The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-08

NEW YEARS LOVE
Noel couldn't answer tiim. she
By Angela Lordeu

Noel couldn't answer him. She
didn't feel like being polite about
Elaine. After all, Elaine had suf-
fered only slight injuries shed
been driving the carl. And Allan
was the one who had suffered.
He's not allowed any visitors.
Mrs. Marchand repeated the orders
as Noel asked if she might see
Allan. They say he needs all his
strength now, ndhe might be ex-
cited"
Il understand" Noel tried to
hide her disappointment. She real
lied the wisdom of the .edict.
eff there's anything i can do
Mr.. Corey held out his hand. Tu
go along now"
Thank you," was all Mrs. Mar.
chand replied. To Noel she sug-
;gested, would you like to come
back to the inn with me for iafew
momentS?"
She placed her arm in NcelA
Out in, the brisk morning air they,
walked slowly down the quiet
road. you've been wonderful,
Noel" Allan's mother tried to ex-
press her gratitude. II don't know
what I'd have done without you--.
and Mr.. Norris"
They had light breakfast in
Mrs. Marchand's room. Noel had
to coax her friend to drink the or
ange juice and finish her toast. "a
don't like to think of you here,
alone" she objected.
'I've sent for Annie-she,s COIN
ing down here today. I don't need
the others now-they're kind, hut
). The Coreys wanted me to stay
with them. I'd rather be here. It's
nearer" !:
Noel understood why Elaine
Schuyler would want that. She.
realized the girl must be blaming
herself for Allan's accident. "The
papers said last night they were to
be married Soon" Noel said II
quietly. giving no indication OF
how reading the words. had affect
ed her before she went 20 bed. She
knew she was inconsistent. but
that made it no easier.
"Allan didn't tell me, but I've
been expecting it. Mrs. Marchand
admitted reluctantly. II can't say
I'm pleased, but. I want him to be
happy" Tears came to her eyes.
First of all I want him to get bet
ter soon, my poor darling"
So Meaningless
DOOR darling, not mine-Noel's
L heart answered. "And he will"
the words from her lips were calm
and convincing.
She left soon after that. There.
was nothing more she could do.
She hated returning to New York
and David's recrim;nations. She
expected them.
David called her after luncheon.
How do you feel, ,dear?" he asked
as though nothing had happened.
''Will you have dinner with ime?"
II promised the SwanStromS,"
she apologized. Anita is leaving
for Hollywood tomorrow and she,
wanted to see me-"
"Then I'll see you after the,
play" David d compromised. "Ill
; Life must 60 on, Noef thought,
if it all seemed so meaningless.
''The parts you've played in the
past are poor companions when
you're lonely" a famous actress
had once said to her.
"You look like the devil" Anita,
said to her brusquely when she
went to the Swanstroms' apart
ment. Douglas was dressing, to
join them. Whats the matter?
Have you quarreled with David?"'
Anita wanted to know.
"Of course not!" Noel was en-
phatic. "But haven't been sleep.
ing well" She wondered how much,
Anita knew. or guessed.
The dinner wasn't completely
successful. Swanstrom was .Sulking
because his wife was going away.
Anita was in high mood, antici-
pating triumphant return to the
scenes of her struggles. Noels
thoughts were on Allan. The latest
reports from the hospital were
merely, He's getting along nice
ly." That might mean anything.
"You look tired" David said
when he met her at the stage door.
you've said that lot lately
Noel rebuked him. "You can't En-.
pect me to be on the crest of q wave
after that taxing performance.
'Tt's more than that" Davidwas
in rare angry mood. III It were
only your work"
"I'm not girded for battle, Il
that's what you want" Noel pulled
her arm away from his clasp. Then
she said as quickly. I'm sorry,
David"
He didn't suggest going any
where. He directed Jackson 20
Noel's hotel. In the lobby he was
humbly asking, May ! come up
for a few moments?"
Noel wanted to send him away.
"All right" she agreed after hest.
tation. But in her living-rooyn, she
moved away from his attempted
embrace. impatiently.
81 was right" David flung at her.
You're so busy worrying about
Allan Ceilings, you haven't .
thought for mer
Noel stared at him In amaze
ment. His face was flushed, his eyes
were blazing. 'Why not?" she
asked calmly.
"All right-rm jealousl You
dash out to him in the middle OF
the night, you 60 to pieces when
you hear he's been injured. Yet
you resent il, when object His
tone was bitter. AFTER all you're
only going to marry me-.
Noel faced him. Her own eyes
held fire. She was a figure OF fury.