The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-25
HOLMES
Steve Tries Reforming

refused to answer the telephone. The second day Steve came without calling. He found Ann in the gar- den.
 Hello, Ann," he said, twisting his hat like an embarrassed school boy.
 Hello, Steve" she answered, shipping roses industriouSly.
 Why have you refused to talk to me?"
 Tn plain words = I am dis gusted with you"
 T don't mean to offend you What did I. do, Ann?"
 You got drunk, hideously, rot- tenly drunk"
 "But everybody gets drunk"
 T don't" .e
 I've been sober as a judge ever since. Talk to me, won't youI"
 What about?"
 About us"
 Go ahead. I'm listening."
 q love you, Ann," he blurted out. T want you to marry me-"
 No, thanks" Roughly he took the roses from her arms. Tossing them to the ground, he led her to a canopied swing. Did you hear me say that love you?" he asked impress sively.
 "YeS."
 will you marry me?" "No."
 "Why?"
 Because I don't want to-"
 "Is is because I get drunk?"
 That's one of the reasons"
 He took her hand, pressing back the fingers one by one, looking at the pink palm. I'm a conceited pig" he said. T didn't think I'd ever beg a girl to marry me. I didn't think I'd have to-"
 Steve, listen" she said gently. You don't love me. You've had everything you wanted since the day you were born. Now, because I put up little resistance, you think you've got to have me"
 He shook his head gloomily You're wrong, Ann. I'd do any. thing in the world to make you love me-"
 You can't make another person love you. I can't even make my self. You either do or you don't" Ann well knew the truth of this statement ....
 "Ann-if I'd stop drinking"
 T won't be obligated to love you" she said. No, Steve, you go your way and I'll go mine"
 He still held her hand. Bending his head, he kissed the palm. "I'll go your way, Ann," he said 'seri- ously. "No matter where you go, I'll be tagging along - and I'll not be drunk"
 Steve was as good as his word. He devoted himself to Ann with a persistence and subtle knowledge of technique that finally brought re- suits. While she did not love him, she enjoyed being with him, appre- ciated his many thoughtful kind nesseS, came to depend on his de- votion. They drifted away from Irene's excitement-mad crowd and sought simpler pastimes. One hot afternoon they lay on the beach just below the Temple garden. A leafy elm shaded them from the torrid rays of the sun. They had been in and out of the water for an hour. A tray beside them held tall glasses of iced coffee and silver tray of sand wiches.
 Slipping the coffee, Ann said, T thought you were engaged to marry Irene when I first met her."
 T like Irene," he said. T think we would have been married if you hadn't come along. And we would have made a go of it. We're companionable, we understand the same kind of life"
 You don't understand me at all, do you, Steve?"
 I'm doing my best" He grinned at her over his glass. "When are you going to break down and marry me?"
 I don't know" she said, add- ing wistfully. T wanted to be madly in love with the man I married, 50 in love that nothing else mattered.'
 He put his hand over hers. I'n make you love me-" hes aid. It was typical remark and Ann saw his change of attitude, his saner way of living as 1t was, a phase, an adventurous gesture. He had not changed, not really. He was simply intrigued by her re- luctance and playing the game of pursuit as he played every other game, to the last ditch.
 He would go back to his cock tails and fantastic behavior when the chase was ended. His love was not tragic emotion. Only his pride would be hurt if she re- fused him.
 If she refused him. Why not marry Steve? Irene was going out