Evening star., 1940-07-08

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care If the whole world knows I
love you" The liquor in him was
just enough to make him throw all
care to the winds, to lift his voice
a bit too high. II love you, Jane.
Do you hear?"
II know, Jimmy" she whispered,
and there was love in her eyes for
him to see. But please-there's
nothing we can do now. We love
each other. but"
There can't be any butts my
darling!" Jimmy said hoarsely. 1--WE
must realize that there can't be
anything else for us besides our own
happiness. We can't let Susan or
anyone else keep us apart, Jane.
We can't, and we mustn't"
II know, Jimmy" Jane said, try
ing to calm him. In her own heart
there was an ache now that was
almost unbearable. Having Jimmy
talk like this, hearing him say the
same words, speak the same
thoughts that pounded through her
own brain every waking hour just
seemed to emphasize the painful
hopelessness Of it all.
Too Much to Drink.
I'm sorry, Jane" Jimmy was 60
ing on, that I've had too much to
drink, but 1t seemed like the only
way to escape from this hell I've
been going through since Susan
came back" He took James hand
In his and pressed it warmly, ten
derly. "Oh, Jane darling, If only
we hadn't ever had the chance to
tell each other of our love; If only
I didn't know you loved me, and
hadn't spoken of my love for YOU
1t would be easier somehow. dar-
ling. Then we could 60 on like we
did before, not knowing"
Its not so much different for
me, Jimmy" Jane said sadly, turn
ing her eyes up to him. MY heart
hurts the same way, because I've
just kind of known all along, way
in the back of my mind, that we
could never have each other"
Don't, Jane! Don't say that!"
Jimmy exclaimed. His eyes were
feverish as they looked at her
pleadingly. I'VE mustn't give up so
easily, darling. 1t will work out all
right-it will have to. Oh, my dar-
ling, can't lose hope now that I
know you love me-"
James eyes were wet as she
dropped her gaze to Jimmy's hand
clasping hers She moved her fin
gers and thrilled to the little pulse
of pressure as Jimmy gripped her
hand more firmly. That hand lying
on hers seemed to be symbol of
the devotion and protection Jimmy
would give her If they were married.
II they were married To
think that just a few days ago that
had been real possibility, a thing
they had actually planned for. And
now, as the result of a selfish whim
Of Susans, those dreams were shat
tered, two lives were ruined.
Only Hope Left.
"I1l always hope with you, Jim
N.Y." she said softly. Hope :.
that seems to be all there is left
for us now"
"Oh, so you are at it again!" said
a voice above them. Jane looked up
to find Susan glaring down at them
in passion of anger.
Shut up, susan!" hissed Jimmy
between closed teeth and caught at
his wife's arm to keep her from
advancing on Jane in her rage.
I'm going, Jimmy" said Jane
quietly.
Bill was at her elbow as she
turned. He put an arm about her
and pulled her possessively to his
side, unmindful of the jealous eyes
OF James Martin. His own eyes
were angry Sits and his voice cold
as icicles when he spoke
IF I were your husband, Mrs.
Martin, I'd forget I was a gentle
man."
You take lot on your shoulders
defending her." said Susan hotlv.
Don't let her angelic face deceive
you!'
Susan! Stop It'll" cried Jimmy,
white faced.
1T so happens" said Bill tersely,
that Jane is engaged to me-"
Quickly he whirled Jane away be-
fore she could see the startled look
in Jimmy's eyes or the sudden
pleased look that crossed Susan's
face. Every muscle in Bills body
was taut as a tightly drawn rope
and threatened destruction II his
self-control snapped.
Bill Gives Warning.
eff that woman ever crosses nv
path again, will smack her, so
help mel" His voice shook with
anger. He paused on the club lawn
and pulled Jane around to face him.
Jane, you are going to marry me
tonight" 1t was a statement of
determination and left no room for
argument.
"All right, Bill, if that is what
you want" she answered wearily.
But please get me away from here.
I never want to see these people
again" Much later, she added:
Susan will have the town believing
and my friends, too, that I deliber-
ately set out to get Jimmy from
her I didn't, Bill. 1t is true I have
always loved him. When she left
him to get divorce and Jimmy
turned to me for sympathy, I
couldn't help It,"
Nobody is going to blame you,
sweetheart" he assured her earnest
ly. You have done nothing wrong.
There are lots Of women like Susan
Martin in this world and there are
fellows like Martin who will 20
through fire and mental torture all
their lives just to keep up the ira
dition of being the perfect gentle
man. II he sued for the divorce, he
would feel like a rotter for the rest
OF his days and there would be no
happiness for him." His hand
pressed hers warmly and she gath
cred encouragement from the con-
o. =