The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-05-24
Second
Best Love
BY LOUISE HOLMES

ne u ltHf OH AAs AnAAo - ~
doesn't watch out"
Kay never forgot the following
Sunday. Brenda. in lounsing
psjsmas. slumped in front of the
livingroom fire.
She was reading an article con-
corning herself in a picture maga-
zine.
1t was called. The True Brenda
Brent" and related supposed facts
from her past.
According to the writer she
was a martyr, patient, sweet, self
sacrificing.
Too much space was given to
Larry Corbet's recent heroism and
she frowned over that.
losses Magazine
When she tossed the magazine
aside Kay, who had been waiting
for an opening. said humbly,
Aren't you going to see Larry
today?
Il think he would appreciate it
lot if you"
Brenda yawned, stretching both
rounded arms above her head.
Sick people are such a bore" she
mumbled through her yawn.
IF he wants to see me why
doesn't he come over here -
&c ha pattfn1r
strong very fast" Kay said. You
haven't seen him for two weeks
But I've had TO talk to him
every day" Brenda grumbled.
He's about as interesting as
an old shoe holding her two
pretty feet out straight to admire
them.
Kay took her courage in both
hands
Miss Brent-I shouldn't ask
this-but don't you love Larry"
Certainly I love him. if it's
any of your business" blandly.
But I can't take my one free
day to run after him. AS I said
before. if he wants to see me"
Sound of Car
It was then Kay heard the sound
of car in the driveway.
Going to the window she saw
Larry's roadster, Pink driving,
Larry very pale and straight be-
side him.
There he is now" Kay said
breathlessly.
Brenda sauntered to the door
and threw it open. Kay watched
from the window.
Larry came slowly, his face
drawn with the effort to walk
naturally.
But there was nothing natural
about his stride, it seemed even
worse than when he was in the
hospital.
He leaned heavily on a cane.
Without it he would have been
helpless.
Kay moaned in her heart, "Oh
Larry-poor boy-it isn't going to
be right-ever.'
Lifted Face
Seeing Brenda in the doorway
he lifted his face, eager, pathetic
in its intensity.
Strengthening, taking his eyes
from the ground, the limp became
more noticeable.
Brenda eyed him coldly, criti-
cally.
"Oh, how can she be so cruel?"
Kay thought desperately.
rs this the retreat for crippled
nags ," Larry asked a white line
of effort around his mouth. his
eyes begging, pleading, imploring.
1T seems So" Brenda replied.
backing away as he came in, as
if the sight of him repealed her.
"Thought-thought I'd give you
a little surprise" he gasped
brightly, too brightly the line
around his mouth deepening.
"Gosh-funny how tired a man
can get"
Almost. it seemed. with his last
ounce of strength he dragged him
self across the livingroom and
dropped into a chair.
"Whew," trying to laugh.
Hello, Larry" Kay said gently.
You look swell-just swell"
Hello, Kay-thanks, his eyes
Frightening as he looked at her.
Disappears to Office
She disappeared into her office.
1t was not part of her job to en-
terrain Brenda Brents guests.
Anyway she was choked with
tears.
She closed her eyes. squeezing
them shut oh, God" she prayed.
make Miss Brenda be good to
him.
Don't let her hurt him.
"Oh. Larry-oh, God-please--'
She heard Brenda say edgily,
But, Larry. darling, / thought
you were better.
Il thought you could walk
with emphasis on the walk.
What did you think was do
riding a bicycle p trying TO
make a joke OF 1t.
Kay squeezed her eyes tighter.
Make her kind-Just this once
make her kind
Brenda laughed a shrill. ugly
sound. Imagine how cute you'll
look walking scross the screen
like that"