Evening star., 1940-06-04

appeared. He shouldered through
the cluster of reporters and pas
sengers about the big plane-Scott
always seemed to shoulder his way
through. He was like that, dynamic.
He was an inch over six feet, hand
somely proportioned, a fine figure
in any crowd. He was .grinning.
Excuse me boys, but I've got
to get to my girl
Your girl, Scott?"
Lanning Is Recognized.
The newsmen recognized him, of
course. Scott Lanning, noteworthy
scion of the banking family Lam
nings. He laughed; he had a grand
laugh, deep and hearty. It made
Joan's pulse race. Then he was
before her, kissing her unexpect-
edly before every one. He always
did the unexpected thing. He
slipped his arm about her.
There are two men in Joan's
life he said. Jim Charters and
Scott Lanning There's no engage
ment yet. but I'm working on it."
He had a world of charm. 1t
registered with the reporters. They
began shooting questions at him;
about what he thought of the war,
of the administration. He an
sWered like a diplomat, adroitly
leading Joan away from them. The
reporters turned away then to the
passenger senator - they had
been sent to interview, and Joan
let Scott hurry her to his car.
He sobered somewhat when they
had driven away from the airport.
ITS good to see you again, Joan,"
he said. Its been a long time"
Its been three months" she re-
piled. And it's good to see you
again, Scott. I've been thinking a
lot about you-lately."
And I've been thinking lot
about you. You scared me out of
10 years growth last week when
you crashed your plane"
1T wasn't so bad. All I got were
some bruises"
Scott is Disturbed.
Scott frowned He was most
handsome, she thought, when he
frowned. He said, Il don't like
your going up alone"
You forget the Charters luck"
she told him. And besides, you
fly"
Yes, I fly. But I have none of
the Charters recklessness.
Her heart warmed to him. She
reached out and touched his arm
did you really worry, Scott?"
More than you can ever know"
he said. Then: Whats on the pro-
gram? Do you have all your plans
made?"
No. :. I thought you'd like to
help me make them"
He gave her a quick grin, then
watched the heavy Manhattan traf-
f1c again. He said, Lets plan a
shopping trip, Joan. For wedding
ring"
For wedding ring, Scott? Are
you really-serious?"
why shouldn't I be? Is it so
stranger"
She looked at him with a faint
but pleased smile. His profile was
rather grim, and she knew that he
was in earnest. This, she thought,
Is real Charter luck.
II never thought you were the
marrying kind"
"Oh, don't remind me of my rot
ten reputation with women. That's
all in the past"
Now you'll be telling me that
you've led monastic life during
the past three months"
I've been thinking only of you,"
he said.
Joan is Gay.
Joan laughed; it was a very gay
laugh. She could afford to laugh,
for the world had suddenly opened
up and offered itself to her.
What I like about you, Scott"
she said, "is that you are such an
honest liar. You don't expect any
one to believe you when you lie"
He laughed with her, then said,
"Still I've proposed to you"
She sobered, and said, "Why?"
"Great heavens. Joan! Do you
have to have logical reason for
something as illogical as a pro-
posal?'
"I'll tell you then, Scott. You
want me to marry you because I'm
the first thing in your pampered
young life that you could never
have for the asking"