The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-12-28
, SERIAL STORY
BLACKOUT
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BY RUTH AYERS

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isn't it," she unused. You're al
ready talking about our grand
children and few months ago we
hadn't even met. 1t was all 30
strange, our meeting in Paris.
never could have believed that first
day that you, my dashing, roman
tic soldier Of fortune, would ever
want to settle down"
But do" he said convincingly.
Never thought myself that I'd
love a gal more than a war. But
here you see the evidence before
you. Our passports in order, our
tickets bought for the Moravia.
And all want now is to get back
to New York and marry you. I'll
find a job making planes instead
OF flying them. You'll live in q
little house with rose garden and
forget all about what the we'll
dressed woman is wearing"
Mary Carroll was %. Shed
been one of the most promising
stylists ever sent to Paris by a
New York firm. It had been a
thrilling assignment. Orphaned at
IL when her mother and dad were
killed in an automobile accident,
Mary had no ties at home. Shed
thrown her slim, vibrant self into
the job of making a famed career
as a fashion designer.
But in September, Mary had
been caught in the net OF mobiliza-
ton when Europe went to war.
Fashions were forgotten,
It was at this turbulent time
that she had met Vincent Gregg.
She had gone to a party given by
a young count who was closing his
Paris villa SO it might be used as
hospital for wounded soldiers
Vincent was among the guests.
Mary would never forget the
counts Introduction.
'Mademoiselle, this Is what you
call in your country a daredevil.
He flew in the war In Spain and
was invaded TO Paris. / think he
ny again soon in this war"
That very first minute, Mary
knew that love had burst like a
star shell upon her. In a world
turning upside down, she needed
someone to cling to-and Vincent
had been the one.
At the start, there had been the
agonizing fear that as soon as VIM
cent was fully recovered he would
enlist again. She couldn't bear to
leave him. With all her country
men fleeing for home, Mary had
remained in Paris to be near VIM
cent.
And then, just a few days ago
all had been changed. Vincent had
said, Were going home, darling
I've had enough years of barn
storming and flying for whatever
flag offered the most excitemea,
and money. love you and / wan,
to marry you" Simple and direct
just like Vincent.
Now they were here. Vincent
and Mary, in the London restau.
rant. They'd crossed the English
Channel with several of Vincent.
friends and were waiting to t.
take passage home on a British
ship. Sailing dates We're kept Sc
cret because of spy activities, bui
IT was certain they would be leav,
ing soon.
1T all seems unreal, doesn't il p
Mary asked as Vincent Leaned
across the table to light her Gig
aret.
Vincent looked at Mary. Sh.
was every bit as piquant and style.
wise as mannequins she haC
sketched in Paris. But no penci
sketch, as Vincent had often tolC
her. could do justice to the maize
colored hair or the morning glor,
blue of her eyes. Tonight she wor,
gay dress with a saucy bustl,
bow. II followed the lines of hel
slim body and against the brigh'
fabric her fair skin glowed like
opal.
AS long as you're real. nothing
else matters he answered, after 1
pause.
Her smile flashed tenderly
Something tells me I'm Graz,
about you"
You'd better be" he said. cock
ing one eyebrow in the way tina
always intrigued her. Vincent wa
! lean and dark. with laequer-blacl
hair and a hint Of arrogance in hi
eyes. A fresh scar cleft the white
ness Of his temple and testified q