The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-10-04

dows, sunny and nice for a baby. She'd see about it in the morning. Her heart sent out tiny tendrils of gladness, she could almost feel them unfolding. She had found e job worth doing, a job which no one could take from her. No more sniveling and crying out at fate. She'd do the job right, so that Dan would be proud of her.
 There was much to be done, she could not change her faulty self over night. She'd learn to be Dams wife, the mother of his baby. Someday, when she had learned, she'd go to him and he would be proud. Maybe his love was not dead. Maybe, if she built up instead of tearing down, he might love her again.
 She went to sleep serenely. Upon waking, the first thing she saw was Janie's battered doll and she smiled. She went to the office with a lightness to her step, a softness in her eyes. It was well that she had spent Thanksgiving day with the Sands, it was well that she was fortified. For MT. Fellows asked her to come to his desk.
 Marian" he said kindly, You've gone to pieces, d'you know it?'
 She looked at him, smiling faintly. Gone to pieces? She had found her. self.
 You've got those charts in fine shape. They are usable and valu- able. Now I'm suggesting that you take rest, say SIX months on pay"
 It was the thing she had dreaded, but her smile did not change. She raised her head.
 Before you finish, G. F., want to tell you something and ask favor"
 "All right - shoot" He had a relieved expression, as if he had been prepared for anything.
 T have gone to pieces in the last few months and I want to give you the reasons, three of them. I think you'll admit that I've had cause"
 "Yes?"
 "In the first place it hasn't been pleasant to see Sally Blake fitting herself into my shoes. It hasn't been pleasant to lose your confi- dence and regard"
 He started to speak and she raised her hand in a silencing gesture, gesture which asked him to hear out.
 T have it coming to me and I can take it, she went on quietly. You and I did the same thing to Angie Doran years ago. Do you remember?"
 "Yes. It's the way of the world, Marian"
 "The mans world" she cor rected him. "Women do not be- long in this world. Nature has made a better place for them, in the home, keeping their husbands happy, rearing children to be good citizens. A woman can't be sup- planted in that job."
 You're right, Marian"
 T know, and you know, that if I accept this leave of absence, I'll never come back to the office. Sally Blake knows it, too" She spoke without rancor.
 He dropped his eyes. "I'm sorry, my dear. The business world is 8 jungle-surviva of the fittest."
 There are two other reasons why I have cracked up," she con- tinued, taking a long breath. This was the first time she had put the other two reasons into words. My husband has left me, c. F."
 Dan left you?' Fellows voice was comforting. T didn't know I'm so sorry, Marian"
 And I am going to have baby Tears filled her eyes. She blinked, trying to smile. Her mouth was as it had been when she first came to work for MT. Fellows. tremulous and sweet.
 Jumping from his chair, he leaned over her. T can't believe it. don't know what to say - you poor girl"
 "Oh, no not poor - I've never been so rich in my life. I've spent years trying to stamp out every natural instinct. I'm through stamping out I'm free to be happy, to fight for happiness in- stead of success. I can't fail this time. It's written in the stars that I shall win because I am woman and because I am going to have baby" Her burst of eloquence ended on hushed, thrilled note.
 Gently, he put an arm around her shoulders and she leaned her head against him.
 And the favor, Marian?" he asked huskily. Ask me anything anything"
 T want to stay as your secre- tary utnil the first of February Then I'll go and I'll never come back. I'll never want to come back"
 T want you to say" he said. We'll make it our best time to- gether - we'll work side by side again."