The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-16

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 Sure" he said.
 Neither Ann nor Paul could have told single detail of the picture. For three hours they sat side by side, eyes on the silver screen, not speaking. Then they were again back on the rooming house steps. They stood silently until the two furtive-eyed young men who lived on the second floor passed inside.
 T don't like the look of these birds" Paul remarked, for some- thing better to say.
 T have the feeling they're up to no good" Ann agreed absently.
 "All sorts of people in the world" N
 "Yes."
 It was hard going. After a mo- ment, Ann said, "Will see you again2" rt
 "I'll try to make it. Pretty busy getting packed and everything"
 T suppose you are"
 well" He took step away from her.
 Ann bit her lip, hard. Best of luck, Paul."
 Thank you. And you, Ann things have got to break for you. You're the tops-youve got what it takes - the kind fates will catch up with you--I know they will" twill they?" she asked child ishly.
 They've got to-" He held out his hand. "Goodby, Ann"
 She put hers in it and quickly drew 1t away. "Goodby, Paul.
 Wearily she climbed the stairs. Paul had gone. He had not asked , her to write, he hadn't said she would hear from him. Paul had gone
 Friday and Saturday were unen- durable days. Clara announced Paul's departure from the store. It was all over.
 On Sunday Anns troubles were pushed aside by the newspaper head lines. Florabelle's friend, Clancy, had been murdered in an apartment hotel. Florabelle had been arrested for the crime. Clancy's widow was flying from Omaha.
 The girls gathered in the hall, looking with fearful eyes at the closed door of Florabele's apart- ment. Even Neddy and Teddy were serious. Clara cried, Ann felt sick. Mrs. Follet went through the second floor hall, muttering to herself that she'd always known Florabelle would come to the gall lows, that she kept a respectable house and she wouldn't put up with such goings on. Myrtle crouched in a corner, her eyes big and hunted.
 T know how it'll be-" she kept moaning. "Florabelle amt got chance. Folks like us don't get the breaks. They'll take her away
 The girls stood back, awed, as two policemen unlocked Florabelle's door and went inside.
 They're searching for evidence, Neddy whispered and Teddy gulped, Evidence"
 It was 6 strange day in the rooming house. Florabelle sent for clothes and Ann packed bag. She would never, forget that few minutes with F1orabelle in the city jail. Locked doors, barred win dows, guards-horrible. &
 T didn't do 1t, Ann," the girl said. She was no longer a girl. Her face was ravaged and old. But that's what I get for playing with fire. Keep away from men, kid-men like Clancy"
 Ann tried to encourage her. They'll find the right one soon, Florabelle. Keep hoping"
 T don't know wno did it." Florabelle said through tight lips. T was tight-we were all tight - somebody put the gun in my hand"
 Ann went away, so depressed that she could scarcely drag her. self up the Fl stairs. The next day passed with no good word but on Tuesday the load was lifted. Ann's prophecy had been well founded. Clancy,s murderer was apprehended and Florabelle came home. She was chastened wo- man. When Mrs. Follet asked her to leave. the respectable rooming house she hadn't a word to say. Three days later the girls heard that she had married the postman. Ann never saw her again.
 While all this was going on Ann had been thinking. Nothing was go- ing to come her way unless she forced 1t to do so. Her mind darted up and down blind alleys. There seemed to be no way out. At last l she came to conclusion. and talked the matter over with Clara.
 T can't go on like this forever she said. T absolutely refuse to make over hats all my life"
 Gee" Clara objected, you've got swell job. What if you had