The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-15

time for his wife. but the Alan I fell in love with. The Alan who used to sneak down fire escapes just to kiss me; who used to call me at all hours of the night just to say I love you We had such fun, then, Alan."
 "It was fun, my sweet" Alan smiled. Remember our picnics out on the Merrimac. And our own special little table at Mella's."
 "T'u bet they're still keeping that table just for us." Emily grew serious. we could have all of that again, and more, too = if you'd go back, darling."
 You'd like it very much would- n't you?"
 "Oh Alan, it would be wonder ful. We could buy a little house out near the park. You'd be home early every evening. And after dinner, every night, you'd sit in your chair, just like this; and I'd be in your arms always = with no telephone to disturb us. Have you heard from Dr. Peterson yet?"
 "Not yet. He's a busy man. But if he said he would write, he will as soon as he gets time."
 And when he does, you'll tell him you'll accept the position?'
 Don't cross your bridges toe soon, honey. Wait till we get the offer officially"
 Alan sat on the edge of the bed and stared across the room at his beautiful, young wife. Emily was beautiful. Smooth satin sheathed her lovely, youthful figure. Her back bare in the deep decollette of hel evening gown, was perfect, Alan de. cided. Wonder if she knows she has tiny mole, right about the sixth thoracic, Alan unused.
 And her hands. How daintily how swiftly they worked applying powder, 8 touch of rouge and al last. lipstick.
 Finally, after a last, approving glance at her mirror. Emily turned around. There how does youl wife look?"
 Like a goddessl"
 Allan you're not dressed. MT Maddox asked us for 8; Eric will be here any minute. You've had g little rest; now hurry, you stil have time."
 I'm not going, Emily"
 Mot going? And you letem gel dressed? Why aren't you going? ] can't call Mrs. Maddox half ar hour before her dinner begins"
 I've got to be at the hospital honey. Farrell phoned that he's bringing in 8 gangrenous appen- dix. Wants me to give his anaes- thetic. I'll drop in on the party as soon as I'm finished"
 "But me - what do you expect me to do?" Emily's lips pursed in pout, her temper f1aring. "I'l feel like a fool, going to the din- ner. All the other wives will have their husbands there. The least you might have done was tell me"
 Now, now, don't get all angry Emily. You'll spoil your makeup Eric will be here soon. I'll drop you both off at the party, explain my absence to Mrs. Maddox and go on to the hospital. I'll be back before the party is over. See, it's not so bad. Come on - a smile and a kiss. Am forgiven?
 Reluctantly, Emily complied. She was hurt and she hated to admit that, as usual, Alan was right.
 ''Well, if you'll promise to come just as soon as the operation is over--"
 T do."
 But I don't like this idea oi going with Eric"
 This is the way it has always been, this is the way 1t will always be, in Sumner, Emily thought. Go ing alone, going without Alan to dinners, to parties. Eric was help but nothing could make her like this "widowhood" medicine had brought her after scarcely a year of mar riage.
 Alan would never change not in this environment. His patients his operations would be his first consideration. She hated playing second fiddle to anything. A mans wife should come first; he should think of her feelings. As doc- tors wife, she had a certain so- cial position to maintain - Alan admitted that - but she couldn't maintain 1t alone.
 She breathed a prayer-"Please God, make him go to St. Louis!