There're thrills and surprises
yes" Then she caught herself
Anything new for you, Jeff?"
Nothing"
She moved very close to him
Jeff" she said; there's some
thing bothering you; something
you're not quite sure about.
But no matter what you're hid
ing, I love you. And that takes ir
all the world, yours, mine, even
little Alice's untried world"
Jeff was deeply moved.
On Sunday, Jeff worked in the
suburban garden for his mother
She trailed after him, her pretty
plaintive voice lifted. "Today's a
good time to fix that trellis,. Jeff
with Alice away-She botherS you
So"
"I'll get at it"
Sally, too, was away, gone visit
ing with the aunt with whom she
lived, a martinez to whom others
usually bowed. "Just to keep the
peace" Sally told Jeff. But I'll
see you again.
TRYING TO HELP
Mrs. Sheppard went on talking.
Jeff, want you to know that I'm
trying to help you. I've written
to Mr.. Bradley, of your fathers
old firm, to see if he couldn't pos
sibly take you on"
Jeff swallowed hard. Then:
Thoughtful of you, mother"
And Mr.. Bradley has made an
appointment to see you on Friday
at eleven"
"I'u go in and see him."
So or Friday at eleven Jeff sat
opposite Mr.. Bradley and an
swered questions.
At last Mr.. Bradley came di-
rectly to the point. Jeff" he
said, "the chances are slim for
taking you on just now; but I
want to do what can for you, if
only for your fathers sake, though
1 know you've a good background
of college and hard work. Your
father was valuable man here. "
Jeff did not answer. His father
was still a living figure to him.
And so," Mr.. Bradley con-
cluded, come in and see me
again within a month or So"
Outside the familiar feeling of
weight despite the successful in
terview settled on him. He would
do what he longed to do, what
would mean more to him than
any other job in the world. Work
the farm with old Bill.
He was like his father, belong
ing to the earth, but unlike him
in that his desire could not be
quenched. Not for a woman, not
even for Sally could he ever be-
come a prisoner at desk.
He would ask no sacrifice
his mothers word of Sally.
He knew her loyalty. He had a
luncheon engagement with her,
and as he went he tried to formu-
late words with which to tell her
what he had decided, but the
words would not come.
RETURNS PROMISE
So they went, having eaten their
simple meal. They were alone
here, and looking at her so slim
and dear and for so long his girl
he thought he could never give
her up.
But then he knew he couldn't
fail himself either, and so he
plunged in: TITS the farm" he
told her; IT want to live on it,
work it. It isn't only that event
uaily I'll make it pay; it's what I
most want :"
It know" Sally said in a low
voice.
What I most want as my
place." he said; But because it
will be hard work, drudgery. and
little money for a time, it would
be unjust to a woman Sally.
I'm giving you back your prom
ise."
She looked into his young sensi
tive face, twisted now in the pas
sion of his renunciation. And she
knew that to let him go to hi
Loneliness would be the hardest
grief she had ever known.
Jeff, on the eleventh of thil
month I'll be out Of my joh!"
But I thought you were in
valuable. -
I've thought so, too. But that!
the way it goes sometimes. Store
politics, suppose"
TITS unjust" He was indignant
for her. Then: What will you do
Sally?"
She spoke directly, her hanc
on his: II might have a try al
being your wife, Jeff, and pioneer
ing with you. Not simply waiting
on circumstances"
You're willing to take all thu
chances with me? But I coulc
never accept the sacrifice if you
hadn't lost your job and maybe
find hard going ahead of you.
Il know" Sally said again.
They walked close together
down the avenue back to the store
jeff watched her as she entered
the great door, his heart still beat
) ing high.
And he had no way Of knowing
, that she went straight to a much