The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-02

snow. Inc cast greeted Noel as
though she'd been away for years
and the audience app1auded her
first entrance as though she were
a famous star.
Noel loved it--being Susan
again for the three thrilling hours.
Acting that night took more out
Of her than she cared to admit.
David was waiting when the per-
Torrance was over.
It wasn't only the physical weak
ness that made Noel cling to
David, but the fear, born in those
hours of sickness, that persisted
even through her recovery.
Darling, take care of yourself!"
His voice was adoring. They were
alone in the living-room for a mo-
ment. The nurse who had .ac-
companied her to the theater was
busying herself in the bedroom.
Noel looked long at David. He
is the substance, the anchor I need,
went through her mind quickly.
In a rare affectionate mood, she
kissed David.
you love me very much, don't
your" she asked wonderingly.
His caresS was convincing. He
seemed too moved to say it with
words.
June isn't far off" But Noers
voice seemed far away. AS she said
it she put something out of her life
forever.
In week, she was completely
recovered, though she took pre-
cautions against a recurrence of
the throat ailment. All social en-
gagements were cancelled. Her
waking hours were occupied with
her work. And, if, sometimes in
her dreams, the image of Allan
persisted, she turned from it in the
dawn and deliberately thought
about David.
Worried About You
CIT will take time-to forget"
y that's what she said to herself
when, one morning, she saw let
ter from Allan, among her mail.
Noel. dear" he wrote, 81 just
learned of your illness from
mother. l worried so about you
after 1 got her letter. I hope you
are completely recovered when
you receive this note. But do take
care of yourself"
He wrote o. his pleasure at hear
ing of the plays success. 81 know
how important your work is to
you and that this must give you
satisfaction and happiness"
And at the end he mentioned,
I'll be seeing you in a couple of
months-some matters down here
are taking longer than I expected"
"Allan!" Noel said the name
softly. her heart in her whisper.
A tear fell on his letter. What will
it matter, when you come back?
she wondered. But knew she'd be
happy to see him. if just for a mo-
ment.
In fact, during the weeks that
followed she found herself count
ing the time against his returning.
Don't be a fool!" she said to her
self more than once.
March went out meekly. It was
April with the first hint of spring
in the air. David, ever devoted,
took her riding late afternoons.
They had tea at country inns and
David spoke often of June.
would you consider leaving the
play when we're married?" he
asked humbly one evening as they
were driving to the theater. Some
thing caught at Noel's heart. No
more theater? Nothing but being
married to Pavid?
'I'll not give half measure" she
whispered fiercely to herself. She
turned to David:
IF that would make you happy,
David, I'll think about it."
Noel knew. though. she'd do It
for David. No need to think about
it. But June was two months awayl
Another note came from Allan,
in answer to the reply she'd writ
ten him. It'll be sailing in two
weeks" he announced. She could
read his eager anticipation in the
conServatively penned message.
And I'm looking forward so much
to seeing you IN the play"
One night, she'd come out on
the stage-but this time would be
different. Allan would be sitting
there, terror clutched at her as
she thought about it.
Noel spent Sunday with Mrs.
Marchand in Claiborne, came back
to New York in time for Monday
nights performance. She walked
through the woods where Allan
had kissed her-stood in the spot
where she'd first known she loved
him. The air was balmy with
springtime-she felt like bleak,
cold November.
"Tm marrying David in June"
Noel told Mrs. Marchand while
they sat in the living-room Sunday
night.
Il hope you'll be happy, Noel"
Mrs. Marchand'S words came slow
ly. Hes a fine man-and loves
you so much" Not once did either
of them suggest that Noel loved
him.
Mrs. Marchand mentioned her
Son-letters and cables from him.
Noel flushed at his name. You're
fond of Allan. aren't you. dear?"
the older woman asked simply.
Noel knew then she hadn't kept
her own feelings from Allan,s
mother. There was no need for her
answer.
It was a few days later Noel
read the society item-and hope
really died.
Elaine Schuyler, her best.
friends are saying, will marry
Allan Ceilings before the summer
is over" the chatter-writer con-
fided. Hes home-bound from
Chile this month"