Evening star., 1940-04-07
CHAPTER Xxx.

CHAPTER Xxx.
Morning found Anna more cheer
ful but Calls heart was heavy as
she told her mother good-by. Some
one was going to be sacrificed and
she had a melancholy premonition
that it would be herself.
Her mother was old and had suf-
fered too much already. Chris
topher was young and so attractive
that he would have no difficulty
In finding some one else to love.
But as for Gail she told herself
she would never love any man
again.
So Unhappy.
She was so unhappy it was diff
ficult to greet her fellow employees
with her customary smile. Impos-
sible to meet Chris without such
pain in her heart that she knew it
must be reflected on her face.
He looked grave, too, but late
IN she afternoon came to her desk
TO ask in low voice, "Will you see
me tOnlgnt, CALI?
She shook her head.
when them" he insisted.
He shouldn't try to talk to her
IN the store like this, Gail thought
realizing that Hazel was listening
with relish to every word.
She answered impatiently, "Oh,
I don't know. Please, Chris"
I'm sorry" he said sensitive to
her change of mood. Never had
she loved him more than when
with frightened lips and shoulders
very straight he walked from the
Office.
Suspects Romance.
In vain Hazel, suspecting a ro-
nance, tried to gain her confidence.
Some people have all the luck"
Hazel sighed. IF a man like Chris
Reid ever looked at me like that
I'd never be treating him like that"
She added, But I never get a
break. It's always the old men who
fall for me. OF course I don't
suppose Chris would ever marry a
girl who works. His father wouldn't
stand for it,"
Gail remained unresponsve but
to herself she admitted that even
II Anna had consented to their
marriage his father wouldn't.
1t was useless from every angle.
No sooner would one barrier be
disposed of than another would
take its place. Well, she had dis
curaged Chris so much now that
she probably wouldn't have to ex-
plain it to him.
She thought she had wounded
his pride but that night as she
left the store he was waiting for
her. Her heart leaped with Joy
as she cought sight of his handsome
profile beneath the brim of his hat.
In spite of all intentions she cried,
Hello, Christ" with such obvious
delight that he took her hand and
held as they walked along the ice
covered street.
We're having dinner together.
Gail. Don't say you can't. You can
telephone your mother"
Couldn't Refuse.
She could not refuse although the
sound OF Anna's voice when she told
her ruined her happiness and sent
her back to him fully conscious of
what she had to do.
He was waiting for her so eagerly
49,. Oh this simply could not 60
on.
1t was breaking her heart. 1t must
be settled she thought yet even as
she did so her eyes overflowed with
love and pride.
She had no idea where they were
or what they were eating. Just to
be with Chris was enough. But
when dinner was over and they were
slipping black coffee from tiny cups
Chris forced the issue.
Darling, what is it? Why do you
look so sad?"
She tried to smile but tears were
shining in her eyes.
You haven't changed your mind
about loving me?" the man urged.
mo" she said earnestly. Ill
never do that But I realize more
than ever that we haven't anything
to hope for. I cannot marry you,
Chris"
He asked patiently, do you mind
telling me why?"
Many different reasons" she
evaded. my mother, your father" !"
Chris Il Surprised.
But, GAIL" he cried In surprise,
II don't think Father would object.
Even If he did I shouldn't let that
stop me. But he likes you. I heard
him say so just the other day. And
the fact that you work for him
won't make any difference. He
admires girls who support them
selves"
"It isn't that" she said, tempted
to tell him everything. "Oh. Chris
darling, I told you we could never
marry. Please don't argue about it. z"
"If any one had told me 1 would
pursue a girl as I have you, I would
have been certain they were crazy.
But this seems to be something I
can't fight. If you won't tell me
what it is, how can I do anything
about it?"
"You can't" she assured him.
"No one can. It's something that
can't be helped"
She sounded so positive that for
the first time Chris was convinced.