The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-07-29
CHAPTER HI

CHAPTER HI
 Taken a dislike to Jimmyl Linda Storm braced herself against the onslaught of feeling that even his name, spoken by Marcia, could rouse in her.
 Don't be silly, Marcial" she cried sharply. She hadn't meant to be sharp. The moment the words were out, she heard the shrill note of panic behind them. She went on swiftly, "Of course like your boy friend. I'm just out of place here. l didn't know when I came that I'd feel like this But now find that I can't forget tt-my mind goes right on, weigh ing and judging against my will"
 There was a stiffness. Linda tried again. Every time I see an airplane or hear that sound of motors. I remember that they're learning how to wage war. That's all that's the matter. It isn't Jim my! It isn't!"
 She slipped her arm around Marcia, tried to recapture the in- timacy they had shared as young girls at Miss Lindley's school. Darling, I'm sorry I ever started it. I shouldn't have told you. should have been polites if it choked me. But you mustn't think it's your boy friend-that I dislike him" Her voice was blurring T ought to go home"
 "Go home! Oh, Linda, Nol" Marcia hugged her flerce1y. "1t's a free country. Go on, hate the planes and war and even Jimmy all you want to. But this is my wedding! Remember how we used to talk about when we'd get married and be each others maid of honor! You can't go homel l need you.'
 I'm afraid I've spoiled 1t for you already. What lunk am sometimesp
 You're not a funk! l respect your opinions, even if don't agree with some of them. What does anything matter, anyway, but the ius that we're friends?" Her voice qutyered. Lots of times we argued about silller things at Miss Lind ley's. It's merely that you've been brought up one way, and another. Tut Linda, IT never had a sister And ever since we roomed togethe'.' : live had you
 Linda's heart turned over, sIn, thS hot blood stung her che .nks Dear Marcia. So sweet and l0vin, snd generous. Giving her trus and whole heart so gVlielessly While all the time. it was. Jimm, Cooper that Linda was Afraid O The planes, too. But Jimmy nor, than any bomber ever Quilt. Jim. my's nearness was m jre terrible at this moment thar. any blood, news from across the Sea.
 If it killed her, Linda Storm re- solved, she must not betray Mar cia's trust in her. She must try to be cool and casu'Ll with Jimmy. She must try to pretend he was only an- other man in a. world full of men. But she must not snap at him, she must not be, too cold either. That was the mosc difficult part of 1t all. Because If she was unfriendly, Mar cia would be hurt cruely. But how could she be close Co him and still hold fast to reason and judg- fment?
 Forgive me, honey" she man. aged to say, humbly. Lets go down. Bring on your flying field and your airplanes. I'll try to sec them with your eyes,"
 Marcia's grateful smile was re- ward enough. And yet, going down the stairs moment later, Linda rallied herself consciously against the impact of this meeting with Jimmy Cooper. She girded all her mental armor. Then she looked directly at the tall figure who rose from the sofa to greet them, and murmured, Good morning.
 Linda dawdled," Marcia was explaining to him. Jimmy, are you very hungry for your break fast?"
 Starved" he said briefly. He was staring at her, She could feel his eyes. She could even sense the moment when he reused himself and turned to Marcia.
 At the breakfast table, Marcias mother presided. She was smart, middle-aged woman in crisp morning dress. About her was the invisible aura of position and com mand which her husbands high naval post had estowed upon her. You knew, looking at her, that she was capable and shrewd as well as gracious.
 Mrs. King said, Your father couldn't wait, of course, Marcia" She turned to Linda. And how do you like Pensacola?"