The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-05

Molly came over 70 nlLn, nelu up her pretty mouth. He kissed her.
 Dearest Johnny, SO disturbed and grim. Love me little?"
 "A very great deal. my darling, but please, don't let anything hap pen to that brooch. It's very famous and valuable antique; the Metropolitan wants it for their jewelry collection, but the Reyn- oldses are sentimental about il" He was holding her to him, speak ing earnestly.
 Johnny, I've been so jealous of Jean Reynolds, but I guess you're telling me the truth. She is kind of sister to you, isn't shep"
 Johnny could hardly believe what she was saying. of course, darling. Just a kid sister, nothing else"
 Could we have another picnic tonight before rehearsal? I've missed you, Johnny, more than let myself believe"
 Johnny blood was singing i'll his veins. He said, "Yes, darling" And then he looked toward the door to see Jean Reynolds stand ing there, look of desperate resignation in her face. Before he could step away from Molly, Jean had masked that look with one of defiance.
 My turn to beg your pardons," she said, but Johnnys such a Casanova this summer, I never know when I might interrupt a little scene of this sort. l saw MT. Earl"
 Molly stopped smoothing her hair, and smiled at Jean sweetly.
 Tt doesn't matter. I'm sorry I was so rude. I'd just come from rehearsal and was pretty Jagged out. Of course, some of us can get the stuff back"
 Jean stared at her, incredulous- ly. MT. Earl didn't seem to think so. He blew up. He had quite lot to say about apprentices. Once play is over, no one seems to know who's responsible for last weeks props. That's why I was elected. And here I am, pals, in your hair again."
 But Jean didn't get in their way. Johnny did not see her again after Saturday. The play opened OH Monday and the Cape Cod papers raved about Mollys performance as Mrs. Lyons. Talent scouts appeared like mushrooms and asked thou sands of questions. Johnny knew with the sadness of realization ex- pected but unhoped for. that this summer would be a success, and that Molly would go car in the thea | ter.
 Molly told him of her dreams, confided in him each clew that indicated any Broadway job for October. There were more pie nics, but she kept the affair as light as the spray which stung their faces. She would kiss him, but when he mentioned their fu- ture, she would say:
 Lets enjoy the present, John ny. Isn't it enough that I'm loving you-Ike this?"
 It was almost enough, but Johnny wanted her forever until she was an old lady like Mrs. Lyons. seated by his fireside. He sighed and cursed ambition.
 Some day you may be sorry. How are you and The Wedge?"
 After the reviews confirmed it, he admitted I had talent. He still wants to buy the cameo. He knows it's not mine, but he still doesn't know to whom it belongs"
 Have you asked Jean about selling it to him?"
 Not to him. I told her I like old jewelry and wanted to buy it."
 That was far from the truth, Molly" he said angrily.
 "The lad has a fever" Molly touched his temple lightly. Don't worry, she isn't going to sell it to me, or anybody else"
 They climbed upon their bicycles I dklQ StdL CCu 1O1 AlOAAlC, JuoV ho oAASy had dozen other times. Johnny wondered sadly what would come of the summer. Would he spend every Tuesday night bringing her the afternoon papers while she sat in her dressing room cold-creaming her face? Would she smile into the mirror greasy smile which achieved loveliness because it was from her mouth? Would their hap piness be as brief, and end as all summer romances ended?
 Johnny" said Molly when they reached her porch, having pedaled home in almost silence, i've been thinking"
 You're too beautiful to think Johnny smiled. What's on your mind?"
 Make Jean sell me the cameo lY .,oy.,f o,,ay, AnIro tA houc