The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-01-19


 Then he said incredibly, still without lifting his eyes, You mean you'd--be willing to postpone the wedding for awhile?"
 There was such unacceptable re- lief in his tone that Janet had to clench her hands in her lap to steady her own voice before she answered, "Of course, Lance-if that's what you want"
 What I want? Janet, you know that isn't fair. If I let myself do what want, wed be married at once-tonight. What I'm asking myself is whether I have a right to let you in for marriage with things as they are. It's--surely you see what risk we'd be taking. And the responsibility would be all mine."
 "oh, yes" Janet said gently. I'm beginning to see.
 But, darling, you don't see. I can tell that from your face. [. Really, Janet don't you think you're being rather unreasonable about thisP"
 T have told you that I will have Aunt Mary recall the invitations" Janet said. She even managed to smile. What else do you want me to do--throw up my hat about itp'
 "Oh, let's get out of here" Lance cried, getting abruptly to his feet.
 As they went out into the crisp September air, Janet could not be- lieve that 1t had all actually hap pened. She wished Lance wouldn't go home with her. But that was being unreasonable. After all, they hadn't actually quarreled. They had only postponed their wed- ding as, no doubt, two sensible peo- pie ought to do under the circum- stances. But argue with her self as she might, her sense of hurt and humiliation persisted.
 On the way home they talked about everything but their own affairs-about the European situa- tion, about Sylvia Grants lunch con, and finally about Cynthia and Timothy Benton.
 "A swell time for him to be rushing of on a honeymoon-with things the way they are at the ofiice," Lance said. At his age, too
 Janet asked, How old is he real ly, Lance, and what is he like? I've never met him, you know"
 Well, he's Q big bruiser, dark and well set up--so ugly he's al- most handsome. About 43, l should say; but he seems to have crowded enough into 43 years to last some men l00--mining in Peru, drilling oil wells in Mexico, construction work In South Africa, and the war, Works like the devil Swell com pany, except occasionally when he drinks too much-that is, he al- ways seems sure of himself with men, and gets on with them. But I've seen him at dinner party with nice women-you've heard what his first two wives were like-when I've been almost sorry for him. He seemed scared to death of them, and trying to cover up by wise cracking. Not at all the type I'd expect to appeal to Cynthia. What did" he broke of and light ed a cigaret with elaborate care "just what did she say about him?"
 "She said"-Janet smiled a little wanly-"that he had his points"
 At the door of the apartment Janet said swiftly, Don't come in, Lance-not tonight, please. I want to talk to Aunt Mary alone"
 She knew he would be relieved at not having to face Aunt Mary just now; and he obviously was.
 He took Janet swiftly into his arms, and said into her hair, Tell her it's only for a short time, Jan. Maybe only a few months if I'm lucky"
 "i'll tell her." Janet said, and went slowly into the apartment.
 Telling Aunt Mary was not so hard as she had imagined. The old lady had already learned from the evening papers the news about the dividend cut in the A and s stocks. When Janet told her that she and Lance had decided to post pone the wedding, she seemed in no way disturbed, and to Janets bewilderment. not even surprised.
 Well" she said practically, its lucky'I hadn't ordered the food. The flowers and everything else can