The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-30

operator said.
 "Just . minute, I'll call him, Emily said, on the downstairs phone.
 "I'm awake. I'll take 1t here," Alan broke in. Then to the operator ''This is Dr. Warren"
 Hello, Alanl Congratulations on some fine work" he heard Peterson say a moment later. Even the pa- pers here in New York are making you hero. Well, it's good adver- Using for the school"
 Haven't much time, sailing at midnight, but wanted you to know that your contract is safe. All you have to do Is sign it, and move to St. Louis before school closes in June."
 "I'm not taking the position, Dr. Peterson" Alan said.
 You're not-whatl"
 I'm staying here in Sumner. My work is here Alan spoke slowly, carefully choosing his words. I'm sorry if I've caused you any trouble. accepting at first, and now, backing down. But I can't do 1t. I'm just a country doctor, Dr. Peterson. l be- long here-I,m going to stay here"
 "Is that absolutely final, Alan? You won't change your mind" ," Peterson asked.
 "That,s final, Doctor"
 "Well :. :. you know what you want to do. had hoped though, that you'd be with us. need you Alan. The schools needs you"
 My people need me here, more Have good trip, Doctor. I'll be up to see you when you return.
 "Goodby, Alan. You've made your decision. Never regret it."
 Alan sang Justify in the shower, and was grinning happily as he hur- ried downstairs. Outdoors the sun was shining brightly. A cardinal whistiled from a treetop; a few green blades of grass were pushing up through the brown baroness of the lawn. Spring almost here, Alan thought. And only few short weeks ago, all this had been hidden by the blizzard.
 Emily was waiting in the break fast room. And Eric. Alan's grin faded. :.
 Hello, sleepyhead," Emily said with laugh, as she kissed him. Thought you'd never wake up."
 You slept the clock around, and then started on it's second trip, Eric said. "You were still dead to the world when I awoke, and left last highland pounding your ear when came back to say goodby."
 q guess was pretty tired" Alan admitted. Then as the import of Fries words struck hinl-"To say goodby? What do you mean?"
 Orders. Conference in St. Louis on whether we'll go on with the dam. Brass hats from Washington will all be thereto rake me over the coals.
 Farrell looked at my hands this morning, put on new dressings. He says they're coming on fine, prob- ably won't even scar. I'm taking the noon train."
 Eric leaving. Eric, carrying his broken dreams in bandaged hands stepping out again. But 1t would be different this time. q told you yesterday had some thing to say about your leaving Emily" Alan began. T want Eric tt hear it too. It concerns both of you all of us"
 But, Alan-I-" Emily inter- rupted.
 "Yes, I know but listen tc me now. It's going to be difficult to tell you, but have to do 1t. Let's get it over, get it settled"
 Allan, what are you talking about?" Eric asked, almost angrily
 About you, about Emily, about me-" Alan spoke quickly, as if try ing to hurry through his unpleasant task. You love Emily. And she loves you"
 Alan! I don't-you don't be- lieve-"
 You may not realize 1t now, but you will" Alan went on, striving te keep his voice calm and even. "It will take time, but eventually you will know. what I know now-that you love Eric.
 I'm staying in Sumner. It is best that do. I might go away, go witt you to St. Louis, but the break would come sometime. It might as vel be now. have my work; I'll be all right.
 Your place is not here in Sum- ner," he went on, avoiding her eyes Eric stood, silent and wondering This is not your world, Emily, ant I've been a fool, I've been cruel, try ing to make you stay in it. Hert you have sickness, trouble, pain ant death. You deserve something bet ter than that.
 You are too young, too beauti' wul to give up the happiness tha is rightfully yours. You need music laughter, love-gaiety.
 Eric can give you these things I can't.
 "Your debt to me is paid, Eric You took a chance on losing your to save me. That falling lamp nigh