The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-09-21

dark laSheS making SmuoBeS On ueI white cheeks. She slept, huddled uncomfortably in the big chair. At the sound of voices in the hall, she sat up straight. Randy and Dolly it must be late. What was she doing there in the big chair? Remember ing. she quietly went to bed. Every thing would be better in the morn ing.
 Breakfast was a tense meal, Dan speaking politely when necessary, offering nothing. Marian did not touch her breakfast. She drank three cups of black coffee and let it go at that
 Passing Dolly's door on the way out, she stopped. Hello, Dolly"
 "Oh, hello, I didn't see Dan go down." So Dan was that low in spirit, too low for 8 greeting to Dolly.
 q guess he was in a hurry. Have good time last night?"
 Simply wonderful" Dolly sighed. we went to the Gold Coast Room and had the love-liest dinner. We danced and danced-the music was simply marvellous"
 Marian smiled indulgently. Dolly was like a 16-year-old girl after her first date. Are you going to see him again?" she asked.
 -hmm." Dolly nodded her pale gold head. Tomorrow night. He's going to ask you and Dan. He says he owes you a debt of gratitude. |" Dolly blushed and laughed.
 "That'sll be fun," Marian re- turned lightly. Tt would do us good to step out once in a while" She thought, Will Dan go? Will he ever be my Dan again? He said he'd turn. Where? Away from his wife? Oh. no!
 Dolly was looking at her anxious ly. You're tired. Marian. Didn't you get rested yesterday?" of course, I'm fine She went slowly down the stairs and out into the murky morning. A raw wind blew in from the lake and she pulled her fur cape around her throat. The day was like herself, bleak and chill
 Dan waited and she got into the car. Not word was said on the drive downtown. Dams mouth was tight. Marian senSed his grimneSS through numb haze.
 Everything went wrong at the office that morning. Sally Blake was too radiant, too young and joyous Seeing her, Marian felt old and jaded.
 Sally chirped, Did you have a nice weekend, Mrs. Harkness?"
 Marian stopped at her desk. wonderful, she said My husband and I celebrated our wedding anni- versary. We had a dinner party and grand time" Sally needn't think she was the only one who had good times.
 Your wedding anniversary-nice how many years?"
 Twelve"
 Gracious"
 Marian went on, more jaded than ever. Sally's Gracious" had definite ly put her in the middle-aged class. MT. Fellows nodded without his usual smile and Marian's mind fled back over Saturdays work. Had she forgotten something? For once, it did not seem to matter. The office routine seemed pointless, the stag gering pile of mail appalled, her. Anything wrong, G. F.?" she made herself ask.
 "No-guess not-Monday morn- ing blues-ever hear of them?" He peered at her curiously.
 T like Monday morning-rested all set for a good week." It was 8 worthy attempt but missed fire. i MT. Fellows changed the sub ject, frowning. i've just had ses- sion with the Avery girl-Florence Avery. She bawled all over me why I hire married women-"
 Marian removed her hat I'll send for her at once."
 You don't need to. I gave her a raise" Marian said quietly. It was the wrong thing to say. MT. Fellows was looking for chance to explode and he exploded.
 "Is this my office or yours?" he beloved.