Evening star., 1940-03-04
HEARTS
- 070 ,w
.WllNn
NEWyhALER

feel that he was complete wash
out in other things as well.
She reached out and gently
turned his head and looked straight
into his eyes. "You mustn't fee
that way about it," she told him
softly. you've given up so much
to marry me, surely I should be
doing everything in my power tt
help you-the both of us. I've Just
been more lucky than you, that's all
Who knows, tomorrow, the next day
you may be lucky, too. But until
that, time comes, Eric, I want t<
work, want to do everything with
in my power to bring the date Of ouI
marriage closer"
A grateful smile appeared on his
lips and he lowered his head to kiss
her fingers. His voice was deep and
husky with emotion when he spoke
Thanks for saying that, Elaine. ]
suppose was merely feeling as
though was an absolute failure. II
isn't my fault, really. Today
found out that stock clerk in q
department store rates about two
degrees lower than worm. I'm
aching all over"
Elaine got to her feet feeling much
easier now that the tense moment
had passed. She smiled. Eric was
proving himself strong again; most
men would have created a scene
over the fact that a woman was
earning more than they.
Eric Offers Apology.
But there had been no reason for
scene as Eric had intelligently
seen. OF course, she would be draw
ing larger salary. But then, why
not? Certainly she had been work.
ing much longer than he. From
the time she was old enough to help
her mother dry dishes in the kitch-
en- she had learned to work and to
expect to work, and as a natural
consequence she had learned how to
take advantage of every opportun-
ity, how to forge ahead with every
new plan. Eric would be doing that
too, some day. But he had much to
learn; one couldn't expect him to
jump into a high-salaried position
simply because he had decided, after
% years Of easy, luxurious living, to
make his own way in the world. 1t
took time to get ahead in the busi-
ness world. But Eric would forge
ahead. Step by step, as he learned
more about the business way of
doing things, he would advance
until, some day-she smiled as a de-
licious thrill coursed through her
Some day Eric would be proud that
he had started at the very bottom
II hate to throw you out, Elaine,
Eric said, rising from the bed. But
the truth of the matter is would
like to take bath. It's been mighty
hot today and these clothes are
sticking to me. I must be a sight
Elaine nodded her head and
walked over to the door. Come on
down when you're finished" she
invited. I'm sure that Jane and
Melvyn will forgive you"
His face fell as though he had
just realized that he still had to pay
for the alteration he had begun
Elaine watched him with anxiou
eyes, hoping he would prove a good
sport about the whole thing.
"All right" he agreed with q
smile. And will you tell Jane that
I'm very sorry?"
Melvyn Laughs At Fight.
Elaine nodded her head as she
closed the door. She ran down the
steps again, but this time with none
OF the thoughts that had sped her
up the whole three flights. Jane
and Melvyn were seated on the
couch when she walked into the
living room and from their embar-
rassed looks she knew they had beer
discussing the whole matter.
Eric told me to tell you he was
sorry" she murmured, moving slowly
toward them. She glanced anx.
iusly at Melvyn. Il hope he didn't
hurt YOU
Melvyn laughed heartily as though
he found her sympathy amusing
THE only thing that fellow hurt
was his own nose"
Jane looked from one to the other
her eyes curtained by half-closee
eyelids. II suppose Melvyn shoule
apologize for hitting him. But If h.
does I'll never speak to him again
The quarrel was Eric's fault"
Her tone of voice annoyed Elaine
and she looked at her roommat,
with flashing eyes, tempted to tel
her the truth, on the verge of ex
planning that had Melvyn acted NOR
gentlemanly that very morning ther'
would be no feeling of animosit.
between them. But even as sh'
brought the words to her lips sh'
caught Melvyn's reckless grin ant
suddenly realized he would be onl.
too happy If she did precipitate an
other quarrel. She closed her lips
grimly determined to let him know
that the kiss meant absolutely moth
ing to her. And it didn't, either
She sat down on the couch witt
a sigh, suddenly conscious of bein
utterly exhausted. Before she kney
it she was telling them about he
radio addition and smiled whe1
Jane, after hearing the news, hesi
tantly asked If she might touch he
shoulder.
After ALL" Jane said, explainin
!,